Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area

Check out theSouth Florida Adventures article about Long Key.

At 157 acres, this site is one of the largest of the natural areas currently managed by the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division. The Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area is located in the Town of Davie and found just west off of Flamingo Road between Griffin Road and I-595.

As recently as 100 years ago, this elevated oak hammock was part of a series of islands surrounded by Everglades marshes. Long Key encompasses some of the most significant archaeological, historical, and ecological resources within Broward County and has been labeled as "the best preserved archaeological record of 19th century Seminole life in Broward County."  More details of the historical aspects of the area.

Typical trees in the hardwood forest include live oak, red bay, paradise tree, satin leaf, strangler fig, hackberry, and the occasional cabbage palm and gumbo limbo. The site also has a 14-acre orange grove (a remnant of a once-active citrus industry in the area) and recently created wetland marshes - which have become a haven for a variety of wetland birds.  There are also several man-made ponds and canals and a very active bird roost/rookery. Two equestrian trails run through the site in areas known not to be sensitive connecting to the Davie Multipurpose Trail.  View a list of trail Do's and Don'ts (PDF -92KB).

Wildlife in the area includes pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, screech owls, ospreys, great egrets, herons, malachites, bobcats, foxes, and queen and zebra longwing butterflies.

Since the Grand Opening on March 14, 2008, this site has been used for many different activities such as hiking, bird watching, trail riding, Naturalist led programs, school group activities, and wedding receptions just to name a few. 

Weddings and Large Meetings

The Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area is also host to many weddings, receptions, and corporate meetings. A Wi-Fi network was recently installed to assist those conducting business meetings at the nature center. 

The assembly hall, called the Oak Hammock Hall, is a large 2,390 square foot meeting room which includes tables, chairs, a caterer's kitchen, and use of the surround sound audio/visual system (52-inch flat screen TVs, CD player, DVD player, and laptop hookup.)  Please see the detailed Oak Hammock page.

Birthday Party?  Click here for packages offered at Long Key.

Exhibit Hall

Long Key amenities include an 18,000-square foot nature center building and nature trails.  The nature center building includes an exhibit hall, live animal education displays, an interactive replica of an archeological dig pit, an assembly hall, classroom, theater, and a photograph from the famous photographer of Florida's natural wonders, Clyde Butcher.  Read how this amazing 10 foot by 27 foot photographic mural came into existence.

Guided Nature Walks and Programs
Guided nature walks and nature education programs are available upon request seven days a week.  A park naturalist will walk you along the nature trail and point out the various plants and trees, as well as any wildlife that happens to appear along the way.  Our park naturalists are trained professionals and will provide in-depth details about Florida's flora and fauna.

As you walk along the trail, they will also give you a glimpse into the history of the area and how the Long Key Nature Center was developed. Guided nature walks generally take about one hour.  Reservations are required.  To make a reservation for a guided nature walk, please call the nature center at 954-327-8797 and ask to speak to a park naturalist.  For a complete listing of nature education programs check the park's calendar.

Hiking

Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area offers hiking on its one-half mile trail that winds through the oak hammock to the south of the nature center building.

Trail Manners

• Be gentle and quiet:  explore Broward County's nature centers and parks, but respect nature's serenity.  Loud noises keep animals in hiding and reduce your chances of seeing them.  Be mindful of other hikers so that all can have an enjoyable experience.
• Be kind to animals.  Harassing wildlife is against the law and can harm the animals.  Feeding of wildlife encourages their dependence on humans, provides poor nutrition, and can increase your chance of being bitten.  Let's just watch them and learn how they live in their habitat.
• Be kind to plants:  Plants need their leaves to make food and their flowers to produce seeds.  Please do not pick anything off the plants.  Leave them for the butterflies, birds, insects, and for other people to enjoy.
• Stay on the trail:  For your own comfort and safety, stay on the trails.  Trails protect the natural environment, increase your safe passage in the woods, and reduce your chance of encountering poisonous plants.

Group Trips

The Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area welcomes summer camps and school groups to enjoy the Exhibit Hall or one of the naturalist-led programs.  Advanced reservation is required for large groups.  More information about group trips.

Film and Photo Access
The County allows the use of the Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area for film, television commercials, and photography locations, based upon certain criteria.  To discuss the use and availability of the grounds for film or photography, please contact 954-327-8797, ext. 18371. Photos of popular film shoot locations.

Volunteer Opportunities
The Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area offers many opportunities to volunteer, with such activities as assisting our Park Naturalists with their programs, exotic plant removal, and trail maintenance, etc.  View Volunteer page. We also welcome aspiring Eagle Scouts to approach us with their project ideas.  Contact the park's Volunteer Site Coordinator at 954-327-8797 to learn how you can be a part of this unique park.

One of the main goals of the Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area is to provide an experience that is both educational and tranquil with nature, while not affecting the natural resources.  Through interpretation and exhibits, the center will show patrons what historically has taken place at this site, while also preparing them for what can be expected while meandering the trails and walkways.

For more information, contact:

Long Key Nature Center and Natural Area
3501 S.W. 130th Ave.
Davie, FL 33330
Phone: 954-327-8797
Fax: 954-327-8796
e-mail:  LongKey@broward.org

We also invite you to visit our other Broward County Parks.

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