Find Your Gateway to the Everglades
Better Homes and Gardens
Parks After Dark
Science Project
How Does Your (Butterfly) Garden Grow?
Find Fulfillment – Volunteer at a Broward County Park
Fun For the Little Ones
YouTube Spotlight – Horseback Riding at Tradewinds Park
Follow Us – On Twitter
Nature To Go
Your Opinion Counts!
Nature Centers of the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division
Special Attractions
Mission Statement
Broward County Board of County Commissioners
Find Your Gateway to the Everglades
It was a surprisingly breezy, mild (for South Florida) summer morning when four members of the Parks Public Communications Group set out to experience an airboat excursion at Everglades Holiday Park, at the far western end of Griffin Road, just off U.S. 27 in Water Conservation Area 3. The 29.1-acre park, owned by Broward County since 1964, had recently reverted to county management, having long been leased by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and operated by a private concessionaire. We thought it made sense to see firsthand what we are now promoting to the public.
We weren’t disappointed. For the next hour or so, we looked and listened as our veteran captain and guide, Rick Reda, shared his own lifelong experiences of the Everglades as well as an informative and entertaining commentary on the flora and fauna surrounding us. The airboat – covered on top but open on the sides – glided swiftly and more or less smoothly across the water-lily pads and through the tall, reedy grasses, including the razor-sharp sawgrass the Everglades is known for. Once you’re out there, it’s easy to understand why author and environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas called it the “River of Grass” in her 1947 book of that title.
Rick pointed out the striking red-winged blackbird that startled us when it took flight just as we were embarking on our tour. He called our attention to a trio of buzzards perched on an island dense with vegetation. He enticed the brightly colored marsh birds known as purple gallinules to come right up to him and let him feed them. And he talked in great detail about the alligators that seemed to appear from nowhere as if on cue. As with the gallinules, he had his own affectionate nicknames for them, such as “the Gatekeeper.”
The time flew as we drank in the sights and sounds of the Everglades, the only ecosystem of its kind on the planet. All too soon, we were climbing off the airboat back at the dock, having had a sample of South Florida as it once was, long before development gobbled up all of eastern Broward County. It’s an experience we highly recommend. Call 954-434-8111 to find out more about airboat tours at Everglades Holiday Park or to make reservations. – Michael Mills
Better Homes and Gardens
This month Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach continues its Summer Home Landscape Series 2012 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. This annual series of free lectures – a total of eight this year – is designed for average homeowners who are interested in adding to the beauty of their homes through landscaping. Participants will learn ways to save money on their cooling and water bills, attract wildlife, and preserve native vegetation; they’ll improve the appearance of their yards and neighborhoods as well as increase property values.
The topics for the August lectures are as follows: “Lazy Landscaping,” presented by Broward County Park Aides Nina De la Rosa and Claire Kurlychek, and “Why Natives?”, presented by Park Naturalist Molly Taylor (both on August 2); “The Role of Biological Control in Invasive Plant Management,” presented by Elizabeth Mattison of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (August 9); “Designing a NatureScape for Wildlife,” presented by NatureScape Broward Outreach Coordinator Diana Guidry (August 16); “Composting,” presented by Broward County Horticultural Technician Sandy Granson (August 23); and “Fascinating Fungi,” presented by Broward County Park Aide Scott Bryan (August 30).
All classes are held in the nature center’s air-conditioned Julia Hall. For more information, call Secret Woods at 954-357-8884. The nature center is accessible via Broward County Transit Route #6.
Parks After Dark
End one month and start another with three evening hikes – in three totally different environments. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31, Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach will host a Night Hike, for all ages. That same night, from 8 to 9 p.m., Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center in Davie will hold a Once-in-a-Blue-Moon Hike, for all ages. Each hike is $5/person.
Then, on Saturday, September 1, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Hollywood North Beach Park in Hollywood will offer a Night Hike by the Seashore, also for all ages, and also at $5/person.
For the Secret Woods program, call the nature center, which is accessible via Broward County Transit Route #6, at 954-357-8884. For Long Key, call 954-357-8797. And for Hollywood North Beach, accessible via Routes #4 and #12, call the nearby Anne Kolb Nature Center at 954-357-5161.
Science Project
A love of science doesn’t equal geekdom, as your kids will learn if you sign them up for Science Eye Safari Camp at Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center in Davie. Each day is a new adventure at this day camp for ages 7 to 12, which covers astronomy, geology, marine biology, paleontology, physics, wildlife conservation, and more. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the week of August 6-10. The fee is $250 per child per week, with after-care from 4 to 5 p.m. available for an additional fee.
For more information, call 954-680-7977, e-mail camp@scienceeye.com, or visit www.scienceeye.com.
How Does Your (Butterfly) Garden Grow?
Learn how to “grow” butterflies when Butterfly World at Tradewinds Park South in Coconut Creek offers a Butterfly Gardening Workshop, starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 11. Participants will learn how to increase the number and variety of butterflies in their yards by growing the right kinds of plants to attract both caterpillars and adult butterflies.
Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach will offer a similar program from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 26. The Butterfly World program, which includes a photo guide, is free with paid admission into the world-famous attraction. The fee for the Secret Woods program is $10/person.
For more information, call Butterfly World (accessible via Broward County Transit Route #34) at 954-977-4400 or Secret Woods (accessible via Route #6) at 954-357-8884.
Find Fulfillment – Volunteer at a Broward County Park
The great humanitarian Albert Schweitzer once said: “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” At Broward County Parks, we encourage service through volunteerism by way of our VIP Program, which stands for Volunteers Improving Parks.
The VIP Program offers short-term and long-term opportunities for individuals, families, students, and groups both large and small to share their time and talents with the community. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the park system, and we can work with you to schedule dates and times that are convenient for you. No experience is required – we will provide the necessary training and assistance to accompany any opportunity you choose, along with any special equipment needed.
The first step is to find a project that’s in line with your talents and interests and the amount of time you’re willing to commit. Our Website’s volunteer section includes links to lists that provide more information on our current volunteer opportunities. Potential volunteers may download the volunteer application (PDF) and bring the completed forms to the park where you would like to volunteer. If you prefer, you may pick up an application at the park. Those who are volunteering for a special event or a workday should download and fill out the Workday Volunteer application (PDF) prior to your arrival at the park. For volunteers under 18, parental signatures are required. You should also bring a photo I.D. to the park when you sign up to volunteer.
For additional information, visit our Website at www.broward.org or contact the Parks and Recreation Division’s Volunteer Coordinator at 954-357-8153.
Fun For the Little Ones
It’s no secret that Nature Tots has been teaching tykes to appreciate the great outdoors for years. The program was the brainchild of a park naturalist in 2003.
The one-hour programs, for ages 2 to 4 accompanied by an adult, focus on a different theme each month, with each site’s naturalist free to embellish on it according to his/her style. A typical program might start with stories, songs, or arts and crafts and end with a short nature walk.
The theme for August is “Water,” with a program on August 9 at Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek and on August 23 at Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach.
Programs run from 10 to 11 a.m. The fee is $5 per child, and preregistration is required. Programs are on the second Thursday at Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek and the fourth Thursday at Secret Woods.
For more information on program or to preregister, call Fern Forest at 954-357-5198 or Secret Woods at 954-357-8884. Fern Forest is accessible via Broward County Transit Routes #31 and #42. Secret Woods is accessible via Route #6.
YouTube Spotlight – Horseback Riding at Tradewinds Park
Broward County Parks now has its own YouTube Channel at www.YouTube.com/BrowardCountyParks. What better way to experience the lush natural surrounding found in South Florida than while horseback riding at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek? Watch our video and travel the trails in the park and see what could be waiting for you next time you visit.
Follow Us – On Twitter
Broward County Parks in now on Twitter! Follow us at @BrowardParks and keep up to date with important information, events, programs, and other happenings. Twitter accounts have also been created for five of our parks including Secret Woods Nature Center (@SecretWoodsNC) in Dania Beach. Visit the Broward County Government Stay Connected Webpage to follow your favorite park.
Nature To Go
You can now take a little bit of Broward County nature home with you – thanks to a series of nature posters produced and sold by Broward County Parks. The six posters, all photographed in the county’s parks, nature centers, and natural areas, feature American white waterlilies, burrowing owls, a gray fox, live oak trees, a prairie iris, and a queen butterfly. The posters look great either framed or unframed, and they’re a distinctive way to bring a taste of nature into your home or office. They also make excellent gifts.
The offices at seven facilities have the posters available for purchase: the Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park in Hollywood, Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek, Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center in Davie, Markham Park in Sunrise, Plantation Heritage Park in Plantation, Tree Tops Park in Davie, and T.Y. Park in Hollywood.
The high-quality posters, which measure 18 inches by 24 inches, retail for $10, including Florida sales tax. You can also purchase posters by mail from Broward County Parks and Recreation, 950 N.W. 38th St., Oakland Park, FL 33309. Mail-order posters are $15 (includes Florida sales tax, shipping, and handling), with checks/money orders payable to Broward County Parks and Recreation. For more information, e-mail ParksMarketing@broward.org.
Your Opinion Counts!
We’d like to know what you think about our programs and facilities. Please take a moment to tell us how we’re doing by filling out this survey.
Nature Centers of the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division
For more nature activities, please go to www.broward.org/parks/calendar.
Special Attractions
Airboat Rides (Everglades Holiday Park) – Batting Cages (AllGolf at C.B. Smith Park) – Butterfly World (Tradewinds Park) – Cable Water-Skiing (Ski Rixen USA at Quiet Waters Park) – Campgrounds (C.B. Smith Park, Easterlin Park, Markham Park, Quiet Waters Park, T.Y. Park) – Dog Park (Barkham at Markham Park) – Educational Farm (Tradewinds Park) – Exhibit Halls (Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park, Fern Forest Nature Center, Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center, Secret Woods Nature Center) – Golf Facilities (AllGolf at C.B. Smith Park) – Softball/Baseball Fields (Brian Piccolo Park, Sunview Park, Tradewinds Park) – Observatory (Markham Park) – Riding Stables (Tradewinds Park, Tree Tops Park) – Skate Parks/Tracks (Brian Piccolo Park, Quiet Waters Park) – Target Range (Markham Park) – Tennis Centers (Brian Piccolo Park, C.B. Smith Park) – Velodrome (Brian Piccolo Park) – Water Playgrounds/ Waterslides/Swimming (C.B. Smith Park, Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium,Quiet Waters Park, T.Y. Park)
Mission Statement
The Parks and Recreation Division is dedicated to providing a countywide park system with diverse facilities and recreation opportunities, along with natural area conservation and research-based educational outreach, to enhance the well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors.
Founded in February 1956 and accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, Broward County Parks and Recreation Division manages nearly 6,500 acres, encompassing 18 regional parks and nature centers, six neighborhood parks, and 21 natural areas at various stages of development. Facilities include water parks, campgrounds, a target range, a stadium, skate parks, an observatory, mountain bike trails, an educational farm with stables, and a velodrome and other sports facilities. Hours and fees vary by location. For more information, visit www.broward.org/parks.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in County programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2844 at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation.
Broward County Board of County Commissioners
Sue Gunzburger
Dale V.C. Holness
Kristin Jacobs
Chip LaMarca
Ilene Lieberman
Stacy Ritter
John E. Rodstrom Jr.
Barbara Sharief
Lois Wexler
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Parks and Recreation is a service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.