Teacher and School Field Trip Planning Information

Secret Woods Nature Center

2701 W. State Rd. 84, Dania Beach
954-791-1030

Secret Woods Nature Center, an educational and passive public recreation area acquired with the assistance of the Nature Conservancy, was Broward's first interpretive nature center. The 56 acres of Secret Woods, a Designated Urban Wilderness Area, encompasses three vegetative communities: cypress-maple wetland, laurel oak hammock, and pond apple-mangrove wetland. The site is influenced by the New River, and offers an overlook of the South Fork along the New River Trail. A 2,000-square-foot interpretive center offers hands-on activities, live animals, and computer kiosk learning. Guided nature walks and nature/environmentally oriented special events are scheduled regularly. Special tours and programs are available or can be created for specific ages and groups. A volunteer program, including training for new volunteers, is available for individuals interested in conducting nature walks.

Program Descriptions

*Programs marked with asterisks meet specific curriculum objectives for the grades indicated.

*GO TAKE A HIKE (PreK-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 water 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 view the Monarch Interpretive Center.

• One hour.
• Maximum 60 students.

*WONDERS OF WILDLIFE (PreK-Third Grades)

This program is an introduction to the animal kingdom, 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, followed by an opportunity to explore the New River trail and visit to the Monarch Interpretive Center.

• One hour.
• Maximum 60 students.

BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE (PreK-Third Grades)

Join our staff to discover the life cycle of the butterfly, make your own butterfly, and take it for a walk along the trail. After spending some time on the Laurel Oak Trail, your group will return to view the Monarch Interpretive Center. You will also visit one of our butterfly gardens and see the actual lifecycle of real butterflies up close and in person.

• One hour.
• Maximum 60 students.

*GREEN AND GROWING (Kindergarten-First Grades)

Take a hike and identify the many types of plants living at Secret Woods Nature Center. As we learn about the jobs of the various parts of the plants, we will also explore the ways in which plants were used by the Indians and early pioneers. Finally, we will discover the relationships between the animals and plants found at the nature center.

• Two hours.
• Maximum 60 students.

*HABITAT HUNT (Third Grade)

Learn about the unique habitats of Secret Woods Nature Center – laurel oak hammocks and brackish water wetlands. Explore the interrelationships between the oaks, pond apples, mangroves, and the animals that inhabit the park. Discover the adaptations that allow survival in these varied environments.

• Two hours.
• Maximum 60 students.

*FOREST ECOSYSTEMS (Fourth-Fifth Grades)

Explore the interrelationships of the plants and animals in the forest ecosystem. Discover the role the environment plays in determining plant and animal communities. Compare the forests of Secret Woods Nature Center with the rainforests of South America and learn more about our role in saving this habitat for future generations.

• Two hours.
• Maximum 60 students.

*FLORIDA: OUR SUNSHINE STATE (Fourth Grade)

Enrich your State of Florida lessons with a visit to see our state tree on an informative trail walk through an oak hammock and brackish wetland. See a video on Florida's endangered species and learn why they are in peril. This program will help students learn about the uniqueness of our great state.

• Two hours.
• 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. After exotic removal, students will experience habitat restoration by replanting the area with native species.

• Three hours.
• Free, with completion of 1.5-hour work project.
• Maximum 60 students.

Seek the Unique

SECRET WOODS NATURE THEATER (PreK-Second Grades)

Students will have the opportunity to learn about various nature-related subjects through a series of puppet shows designed to educate preschool to second-grade children. Topics include: the lifecycle of a butterfly; the formation and protection of coral reefs; the lifecycle and feeding habits of spiders; and the effects of wind, insects, etc. New topics are being added continually. Students will also see topic-related exhibits and may have demonstrations as well as hands-on activities. Some topics include a guided trail walk.

• One hour.
• Maximum 60 students.

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