Overview: Fern Forest Nature Center just looks prehistoric, with its swamps, woods and, of course, its ferns. More than 30 species of them, in fact. At 247.1 acres, Fern Forest is massive, considering its setting in a fairly densely developed area — it is a Designated Urban Wilderness Area. And to tell the truth, in our multiple visits, we've barely scratched the surface of what this place has to offer.
History: The 247 acres that now make up Fern Forest Nature Center were the last remaining remnant of what had become known as the Cypress Creek Hammock, or Cypress Creek floodway. In 1979, scientists from Florida Atlantic University and Broward Community College trekked through the land and found some 200 plant species on site and one of the last, diverse collection of plant communities in Broward County. That same year, the county bought the land from the Palm Aire Development Corp. The nature center opened to the public in 1985.
What You'll See: Most evident at Fern Forest Nature Center is the rich plant life in various communities, from wet to dry. Air plants, lilies, leather ferns, strap ferns, swamp ferns, royal ferns, bracken ferns, red maples, wild lime, cocoplum, bays, cabbage palms, figs, pines and cypress trees that appear to be hundreds of years old. While much of Fern Forest is wet, there is a dry prairie within its confines. Animals we've spotted there include turtles, armadillos, squirrel, butterflies, birds and grasshoppers.
Amenities: There are four separate trails, some of which are boardwalk, some natural surface, including one that can be mucky, even in the dry season (there is a shoe-cleaning station). Portions of the natural surface trails are easy walks; rock formations and tree roots make others more challenging. There is an exhibition hall, multi-purpose room, assembly areas, picnic benches and a shelter.
Nearby: Fern Forest sits in a densely developed part of Broward County, so there is a dearth of preserves in its immediate area. Tradewinds Park is about a 10-minute drive to the north.
Links: The Great Florida Birding Trail's take on Fern Forest. The Institute for Regional Conservation's plant inventory for Fern Forest Nature Center.
Of Note: Fern Forest, operated by Broward County, is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is no admission fee.
Cover Photo: Swamp lily, arguably the loveliest wildflower in Fern Forest. Second photo: the boardwalk, with pigeon plum sprawling across.
History: The 247 acres that now make up Fern Forest Nature Center were the last remaining remnant of what had become known as the Cypress Creek Hammock, or Cypress Creek floodway. In 1979, scientists from Florida Atlantic University and Broward Community College trekked through the land and found some 200 plant species on site and one of the last, diverse collection of plant communities in Broward County. That same year, the county bought the land from the Palm Aire Development Corp. The nature center opened to the public in 1985.
What You'll See: Most evident at Fern Forest Nature Center is the rich plant life in various communities, from wet to dry. Air plants, lilies, leather ferns, strap ferns, swamp ferns, royal ferns, bracken ferns, red maples, wild lime, cocoplum, bays, cabbage palms, figs, pines and cypress trees that appear to be hundreds of years old. While much of Fern Forest is wet, there is a dry prairie within its confines. Animals we've spotted there include turtles, armadillos, squirrel, butterflies, birds and grasshoppers.
Amenities: There are four separate trails, some of which are boardwalk, some natural surface, including one that can be mucky, even in the dry season (there is a shoe-cleaning station). Portions of the natural surface trails are easy walks; rock formations and tree roots make others more challenging. There is an exhibition hall, multi-purpose room, assembly areas, picnic benches and a shelter.
Nearby: Fern Forest sits in a densely developed part of Broward County, so there is a dearth of preserves in its immediate area. Tradewinds Park is about a 10-minute drive to the north.
Links: The Great Florida Birding Trail's take on Fern Forest. The Institute for Regional Conservation's plant inventory for Fern Forest Nature Center.
Of Note: Fern Forest, operated by Broward County, is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is no admission fee.
Cover Photo: Swamp lily, arguably the loveliest wildflower in Fern Forest. Second photo: the boardwalk, with pigeon plum sprawling across.
