If you're looking to soak in the outdoors in South Florida, Fern Forest in north Broward is a lush oasis for nature walks and occasional free astronomy programs with telescopes.

Delight in the scenic setting on your own or register for a guided hike. Most events are free or relatively inexpensive. Entry into the natural area and parking are free.

Photo/Broward Parks & Recreation

The 244-acre wilderness preserve features walking trails for savoring the sights, scents and sounds of nature. Highlights include an elevated boardwalk, more than 30 species of ferns, plus resident wildlife.

Fern Forest park naturalist Ashley Grace says the boardwalk excursion winds along forest and swampy wetlands habitats with ferns, air plants, orchids, turtles and mosquito fish.

“A couple of my favorite sp

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