Photo courtesy Visit Lauderdale/Anthony J Rayburn
We have the best weather in the country — so why not enjoy the outdoors and discover one of South Florida’s gems?
Head for Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale, which offers interpretive ranger-guided walks on Fridays and Saturdays. The programs at the park, described as “an urban oasis nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway,” range from animal presentations to walks through mangroves.
The live animal presentation, held Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m., introduces visitors to the park’s “residents” including the highly threatened Eastern Indigo Snake and — on occasion — native turtle species. “Rangers will explain the intrinsic value of these wonderful creatures, describe their preferred habits, behaviors, habitats and allow for direct interaction with guests,” notes the venue’s website.
Photo courtesy Visit Lauderdale/Anthony J Rayburn
The 90-minute mangrove habitat walk, held the first Friday of each month at 10:30 a.m., takes participants on a 1.5-mile journey past the Gopher Tortoise habitat into the extensive mangrove habitat. The return trip includes a path along the Intracoastal.
Those who join the 2-mile, guided Mid Trail walk, held the second Friday of each month at 10:30 a.m., will discover native
and non-native plants while learning about the importance of balanced ecosystems.
Other tours, including the Coastal Dune/Residual Slough and Historical Homes Lake Walk, are also available.
For more information, call 954-564-4521 or visit floridastateparks.org/hughtaylorbirch.
Photo courtesy Visit Lauderdale/Anthony J Rayburn