Brooker Creek Preserve by Martha Rhine

Brooker Creek Preserve is located in North Pinellas and is the largest natural area in the county at 8700 acres in size. Our class explored the forested wetlands as an example of flowing swamps and the pinewood areas.
The wetlands are bordered by tall Cypress trees which are deciduous and drop their leaves in the wintertime. The Cypress are thin towards the top but become large at the base, and they are known for their "knees", pneumatophores, which help to carry oxygen to the tree since it's roots are underwater.

The high pine flatwoods at Brooker Creek Preserve are open areas with tall pine trees and fields of saw palmetto. This area is better for birds to spot their prey, gopher tortoises and worms burrow in the sandy ground. This area needs prescribed fire to remain healthy. The pine trees have a defense mechanism at every stage, like the saw palmetto, its new growth is protected by the outer leaves which shield it from the fast moving fires.