Broward County Parks and Recreation Division has 21 designated natural areas, with some already open to the public and others at various stages of development. These natural areas are important for the indigenous flora and fauna they preserve, including rare and endangered species.
Volunteers are likewise important for the preservation of these historic plant and animal communities. On a regular basis, the Division turns to volunteers to help restore and protect our natural areas by, for instance, helping remove invasive plants that threaten to overrun native habitats.
Our volunteers not only contribute to this effort, they also learn about Broward County’s ecosystems in the process, with the natural areas serving as informal laboratories. For high school students who volunteer, the hours they contribute count toward the service hours required for graduation.
Preregistration is required by e-mailing lbriggs@broward.org, and participants must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants to participate in these natural area workdays. Long sleeves, hats, and sunscreen are also recommended. Gloves, eye protection, and drinking water are provided. All participants must also fill out a workday volunteer application prior to taking part in a workday. Under 18 must have a parent/guardian’s signature on the form, and a parent/guardian must accompany any volunteer under age 13.
No Natural Area Workdays are scheduled at this time.