The woods of Woodmont
The last patch of woodlands in suburbia, the Woodmont Natural Area in Tamarac is one of the rare islands of nature left remaining after development throughout western Broward County into the Everglades. This 22-acre site is a birder’s delight. Birdsong is constant; listen for the hooting of barred owls and the rat-a-tat-tat of the pileated woodpecker.
Resources
Overview
Location: Tamarac
Length: 0.4 mile
Lat-Long: 26.212809, -80.258295
Type: loop
Fees: free
Difficulty: easy
Bug Factor: low
Restroom: none
Open 8-6.
Directions
From Florida’s Turnpike exit 62, SR 870 (Commercial Blvd), drive west 2.8 miles to University Ave. Follow University Ave north 1 mile. Turn on McNab Rd, and continue 0.3 miles to NW 80th Ave. Drive 0.2 miles north, and the park is on the right.
Hike
This is a combination paved trail and boardwalk through the last patch of undeveloped land in Tamarac, 22 acres of pine flatwoods surrounded by suburbia. The understory of the forest is alive with colorful lantana, beautyberry, and wild coffee, as well as mounds of wild balsam apple and grapevines. Strangler fig roots dangle from the upper canopy. The trail parallels a canal across from an apartment complex on the return trip. The boardwalk crosses a pond cypress swamp.
This trail is listed on dog-friendly map, however, sign at start of trail says no domestic animals or pets.
Thanks for the update. That was not the case on my visit, which was quite a few years ago. Sorry to hear that since there’s so little green space in that part of Broward.