If you enjoy nature walks, Secret Woods in Dania is a delightful park that’s easily accessible for South Florida residents.
Entry & parking are free.
Embark on nature walks on your own. Free guided nature walks usually are offered first full weekends, phone for verification. Night hikes are offered occasionally, and require a fee & registration.
Events include
Julie Morris offered insider information. Julie is a parks naturalist at Secret Woods.
Q: What are some of the outstanding features of your park ?
A: “Our butterfly habitat on Pollinator Pathway attracts a wide variety of south Florida native butterflies… Raccoons, Gray Squirrels and an occasional Gray Fox make an appearance on our trails,” Julie says. “Marlberry blooming throughout October gives a very floral scent through the forest…Population of Fiddler and blue land crabs that very few expect to see so far from the ocean. White ibis stalk through the high tidal waters using their unique beaks to forage fish, snails and other aquatic foods.”
Q: Where’s your favorite place in the park?
Photos/Broward Parks & Recreation
A: “My favorite place is on Laurel Oak Trail, it’s where I feel like I have left society and the world behind when I step onto the woodchipped surface. I can feel the gentle press of the woods along me as I walk with the presence of Shiny Leaf Wild Coffee, fragrant Marlberry, Sabal Palm, the ancient Laurel Oak and towering Cypress trees, the fruit of cocoplum and pond apple lay along the trail to draw out the racoons and crabs which in turn draw out the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. Butterflies occasionally flitter onto the flowering plants along the trail and you can always hear an undertone of skittering as the fiddler crabs anticipate your approach.”
Q: Are there any distinctive trees, flowers or other interesting natural elements?
A: “One reason the area was preserved was because of the very large Laurel Oaks, one of which is highlighted on the Laurel Oak Trail. We also have native Red Maple trees that give the Fall color with bright red leaves in the Fall. Our observation deck on the New River offers the opportunity to glimpse manatees and several varieties of native fish as well as Ospreys seeking sushi dinner. Mangrove trees show off their ‘walking root system’ and demonstrate how they are able to trap floating debris — marine plastic, tons of coconuts, and discarded trash floating along the river — for us to remove more easily.”
Q: Any recommendations for people walking through the park?
A: “Camera or phone for photos and videos, binoculars to identify birds in the canopy and through the brush, everyday clothing for a hike works best unless there is rain or King tides then be prepared to slog through a few puddles or underwater walkways. The groundskeeper has maintained a few areas under Strangler Figs for unique photo opportunities and we offer every shade of green you could ever want in your background. Bringing snacks is fine but there are no picnic areas available and no sharing with the wildlife, trash receptacles are at trailheads and near park facilities only. There are none along the trail, please pack out your trash. ”
Photo/Broward Parks & Recreation
What types of wildlife reside in your park
- migratory and non-migratory birds, including nightjar, black and Turkey vulture, white ibis, ovenbird, catbird, many common songbirds, screech owl
- butterflies and moths, including Atala, Julia, Zebra Longwing, pink-striped Oakworm moth, Ello sphinx moth
- reptiles including Iguana, Green Anole, Yellow Rat snake, Red Rat snake, Black Racer, Eastern Slender Glass Lizard, Brown Basilisk, Curlytail Lizards, Knight Anole
- Raccoons, Grey Squirrels, Gray Fox, Manatee, Marsh Rabbit, & Opossums
Information
- Secret Woods Nature Center, 2701 W. State Road 84, Dania Beach 33312
- 954-357-8886, website
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