Overview: Tivoli Sand Pine Preserve is one of a handful of small, scrubby preserves that dot northeastern Broward County. They are precious bits of land, because only about 2 percent of the coastal scrub that once existed in Broward County remains in a natural state. Protecting these lands protects the plants and animals who live there, many of which are either listed as threatened or endangerd, including some that are only found in scrub.
Sand pines are one of the hallmark trees of coastal scrubs. Many of Tivoli's sand pines were killed off during the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, but alive or dead, standing or fallen, they provide vital habitat for myriad animals up and down the food chain. We found the preserve remarkably full of life, in part supported by these trees.
Tivoli Sand Pine Preserve is only about 21 acres just off I-95 and Southwest 10th Street. It is owned and maintained by Deerfield Beach. It is narrow, running east-west, on the north side of Southwest 10th. During our first visits to Tivoli, we found the preserve in need of a little TLC; the concrete paths cracked and blocked in places by fallen trees. During a follow-up visit, we found Tivoli closed. We don't know its current state since access to the preserve apparently is restricted to guided tours.
History: The property was deeded to Deerfield Beach by the developer of the nearby Tivoli Park apartment complex.
What You'll See: Tivoli Sand Pine Preserve is a place full of life. We found gopher tortoise, American redstart, cardinals, mockingbirds, red-shouldered hawks, mourning doves, palm warblers, blue jays and grackles, Halloween pennant dragonflies, fiery skipper butterflies, dainty sulphurs, gulf fritillaries and various blue butterflies. There is hog plum and cocoplum, blue mistflower, staggerbush, coontie (most likely planted) and at least two kinds of pricklypear. There is no official website. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk.
Amenities: There is a large parking lot; a wheelchair accessible trail splits into two wings, each going to the ends of the property, looping around for the return trip. Sort of dumbbell shaped. We're guessing that walking the trail is about a mile, out and back. There is no drinking water or restrooms.
Nearby: Military Trail Natural Area is about five minutes away, as are Highlands Scrub and Crystal Lake Sand Pine Preserve natural areas. Deerfield Highlands Nature Preserve is a few blocks south, yet another small tract of coastal scrub. Also nearby: Deerfield Island Park, though it might be closed.
Of Note: Normal hours are dawn to dusk every day of the year. However, access to the preserve appears to be restricted to city-led guided tours.
Cover Photo: A gopher tortoise forages for a meal. Tivoli Sand Pine Preserve is a refuge for these ancient animals. Gopher tortoises are state-listed as endangered.
Sand pines are one of the hallmark trees of coastal scrubs. Many of Tivoli's sand pines were killed off during the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, but alive or dead, standing or fallen, they provide vital habitat for myriad animals up and down the food chain. We found the preserve remarkably full of life, in part supported by these trees.
Tivoli Sand Pine Preserve is only about 21 acres just off I-95 and Southwest 10th Street. It is owned and maintained by Deerfield Beach. It is narrow, running east-west, on the north side of Southwest 10th. During our first visits to Tivoli, we found the preserve in need of a little TLC; the concrete paths cracked and blocked in places by fallen trees. During a follow-up visit, we found Tivoli closed. We don't know its current state since access to the preserve apparently is restricted to guided tours.
History: The property was deeded to Deerfield Beach by the developer of the nearby Tivoli Park apartment complex.
What You'll See: Tivoli Sand Pine Preserve is a place full of life. We found gopher tortoise, American redstart, cardinals, mockingbirds, red-shouldered hawks, mourning doves, palm warblers, blue jays and grackles, Halloween pennant dragonflies, fiery skipper butterflies, dainty sulphurs, gulf fritillaries and various blue butterflies. There is hog plum and cocoplum, blue mistflower, staggerbush, coontie (most likely planted) and at least two kinds of pricklypear. There is no official website. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk.
Amenities: There is a large parking lot; a wheelchair accessible trail splits into two wings, each going to the ends of the property, looping around for the return trip. Sort of dumbbell shaped. We're guessing that walking the trail is about a mile, out and back. There is no drinking water or restrooms.
Nearby: Military Trail Natural Area is about five minutes away, as are Highlands Scrub and Crystal Lake Sand Pine Preserve natural areas. Deerfield Highlands Nature Preserve is a few blocks south, yet another small tract of coastal scrub. Also nearby: Deerfield Island Park, though it might be closed.
Of Note: Normal hours are dawn to dusk every day of the year. However, access to the preserve appears to be restricted to city-led guided tours.
Cover Photo: A gopher tortoise forages for a meal. Tivoli Sand Pine Preserve is a refuge for these ancient animals. Gopher tortoises are state-listed as endangered.
