Interpretive Tours & Presentations

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is proud to offer interpretive ranger-guided walks and programs each Friday and Saturday of the month. Please see the walks and programs explanations and their regularly scheduled rotations. Park entry fees apply. Guided walks are free. Donations are appreciated and will be given directly to the Friends of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a 501c3 citizen support organization.

Live Animal Presentation

Every Friday & Saturday - 1 p.m.

Park rangers will offer a live animal presentation in front of the Terramar Visitors Center with our park’s very own resident critters, including the highly threatened Eastern indigo snake, a variety of Florida rat snakes as well as variations between Florida-native corn snakes.

Occasionally the presentation will include native turtle species as well. Rangers will explain the intrinsic value of these wonderful creatures, describe their preferred habits, behaviors and habitats, and allow for direct interaction with guests.

Mangrove Habitat Walk

First Friday and Saturday of each month - 10:30 a.m.

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.

Mid-Trail Walk

Second Friday and Saturday of each month -10:30 a.m.

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 a half-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 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 beehive is featured along this trail.

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.

Coastal Dune/Residual Slough and Historical Homes Lake Walk

Third Friday and Saturday of each month - 10:30 a.m.

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 the guide will give guests information 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, and on protected plant and animal species such as sea oats and sea turtles.

Beach Hammock Trail & Sensitive Habitats Walk

Fourth Friday and Saturday of each month - 10:30 a.m.

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. Rangers will explain the unique features that constitute our subtropical 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.

Beach/Dune Habitat and Coastal Walk

Fifth Friday and Saturday of each month (for those months with a fifth Friday and Saturday) - 10:30 a.m.

This 1-mile walk will commence at the beach entrance to the park. Guests will proceed around the beach entrance sensitive habitat areas, which demonstrates the residual dune plants still populating the property opposite A1A.

Guests will then pass through the underpass tunnel or across the cross walk (once finalized) to the beach. Here guests will learn about the unique features, flora and fauna that constitute the primary dune on the beach.

The tour will leisurely follow the coastline, with a discussion of tidal influences on barrier islands and explore the vast variety of species populating the areas between the land and the sea. 

Mid Trail Audio Tour

Available at all times

This 2-mile walk can be taken through your own cellphone without a ranger's guidance. The trail walk will commence approximately a half-mile up the main loop drive. The Mid Trail Audio Tour covers a broad overview of the history of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, offers an introduction to its ecosystems and also points out particulars along the path. A large beehive is featured along this trail.

Please be advised, the walk will eventually emerge at the north end of the park where guests can either take the Intracoastal Waterway back toward the front of the park, or take the main loop drive’s east side road back to the front of the park.

The audio tour is free but donations are welcome. Please inquire at the ranger station about this easy-to-use program.

Only park entrance fees apply to all of the above.