Nature Exhibits

Blazing Star Nature Preserve is found in Boca Raton Florida and comprises dunes from the ancient Atlantic Coastal Ridge. The site is named after the blazing star plant blooming in purple throughout the fall and late
summer. The site was established from funding from the 2000 Florida Communities Trust Preservation Program, allowing local residents and tourists to access the site. Two loop trails are available for visitors to

The Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek is the last remnant of what used to be a Cypress Creek flood-way and Hammock. The 247.1-acrewilderness land is full of diverse plant communities all influenced by different soil types, differences in elevation and bedrock exposure as well as human activities. In 1979, the land was purchased by Broward County from the Palm Aire Development Corporation, as a new center aimed at preserving the unique botanical features of the site.

The Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Center  in Miami is the ideal family location for nature enthusiasts. This is a lovely, 30 acre park that encompasses all the natural beauty and wildlife of South Florida. This park is a three habitat park that has natural pinelands, a tropical hardwood hammock and drained Everglades slough.

The Hammock Preserve & Nature Center was named in honor of James S. Castellow who was a farmer that claimed the 160 acres of property and made his homestead in early 1900.  He was one of south Florida’s earliest citrus farmers. He carried citrus trees from the town of Cutler. Hugh Matheson, Jr. who had purchased the property in the 1950s for land trade but then the trade never happened. In 1962, Park included the tropical hardwood forest, which was a paradise for tree botanists and snail collectors.

If you are looking for a beautiful and lush green park full of amazing attractions for you and the family, then the A.D. Barnes Park is exactly where you need to be.  This 65-acres oasis is located in one of the busiest areas in the Miami Dade County in Florida. It provides recreation and fun activities for residents and tourists seeking more natural attractions and a place to relax. 

The Fruit and Spice Park is a botanical garden in Redland, an agricultural community in Miami-Dade County. The main attraction here are the numerous varieties of tropical fruits grown right on site.  Enjoy learning about the 150 kinds of mangoes, 75 types of bananas, and over 40 types of grapes as well as a plethora of less familiar fruits (like Mangosteen and Dragon Fruit). The park primarily consists of varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and nuts.

If you are in South Florida and looking for something to do to get away from the hustle and bustle of a normal busy day, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary should be your destination of choice. A 26 acre wetlands park, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary lives up to its name, allowing you to walk in a tranquil paradise. There are 1,500 feet of raised walkways that carry you through the park, bringing you right into the heart of the wildlife habitat. There is also a trail that goes around the wetlands, complete with benches to sit on.

Calm and beautiful Pinecrest Gardens in Miami Florida is a delight of tropical plants, cypress and hardwoods in an atmosphere of caves, sinkholes, streams and other native Florida features. Thousands of exotic plants make the garden and landscape a stunning place to spend the day. There are always activities for the whole family to enjoy. Pack a picnic, find the perfect place and enjoy the scenery. Take the kids on a nature walk, and let them explore. With all the open space they will be able to get all of their energy out.

Frenchman's Forest Natural Area in Palm Beach Gardens is a 172 acres park which allows the visitor to explore seven native Florida ecosystems.  Nature trails include a bike trail, natural surfaces, an accessible trail with observation deck and a raised 500 foot boardwalk trail through the cypress swampland.  The area is managed by the county with help from the City of Palm Beach Gardens and is part of the Northeast Everglades Natural Area.

Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach is a wonderful natural oasis in an urban area.  The park and nature center were brought about through the efforts of local citizens wishing to preserve their "Secret Woods" from development.  With the help of the Nature Conservancy and Broward County in the 1970s, the first nature center in the county was opened and the almost 57 acres of land were saved.