Cycle, walk, jog, paddle or fish in one of Hollywood’s largest regional parks, the Anne Kolb Nature Center. Measuring 1,501 acres (607 hectares), the nature center complex provides a great network of boardwalk mangrove paths and boating trails through the wetlands. It’s part of the Great Florida Birding and WildlifeTrail.
The Anne Kolb Nature Center opened in 1996 and was named after a local journalist who was devoted to saving the park’s precious ecosystem from urban development Anne Kolb led the efforts to get the South Florida coast and keys to be classed as protected habitats for manatees, endangered birds and sea turtles, but passed away in 1981.
View the aquatic species in the saltwater aquarium and enjoy the interactive nature displays and nature-themed artworks in the Exhibit Hall. Outside, the Amphitheater is the stage for regular shows and workshops, including Recycling Rodeos. The venue’s large Mangrove Hall can be rented for banquets, conferences and receptions. The visitor center provides trail maps.
Join an eco-tourism cruise by boat or a sunset and moonlight paddling tour by kayak, or launch your own watercraft from the dock to explore the wetlands or go fishing. There are five boat trails you can follow as long as you don’t bring a boat that runs on fossil fuels.
If you are more of a land animal, follow the short Lake Trailto West Lake or the Fishing Pier Trail to the Intracoastal Waterway. The Mud Flat Trail leads to breeding grounds for local and migratory birds, including the yellow-crowned night heron and short-tailed hawks. Climb up to the fifth level of the Observation Tower and look out over the mangrove estuary, West Lake and even the Atlantic Ocean. Keen mountain bikers will love the South Trail in the north of the park.
The Anne Kolb Nature Center is open every day, all day. Access is free on weekdays and very cheap on weekends. You may bring a picnic but pets aren’t allowed. The park can be reached on the Broward County Transit bus and by car if you follow Sheridan Street east to North Ocean Drive.