Brooker Creek

Date - 11/12/15

Temperature - 82 F

Humidity - 65%

Wind - 0-5 mph

Weather - Clear skies

        At approximately 8,700 acres, Brooker Creek Preserve is the largest conservation area in Pinellas County, where the management of its natural resources and including the protection of its potable water supply is of the highest priority. The preserve was established in the early 1990s with almost 2,800 additional acres acquired since that time. It is owned by Pinellas County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, but is managed by Parks and Conservation Resources.

        The actual creek runs all throughout the preserve, especially in the areas of lower elevation. Much of the surrounding area is made up of a moderately thick forested wetland.

        About a mile further down the trail, where the elevation has risen a bit, pines and low lying shrubs dominate a forested grassland.

        Much of the vegetation present on the preserve actually requires occasional fire to maintain environmental homeostasis, however due to the infringement of residential areas nearby, controlled burns are not conducted nearly as frequently as they should.

         We were able to observe quite a few animals including deer, an armadillo, plenty of mosquitos, a blue jay, and this beautiful woodpecker.

        Near the end of the trail i spotted these vibrant purple wildflowers, i tried to identify them with our field book as well as with some internet searches but unfortunately was unable to determine the name of this species.