Anne Kolb Nature Center — Attraction in Hollywood

A beautiful nature preserve in the middle of a residential area. A few walking trails and Bike paths leading towards a swampy area and lakes completely surrounded by a mangrove preserve. These lakes are mostly of brackish water which provisions nutrients necessary to sustain the mangroves and aquatic life found here. Series of short canals connecting to the waterway supply water to these lakes thus helping sustain this complex ecosystem. You can walk on the trails and path; or explore the canals in a kayak or paddle board, ride around these canals that meet at a lake. Stop and make sure to observe the mangrove forest it can be seen all around . I like to explore and observe animal interactions; fascinating to see a King Fisher patiently waiting for a fish or in search of worms in the swampy areas. Florida native species can be seen from a three-story High observation tower, you can use the elevator if you don’t want to climb; once up there look for Osprey flying in search of dinner. The Herons, Egrets and Ibis prefer to be on the marsh searching for food. With binoculars and lots of patience you could spot a mangrove Cuckoo or a red tailed Hawks, those are rarely seen, but gray Cormorants, Owls, Pelicans, Ducks are around, they reside and nest in the Forrest. Mangroves roots are habitat and nursery grounds for several fish like Snappers,Tarpon, Grunts, Bass, Jacks but I’m not sure if fishing is allowed without a license . Late in the afternoon you’ll see the critters of the swamp, Raccoons ,Opossums, some people gas seen Monkeys and Rats. I have spotted a few Turtles, also green Lizards or Anoles, not sure which. Few amphibians survive in this waters but I’ve seen Tree Frogs, ugly Toads, some rat Snakes like everywhere else. Populations of Crabs, Snails, Mollusk , Oysters, Shrimp, Crayfish live in the marsh, they help sustain the ecosystem of the park. Beautiful Butterflies specially Monarch, and Zebras ( black with yellow lines), unfortunately, loads of mosquitoes and no-seems specially late afternoon, those will drive you crazy; they seem to love me a lot… Don’t forget to bring a camera, water, a repellent and sunblock, surely you will be using 2 of...

A beautiful spot to get in touch with your natural side. Start off at the nature center and get a ticket for the 30 minute boat tour of the preserve with some history of the park to go along with the nature scenes. It takes you through a short bit of mangroves where you might just spot tree crabs on the branches (little black crabs that love to climb the red mangroves), fiddler crabs in the mud and on the roots, and a mutitude of waterfowl hiding in the growth or on the tree tops waiting for a chance to find their next fishy meal. The boat then goes out on the lake and takes a speedy little trip around the horseshoe island giving you a breezy respite from the afternoon heat. Don't worry, the boat is covered, so no need for sunscreen.

Then take a leisurely stroll on the walkway behind the exhibit hall, through the mangroves to a gazebo overlooking West Lake for a pretty view of the kayakers and SUPs that inhabit the lake frequently on the weekends. You can even join them by renting (for an hourly fee) one of your own a little way the West at West Lake Park and travel the mangrove trails into the main part of lake for an afternoon on the water.

If you are feeling more adventurous and don't mind the heat, hike around the south side and see under the bridge to the other side of the preserve and take a three or so miles of paths through some pristine wetlands where you might just see Great Herons, egrets, ibises and more wading in the mudflats or the mangrove roots. Look to the tree tops for cormorants and anhingas searching for their next meals or just drying their wings in the sun.

There is even a picnic table to be found along the path that overlooks a very pretty trail in the mangroves that would make a nice spot to stop for a snack, but please leave nothing behind. There are no places to put trash and you don't want to leave anything that could harm the environment or the animals.

Stop by the exhibit hall for a little learning before you head home. There are always people around to explain about the area and the wildlife, as well as what we need to do to keep these beautiful wild places - well beautiful and wild.. for the future...

Opened in 1996 Anne Kolbe Nature Center bears the name of an environmental activist. In 1970's Anne Kolbe was a journalist and the first woman to sit on the Broward County Commission. She recognized the importance of the environmentally sensitive mangrove tract in Hollywood and she worked along with other environmental groups until it was saved by the creation of West Lake Park where the nature center now sits. Today West Lake Park is the largest mangrove area between Miami and Palm Beach.

There is no admission fee to visit the nature center. It is part of the The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail which is a network of 510 of the best sites to view wildlife in Florida. The exhibit hall is the first building you encounter. It houses a 3.500 gallon salt water aquarium and an eco hall that has hands on nature exhibits for children. The hall has rotating nature displays by different photographers and artists. Also located here is the 3,304 square foot Mangrove Hall which can be rented for weddings or other events. Behind the exhibit hall is a 200 seat amphitheater with stage that can also be rented.

There are three trails available for walking at the nature center. The 783 foot Fishing Pier Trail leads to two fishing piers on the intracoastal. You can fish or just relax and watch the boats drift by. The Lake Observation Trail is .2 miles long and leads to an observation pavilion (currently closed) that gives a stunning view of West Lake. Mud Flat Trail is .3 miles long that leads to a covered look out pavilion with seating that also gives a view of West lake.

After you explore the trails you can climb a 68 foot 5 story observation tower to get a breath taking view of the area. The tower has a wheelchair accessible elevator. There is also a thirty minute $5 environmental boat tour. You must call the park for availability. From the youngest to the oldest member of your family there is something for everyone to enjoy here. It is a credit to the city of Hollywood that such an important environmental treasure was saved from development. Everyone should visit the area that Anne...