Third installation of regional conservation initiative connects coastal, urban and Everglades habitats through hands-on environmental learning
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Amphitheater and Coastal Corridor Exhibit on Thursday, May 14, marking the completion of a three-part regional conservation learning experience connecting visitors to South Florida’s coastal, urban and Everglades ecosystems.
Developed in partnership with the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Recreation, the new outdoor space enhances the park’s ability to connect visitors with South Florida’s unique coastal habitats while providing a dedicated venue for environmental education, community programming and special events. This installation was made possible through support from the Drial Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward.
The Amphitheater and Coastal Corridor Exhibit joins two companion experiences: Nature Explore: Outdoor Exhibit at MODS in Fort Lauderdale and the Everglades Outdoor Classroom at Flamingo Gardens in Davie. Together, the three locations create an immersive, multi-site journey that highlights the importance of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, habitat connectivity and environmental stewardship across Broward County. Nature Explore: Outdoor Exhibit showcases Broward County’s wildlife and ecosystems through hands-on exploration, while the Everglades Outdoor Classroom invites guests to investigate Everglades habitats, native and invasive species, wetland systems and the interconnectivity of humans, plants and animals.
The opening of the Amphitheater and Coastal Corridor Exhibit expands that story to one of South Florida’s most distinctive coastal environments. Located near the lake on the south end of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, the new area invites visitors to gather, learn and explore the relationship between people, wildlife and the coastal habitats that help define Fort Lauderdale.
“This opening represents an exciting new chapter for Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and the many residents, students and visitors who experience this treasured place each year,” said Michelle M. Schmitz, Executive Director of Friends of Birch State Park. “The Amphitheater and Coastal Corridor Exhibit gives us a beautiful, purposeful space to bring people together, deepen their connection to South Florida’s coastal habitats and inspire greater appreciation for the importance of preserving, conserving, enhancing and promoting the park for generations to come.”
The new outdoor space will support guided programs, school and community visits, conservation presentations, interpretive learning and park events. Through the Coastal Corridor Exhibit, visitors will explore how coastal habitats, native plants, wildlife movement and restoration efforts work together to support biodiversity and strengthen environmental resilience along Florida’s coast.
The broader initiative is rooted in the work of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and the importance of preserving connected lands and waters that allow wildlife to move safely across Florida. Through immersive nature play, interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences, guests are encouraged to understand how urban green spaces, Everglades habitats and coastal environments are all part of a larger connected system that supports native species and protects Florida’s natural heritage.
At MODS, Nature Explore: Outdoor Exhibit invites guests to dig like a gopher tortoise, build a coyote den and create butterfly wings from natural materials inspired by native species, highlighting the role of wildlife corridors and conservation. At Flamingo Gardens, the Everglades Outdoor Classroom immerses visitors in wetland habitats and reinforces the importance of conservation and habitat protection. At Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, the Amphitheater and Coastal Corridor Exhibit completes the regional experience by connecting visitors to coastal habitats, rare native plant species and the park’s role in preserving South Florida’s natural heritage.
“This new Amphitheater and Coastal Corridor Exhibit gives the community a place to gather, learn and see South Florida’s coastal ecosystems in a new way,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “As the third component of this regional conservation experience, it helps connect the full story of South Florida’s habitats, from urban environments to the Everglades to the coast, while inspiring families to understand why these ecosystems matter and how each of us can help protect them.”
The project also reflects MODS’ role as Broward County’s Hub for Resilience Education, a regional initiative that brings together more than 30 organizations, including universities, environmental nonprofits and local partners, to foster community dialogue, education and action around environmental sustainability and resilience.
“Spaces like this help transform environmental awareness into meaningful community connection,” said Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward. “The Amphitheater and Coastal Corridor Exhibit will provide new opportunities for residents, students and visitors to learn about Broward County’s natural resources and the importance of protecting them for generations to come.”
The grand opening event on Thursday, May 14, will begin at 10:30 a.m. with refreshments and photos, followed by ribbon-cutting remarks at 11 a.m. Parking will be available in the Beach Hammock Lot.
Distributed: May 12, 2026
