Brooker, Weedon Summer Camp Registration Begins In April

Two one-week summer camp programs are planned at Brooker Creek Preserve and Weedon Island Preserve that will serve students living throughout Pinellas County. Camp registration will kick off in April.

A new summer camp, Wildlife Ecology Camp, will explore diverse habitats and the importance of conservation. Campers will prowl the preserves to practice their newly developed detective skills. The other camp is the wildly popular Herpetology Camp. Through up-close encounters, campers learn about a variety of animals, such as gopher tortoises, frogs, lizards and snakes.

For all camps, students should be entering second to sixth grade in August 2009 and be between 7 and 11 years old. The fee is $125 a camper for the week. Space is limited.

Registration for programs at Weedon Island Preserve will start Wednesday, April 1. To register, call 727-453-6500. The preserve is at 1800 Weedon Drive N.E., St. Petersburg.

Weedon Island Preserve camps will include:

• Wildlife Ecology Camp – Monday through Friday, July 13 through 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Herpetology Camp – Monday through Friday, July 20 through 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration for programs at Brooker Creek Preserve will begin Monday, April 13. To register, call 727-453-6800. The preserve is located at 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs.

• Wildlife Ecology Camp – Monday through Friday, July 27 through 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Herpetology Camp – Monday through Friday, Aug. 3 through 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

George Heinrich, a professional herpetologist, field biologist and environmental educator, will lead all of the summer camp programs.

Weedon Island Preserve and Brooker Creek Preserve are managed by Pinellas County's Environmental Lands Division. For more information about the division, call 727-453-6900 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/environment.