Brooker Creek is approximately 8,700 acres in size, It is the largest remaining wilderness area in Pinellas County. The Preserve provides refuge for native flora and fauna and consists of a wide variety of habitats, soil types, and landscapes. Surrounded by urban development, the Preserve is an important natural resource and serves to protect the primary stream that feeds Lake Tarpon. The hiking trails are a quiet place to stroll and offer a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty that Florida has to offer.
The Environmental Education Center has exhibits that tell you a little more about the preserve. The center offers educational programs, hikes, special events and workshops as well.
This Multi geocache will take you on a walk through a section of the preserve. At each stage you will need to answer a question that will eventually give you the final coordinates to the physical container. All stages are along the trails. The loop trail from the parking area is about 1 mile and should take you less than an hour to complete.
Beware you are in a forested area and there are critters out here. Please respect there environment.
Trail Rules:.
- Hike on marked trails only
- All plants and animals are protected.
- No bikes or motorized vehicles.
- No smoking or alcohol.
- No standing on boardwalk railings.
- No pets or relocation of animals.
Note: Recently an Audio Tour has been added to the trails. You need a smart phone and a QR Code reader. Each stop on the tour, tells you about this area. (The Audio Tour isn't a part of this multi cache).
The Final can be found at: N 28° 08.CAB W 082° 39.DEF
Stage 1: Islands of Survival
As you arrive at the posted coordinates, you will see three information panels. At the third one on your right, look in the lower right corner. There are two words that describe what the picture is. Subtract the first word letters from the second word letters. This answer = A.
Stage 2: All Things Great And Small, Our Watershed Connects Us All. (N 28° 07.889 W 082° 39.444)
As you approach this location, you will see a small sculpture. How many frogs do you see on the sculpture? Take this number and subtract 2. This answer = B.
Stage 3: Environmental Education Center (N 28° 07.906 W 082° 39.517)
Below the two plaques on the outside wall of the education center is a bench dedicated to someone. Take the letters in their last name and subtract one. This answer = C
Stage 4: At the Cross Trails (N 28° 07.739 W 082° 39.365)
On one side of the post is three directional signs. The top sign has two words. Subtract the letters in the 2nd word from the letters in the 1st word. This answer =E.
Stage 5: Experience Wild Florida (N 28° 07.862 W 082° 39.370)
On this sign there is a paragraph that reads "Our Preserve --- --- --- for many native plants and...." Add the 3rd, 4th, 5th letters of these three words together. This answer = F.
Stage 6: Good Watershed Choices (N 28° 07.865 W 082° 39.371)
Here you will find some information about this preserve and different species you may see on your visit. One species is called by it's scientific name of Coccinellidac. It's better known by it's common name of "Lady ? and larva". Count the letters in the missing word. The answer = D
I hope you enjoy your visit to this beautiful Preserve. Please take sometime to enjoy it's beauty and if the Environmental Education Center is open on the day of your visit, take a little time to browse whats inside.
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.