Size: 34.27 acres

Habitat: Formerly known as the Jungle, the Highlands Scrub Natural Area consists of approximately 34.27 acres and is located in unincorporated Broward County east of and adjacent to North Dixie Highway just north of East Sample Road. Highlands Scrub is considered one of the Broward’s last substantial remaining sand pine scrub communities. This rare type of community, unique to Florida, is one of the most imperiled in the state, and only two percent of such habitat remains in Broward County.

Vegetation: The “scrub” is home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals. The site is characterized by loose white sand with a canopy of sand pine and scrub oak and a subcanopy of saw palmetto, small scrub oaks, gopher apple, and prickly pear cactus. Other groundcovers found in more open areas include jester lichen, scrub mint, deer moss, rosemary, pawpaw, and staggerbush.

Wildlife: Among the site’s wildlife are the five-lined skink, six-lined racerunner, gopher tortoise (a protected species), gray fox, northern cardinal, and migratory bird species.

Amenities: Site amenities include an 1,800-foot nature trail, a shelter, seating areas, interpretive areas, a covered information kiosk, picnic tables, and interpretive signage.

A Little History: The original site, purchased by the county through the 1989 Environmentally Sensitive Lands Bond issue acquisition program, was later supplemented with additional acreage obtained through the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Referendum. The site was placed on the Urban Wilderness Advisory Board’s inventory in 1996 as a candidate for Urban Wilderness Area designation. It will also serve as a trailhead for the proposed Dixie Greenway Trail.

Aerial image of Highlands Scrub Natural Area

The natural area is accessible from Broward County Transit Route #50.

Highlands Scrub Natural Area
4050 N. Dixie Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Phone: 954-357-8700
Fax: 954-357-8703
E-mail: ParksMarketing@broward.org