The free fun and learning continues in 2007 at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center in Tarpon Springs. Nature lovers can learn about everything from organic products to global climate changes. Those passionate about the local environment can participate in an education series called Brooker Basics. Call the Education Center at (727) 453-6800 for more information or to register.
The fun begins with general interest events . . .
Going Organic at the Cypress Swamp Café presentation and discussion Wednesday, Jan., 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., adults can explore ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle. The evening begins with a social hour including refreshments and shade-grown coffee, followed by a presentation. The growing popularity of organic products and the benefits of organic growing are the topics. Registration is required by calling (727) 453-6800.
Trail Sign Celebration & Mystery Trail Hike Saturday, Jan. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m., everyone is welcome to join in the festivities surrounding new interpretive trail signs. These new trail signs will be used to discover Pinellas County's wildest place. Hikers who solve the mystery trail clues earn a chance for a fun prize. Bandanas will be given to hikers while supplies last. No registration is required.
Speakers & artist exhibit welcome in New Year . . .
Losing It All To Sprawl: How Progress Ate My Cracker Landscape presentation Saturday, Jan. 6 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., adults can learn from Bill Belleville, author and documentary filmmaker, Florida Humanities Council Road Scholars Program. Balancing use with conservation is an uphill battle in Florida. Belleville shares his personal story of the battle for his rural landscape and offers hope that can be found in the rediscovery and appreciation of the natural landscape. Registration is appreciated by calling (727) 453-6800.
Global Climate Change and How it May Affect Us! Presentation Sunday, Jan. 21, from 2 to 3:15 p.m., adults can talk with Dr. Rene O. Ramseier - retired physicist, formerly with Environment Canada. Join Ramseier to learn more about the science of global climate change and what the warming trend may mean. Ramseier believes the Earth is getting warmer, and that global climate change is a natural cycle that has taken place for the last 800,000 years. But data collected from permanent glaciers show that the cycle is speeding up. Ramseier's presentation draws on decades of research that he conducted in the polar regions. Registration is required by calling (727) 453-6800.
Meet the Artist - Natural Florida: Scenes in Plein Air event Sunday, Jan. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m., Brenda Hofreiter, an artist from Orlando, will talk about her exhibit that will run through February 25. Hofreiter is a fourth-generation Floridian with a diverse artistic background. She has a passion for "plein air" landscape painting in oil. "Plein air" is French and roughly translates into "open air" which describes painting that is done on location as opposed to inside a studio. Hofreiter considers nature itself to be her most profound teacher.
Got questions about landscaping? Here's help . . .
Lawn and Garden Help Desk Thursday, Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a Pinellas County Extension horticulture agent will help identify plants in the garden and offer advice about growing native ones. Stop by the Center's Resource Center to ask questions about landscaping and gardening, diagnose a plant problem, identify insects and even drop off a soil test sample
Basics of Growing Citrus in Your Landscape workshop Thursday, Jan. 11 from 10 to 11 a.m., adults can talk with Cindy Peacock from Pinellas County Extension. Since Florida's warm climate is ideal for growing oranges, grapefruit and other citrus, Peacock will share secrets about successfully growing citrus trees in the landscape. Registration is appreciated by calling (727) 453-6800.
Brooker Basics - Become a Natural Pro . . .
Brooker Basics - Wetland Ecosystems, workshop and excursion, adults can learn about the Preserve's wetland ecosystems including freshwater, marshes and cypress swamps during a two-part program. The first segment is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. where adults can receive an overview presentation on the wetland ecosystems. On Saturday, Jan. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m., participants will take a field excursion to venture in the wilds of the Preserve. Using a variety of techniques, participants will examine the diversity of life in the Preserve's wetlands, and discover what makes each one distinctive. Registration required by calling (727) 453-6800.
Brooker Creek Preserve is located at 3940 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs.