Gopher Tortoises + Prescribed Fire = Increased Biodiversity

Brooker Creek Preserve is home to one of Pinellas County’s largest populations of gopher tortoises, a threatened, burrowing species which occurs in upland habitats. Learn about the significant ecological role played by this keystone species. Find out how habitat restoration, including the use of prescribed fire, can greatly benefit plant and animal communities.

This PowerPoint program is recommended for adults and children 7+

Additional Notes: It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the preserve entrance (Keystone Rd.) to the parking lot, and there is a 2-5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Education Center buildings. This program meets in the Auditorium or “Butterfly Room”.

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This program is sponsored by the Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve.

Speaker Bio: George L. Heinrich is a field biologist and environmental educator specializing in Florida reptiles. His company, Heinrich Ecological Services (www.heinrichecologicalservices.com), is based in St. Petersburg, Florida and conducts wildlife surveys and research, natural history programming, and nature-based tours. George is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust (www.ftct.org).