Savor the outdoors in South Florida with a delightful nature walk. Fern Forest is a lush oasis in north Broward for enjoying the outdoors.
Entry and parking are free.
Fern Forest
The park is a 244-acre wilderness preserve with walking trails for savoring the sights, scents and sounds of nature. Highlights include over 30 species of ferns, elevated boardwalk and resident wildlife. Insider information is provided by Fern Forest Park Naturalist Ashley Grace.
Your boardwalk excursion winds along forest and swampy wetlands habitats with ferns, air plants, orchids, turtles and mosquito fish.
Photos/Broward Parks
Park Naturalist Ashley Grace says, “A couple of my favorite spots in the park are in the heart of the swamp along our Cypress Creek Boardwalk especially after it rains and the frogs are singing, and walking along the Prairie Perimeter Road in the afternoon when the gopher tortoises are out and about.”
Events
- Guided nature walks @ Fern Forest, usually 1 p.m. Sundays, phone for verification the date you’re interested in, reservations recommended, free entry, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek 33063, 954-357-5198
- Wetlands Walk with naturalist guide, 10 a.m. November 17, wet & muddy feet likely, $3 per person, Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek 33063, reservations required, register at park or 954-357-5198
- Maple Walk Trail, 10 a.m. November 20, wet feet likely, $3 fee, reservations required, Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek 33063, 954-357-5198
Wildlife
- gopher tortoises
- raccoons
- coyotes
- marsh rabbits
- great horned owls
- migratory birds “The hottest months for birding here tend to be October and April,” Grace says
Natural habitats
- tropical hardwood hammock
- pine/palm/oak hammock
- dry prairie
- maple/cypress swamp
Rules
- no bikes
- no pets
Information
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- free entry, free parking
- Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek 33063
- 954-357-5198
- website
Guided Hikes
Nature walks @ Fern Forest, usually 1 p.m. Sundays, phone for verification, reservations recommended, free entry, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek 33063, 954-357-5198
Recommendations from Park Naturalist Ashley Grace
“I would say dress comfortable with a good pair of sneakers just in case you plan on venturing out on the foot trails. It is also always a good plan to carry a reusable water bottle, sun screen, hat, and bug spray if you’re going to be enjoying the great outdoors for an extended amount of time, and always remember to leave nature better than you found it.”
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