August 25 29, 2025
Registration closes at Noon on August 20, 2025
(Course Code: FR25-03)
Brooker Creek Preserve & Environmental Education Center: Auditoriumr
3940 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
• Please allow an additional 20 minutes to drive through the preserve, walk to the room, and sign in.
Drive slowly to avoid striking and killing wildlife.
Lead and Point of Contact: Jeanne Murphy, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Environmental Educator
Organization: Sensing Nature, LLC
Phone: 727-397-2306
Email: jmurphy@sensingnature.com
Website: www.sensingnature.com
Lead: Brian Lane, Senior Ecologist, Environmental Educator, Sensing Nature, LLC
Associate: Russell Martin, Environmental Compliance Supervisor, Professional Wetland Scientist, Southwest Florida Water Management District
General Information (See Course Guidelines for Additional Information)
• Classroom Sessions are at Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs
• Schedule Does Not Include Your Travel Time Before or After Class
• Transportation & Lunches Not Included
• Expect no restrooms at field sites
• Field sites are regional (Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties) with limited parking; students need to carpool when possible
• Field Locations, Activities, and Times May Change, Although This Isn’t Expected
• Bring Your Sack Lunch Daily – Not Enough Time to Purchase Food Off-site
• Field Requirements: Wear Closed-toe Shoes
• Suggestions: Bring Drinking Water in Non-Disposable Container, Spare Clothes & Shoes, Insect Repellent, Sun Block
• Your Instructors Will Provide Additional Information, Including Maps and Directions to Field Trip Locations Via Email Approximately 3 Days Before Class Starts.
Open the PDF below to view the full agenda for this course.
Attendance Policy:
Classroom Presentations: “Classroom” means we are in at the the Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs. It might be very warm outside while the inside classroom temperature may be the opposite—please, dress accordingly.
Bring Course Material to Class Each Day:
Field Trip Locations & Times may change due to unforeseen circumstances. It is the student’s responsibility to verify field information. Transportation and lunches are not included.
Course Time Schedule does not include travel time, except between AM & PM classes.
Student Carpooling is suggested and is up to students to arrange.
On Your Own Homework Assignments are course activities that you complete on your own time prior to the next classroom or in-person field trip date. During the next classroom session, students will verbally share this information with the other students.
• Nothing is due on the first day.Flexible Schedule:
• The schedule times listed are as close as possible, but we need you to be flexible.
• We probably will not get out early; however, we may run late due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Course time schedule does not include your travel time (except between AM & PM classes).
Food & Drinks!
• Absolutely no “Styrofoam” containers; violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day.
• Food and drinks may be allowed in the classroom as long as you clean up after yourself – beverage rings, crumbs, etc.
Cell Phones are fine to use outside class. Please don’t allow them to ring during classroom sessions or on field trips. Talk on the gadgets during break time, lunchtime, before and after class. Violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day.
NOTE: Please refrain from wearing perfumes or body lotions with fragrance in the classroom. Other students may be sensitive to these odors making them nauseous, giving them a headache, or even causing physical symptoms like a rash, and there isn’t any escape from these smells.
Field Items:
• Bringing Water is Required May through September (and is recommended during the other months); bring water in refillable, non-single use containers.
• Optional Items: Snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.
Field Recommendations:
• Don’t wear perfume/cologne or use perfumed soap/body lotion before going out in the field. This may attract more unwanted buzzing invertebrates known as mosquitoes, midges (no see ‘ems), and bees.
• There are insects (including mosquitoes), spiders, and snakes outdoors. Hopefully, we will see many of these beautiful creatures. Always watch where you are putting your hands and feet. Use your brain before your body.
Suggested Field Clothes:
• Be aware that we will be going off-trail meaning you should wear clothes that will protect you from plant scratches and you will be experiencing a variety of environments. For your comfort, always bring a complete spare change of clothes, shoes, socks, and a towel. We will likely be getting our feet/legs wet during the field trips.
• Wear: Cool, breathable clothing, long sleeves and pants (important for protecting you from the sun, any thorns/biting plants), hiking shoes or appropriate closed-toe footwear, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Required: Wear closed-toe shoes. The field trails are not always level or easy to travel.
• Temperatures may vary during our field trips—please, dress accordingly. Wear breathable pants, & long sleeves.
Please Note: Recommend using a tablet, laptop, or PC with Chrome and/or Firefox installed when viewing and registering.
Have any questions? Please read through our Frequently Asked Questions page.