Ranger Led Walks/Tours
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is proud to offer the following Interpretive Ranger Led Walks/Tours each Friday and Saturday of the month. Please see the walks and programs explanations and their regularly-scheduled rotations. Park entry fees apply $2 per pedestrian, $4 single person in a vehicle, $6 two or more persons in a vehicle. Guided walks are Free. Donations are appreciated and will be given directly to the Friends of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a 501c3 Citizen’s Support Organization.
FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
Mangrove Habitat Walk | 10:30am
This 1.5 mile walk will commence at the Ranger Station (front entrance) of the park and guide guests past the famous Gopher Tortoise habitat, through Pavilion 1 & 2 area and into the park’s extensive mangrove habitat. Guests will receive a historical overview of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and an introduction to Mangrove habitats as well as the primary species of plants and animals that populate the area. The walk will conclude along the Intracoastal waterway and wrap back around toward the park’s main entrance. The walk will take approximately 1.5 hours. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for the outdoors. Please bring water and any other protective gear dependent upon the season.
SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
Mid-Trail Walk | 10:30am
This 2 mile walk will commence at the Ranger Station (front entrance) of the park and guide guests past the famous Gopher Tortoise habitat. The trail walk will commence approximately half a mile up the main loop drive along what used to be called the “Exotic Trail.” Here, Mr. Birch had planted an assortment of exotic plants including Mango, Citrus, Almond and more. The Mid Trail now features an assortment of Native and non-Native plants. Guests will receive a broad historical overview of the park and hear about the importance of balanced ecosystems in South Florida. A large bee hive is featured along this trail for everyone’s education. Please be advised. The walk will eventually emerge at the north end of the park where guests can take a leisurely walk back to the south end.
This tour is also available as an Audio Tour, if you are interested, please visit The Mid-Trail Audio Tour Page
THIRD FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
Coastal Dune/Residual Slough and Historical Homes Lake Walk | 10:30am
This 1 mile walk will commence at the Ranger Station (front entrance) of the park and guide guests past the famous Gopher Tortoise habitat. The walk will take guests past one of the park’s unique fresh-water ecosystems, the Coastal Dune Lake, and give guests explanations about the formation and evolution of Barrier Island systems. The walk will also incorporate a broad historical overview of the Terramar Estate (Mr. Birch’s home, exterior only) and the Caretaker’s Home, which were commissioned by Mr. Birch in 1940. The walk will continue outside of the Beach Gate entrance and touch on the Endangered Beach habitat that outlines the park’s eastern boundary, touch on protected plant and animal species such as sea oats and sea turtles.
FOURTH FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
Beach Hammock Trail & Sensitive Habitats Walk | 10:30am
This 1 mile walk will commence at the Ranger Station and take guests into one of the last residual Tropical Hardwood Hammock (Maritime Forest) habitats in Broward County. Guests will be explained the unique features that constitute our sub-tropical wooded areas as well as our small, residual Coastal Dune Lake systems. Guests will be given an introduction to the primary plant and animal species that populate these areas. A general overview of the original inhabitants to this part of Florida will be offered as well as historical relations between the first settlers. In addition, guests will be shown the highly endangered Beach Jacquemontia sensitive habitat area and be given an explanation of preservation efforts that are underway.
FIFTH FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
Beach/Dune Habitat & Coastal Walk | 10:30am
This near-1 mile walk will commence at the Beach entrance to the Park. Guests will be lead around the beach entrance and into sensitive habitat areas, with the Ranger demonstrating the residual dune plants still residing on the property opposite A1A. Guests will be lead through the underpass tunnel or across the cross walk to the beach. Here guests will be explained the unique features, flora, and fauna, that constitute the primary dune on the beach. The tour will leisurely browse the coastline, discussing tidal influences on barrier islands, coastlines, and will explore the vast variety of species populating the areas between land and sea.