Secret Woods Nature Center offers a wide variety of programs. We have a program for preschool children called Nature Tots designed specifically for children ages 2 to 4. We have many programs tailored to all of the scouting advancement programs. We also offer guided nature walks that are geared to the needs of any age group.
Music lovers, we have a free gathering that may interest you. Whether you play an acoustic instrument or just like to listen, you'll enjoy Jamming in the Park.
We also offer excellent field trip opportunities, from pre-kindergarten to college-level environmental programs.
If it's exercise you're looking for, we have yoga classes as well as some beautiful and serene walking areas.
For those who would like to volunteer or need service hours for school, we have an EcoAction workday every month.
Become a Secret Woods Volunteer!
No meetings! No dues! Are you between the ages of 12 and 100? Then we need you! Learn about photography, painting, recycling, plants, and nature as you volunteer to help with our special events. Staying in shape is easy at Secret Woods. Hike our trails and pick up litter, plant native trees, remove exotics, or maintain our geocaches and letterboxes. Feeling crafty? Design and create signs, decorations, and themed games for our upcoming programs. Need service hours? We'll customize a program tailored to your interests and schedule. To volunteer, contact the park's naturalist at 954-357-8884, ext. 3.
Come visit Secret Woods Nature Center - we have something for everyone.
Nature Tots
Our award-winning Nature Tots program takes place every fourth Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. It is a nature-themed program aimed at 2-to-4-year-old children. Secret Woods' Nature Tots program was honored by South Florida Parenting Magazine with a Kids Crown award for being "the best outdoor enrichment program for little ones." Nature Tots usually begins with outside storytime and culminates with a hands-on activity or a short nature walk. Every month there is a different theme, so there is always something new for the children. The cost for this program is $5 per child; accompanying parents are free. Preregistration is required. To register your child, call Secret Woods at 954-357-8884.
Scouting
We offer a wide variety of scout advancement programs.
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| Cub Scouts: |
Wolf and Bear badge requirements. Bear Soil and Water Conservation.
Webelos Forester, Naturalist, Scientist, and Artist. |
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| Boy Scouts: |
Archaeology, Art, Forestry, Indian Lore, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Orienteering, Soil and Water Conservation, Weather, and Wilderness Survival. |
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| Girl Scouts |
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| Brownies: |
Animals, Earth and Sky, Eco-Explorer. |
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| Juniors: |
Drawing and Painting, Plants and Animals, Eco-Action, Ecology, Wildlife. |
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| Cadets: |
Wildlife. |
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| Seniors: |
Wildlife. |
Badge workshops are held throughout the year; registration is required and can be made by calling the park office.
Unit leaders may call and schedule a badge program just for their unit. There is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 scouts for all programs. The cost for badge programs is $3 per hour for each scout participating. There is no charge for adults. Most badge programs are two hours long. For additional information, call the nature center at 954-357-8884 and ask to speak to a park naturalist.
Guided Nature Walks
Guided nature walks are offered every every Sunday. Groups of 10 or more can make reservations for a specific date. A park naturalist will walk you along the nature trail and point out the various plants and trees as well as any wildlife. Our park naturalists are trained professionals and will provide in-depth details about Florida's flora and fauna. As you walk along the trail they will also give you a glimpse into the history of the area and how Secret Woods came to be. The cost for a guided nature walk is $3/person. The walks last about an hour. For reservations, call the nature center at 954-357-8884.
Yoga
Yoga classes are Mondays and Thursdays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. by appointment and every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Instructor Lynette Culp holds several yoga certifications, including one from the Yoga Alliance, and has more than 30 years of experience. Her body/mind/spirit yoga class includes breathing, meditation, visualization, and chakra work. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in education and speaks Spanish.
Participants should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and bring a mat or thick blanket to class. Preregistration is not necessary. First-timers should arrive early. All levels are welcome. Participants must be 16 years of age or older.
Call 954-357-8884 to register for Monday or Thursday classes. Registration is not necessary for the Saturday class.
Fees: $10 per class or $90 for 10 classes. Please bring exact change or pay by check.
Jamming in the Park
Bring your favorite acoustic instrument for an impromptu music jam the fourth Sunday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. Join local musicians as they play all afternoon in the air-conditioned Julia Hall. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, you're sure to have a good time. If you like listening to acoustic music but you don't play an instrument, come join us anyway. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the melodic sounds in the beautiful surroundings. You must be 16 or older to play. This program is free to all.
Group Programs
Go Take a Hike (Pre-K-12th Grades)
A naturalist will lead your group on an exploration of the plant communities found along, and influenced by, the New River. Our trip begins in the hammock forest, where majestic laurel oak trees tower overhead. Traveling to the flood plain, your group will experience the brackish wetland dominated by pond apple and mangrove trees. After spending some time at the observation deck overlooking the South Fork of the New River, your group will return to the center to visit the Monarch Interpretive Center.
• One hour.
• Maximum 60 students.
Wonderful Reptiles
This program is an introduction to reptiles, focusing on the needs of wildlife and animal adaptations. Your students will be introduced to the critters of Secret Woods Nature Center through a hands-on presentation and craft, followed by an opportunity to explore the New River Trail and visit the Monarch Interpretive Center.
• One hour.
• Maximum 60 students.
Butterflies Are Free (Pre-K-Third Grades)
Join our staff to discover the life cycle of the butterfly and even make your own craft butterfly. After spending some time on Butterfly Island, your group will return to visit the Monarch Interpretive Center. You will also visit one of our butterfly gardens and see the actual life cycle of real butterflies up close and in person.
• One hour.
• Maximum 60 students.
Nature's Stewards (Middle-High School)
This program offers students the opportunity to learn how and why some exotic plants have become a problem in South Florida. Students will get the opportunity for hands-on land management by learning to identify and remove exotic species.
• Three hours.
• Maximum 60 students.
Any of the group programs can be arranged in advance by contacting the park at 954-357-8884.