Helene Klein Pineland Preserve
4701 West Hillsboro Blvd.,
Coconut Creek

 

At approximately 13 acres, the Helene Klein Pineland Preserve in Coconut Creek is one of the smallest sites in the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division's natural-areas system but also one of the most diverse.

Up to 55 species of wildlife have been observed in the preserve, including giant swallowtail butterflies, Florida brown snakes, spotted skunks, blue-gray gnatcatchers, and pileated woodpeckers.

While the site boasts an abundance of its namesake slash pines, it also includes a combination of cypress swamp and two small marl prairies.  Scattered throughout the open canopy of the flatwoods community are tall slash pines intermixed with a thick understory of saw palmetto, as well as outcroppings of surface limestone.

Site amenities include seating areas, a covered information kiosk, a covered picnic table, interpretive signage, a covered overlook, and 2,250 feet of nature trails, including a boardwalk.

The property, previously designated as Site 19, was acquired in 2002 through the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond program and a Florida Communities Trust grant, at a total cost of $3.4 million.

The site, which is surrounded by development -- including a self-storage facility, a church, and shopping centers -- was itself saved from development when Broward County purchased the land.

On October 18, 2002, Broward County dedicated this site to Helene Klein, a local  environmental activist who died in July 2001. Klein's efforts on behalf of the project had included collecting petitions and lobbying the Broward County Commission for the preservation of public lands.

 

For more information or to arrange a nature tour at the Helene Klein Pineland Preserve call 954-968-3890.