Now Open: The Everglades Outdoor Classroom at Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens, in collaboration with the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and with support from the Community Foundation of Broward, officially opened the new Everglades Outdoor Classroom with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday morning, May 28. This interactive learning space brings the beauty of South Florida’s native ecosystems to life, offering guests of all ages a hands-on, immersive experience rooted in the biodiversity of the Everglades.

Left to right: Shannon Gallagher with Thunder the Bald Eagle; Tom Reinert, South Reginal Director of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Dr. Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, President and CEO of Community Foundation of Broward; Keith Clark, CEO of Flamingo Gardens; Town of Davie Mayor, Judy Paul; Jan Amador, President of Flamingo Gardens; and Joe Cox, CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS).

Set within the lush landscape of Flamingo Gardens, the Everglades Outdoor Classroom invites visitors to explore native species, uncover the delicate balance of natural ecosystems, and deepen their understanding of how the Florida Wildlife Corridor connects people, plants, and animals across the region.

As part of a countywide initiative, this outdoor classroom complements the Nature Explore Outdoor Exhibit that opened last month at MODS in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Together, the two campuses present a dual perspective on Broward County’s native environments—MODS focusing on urban wildlife and habitats, while Flamingo Gardens immerses guests in the natural splendor of the Everglades. Together, they tell a unified story of the incredible biodiversity of Florida Wildlife Corridor and the urgent need for conservation. Both campuses share a united goal to inspire a lifelong love of nature and foster the next generation of environmental stewards.

“We’re opening more than a new exhibit. We’re opening minds, sparking curiosity, and planting seeds of environmental stewardship that will grow for generations to come,” said Keith Clark, CEO of Flamingo Gardens. “This outdoor classroom is a living, breathing space designed for hands-on discovery.”

What You’ll Discover

  • Interactive learning zones focused on native Everglades habitats and species
  • Sensory and nature play areas that encourage creativity and exploration
  • Educational signage and self-guided activities to inspire curiosity
  • Inclusive access features, expanding learning opportunities for children and adults with visual, hearing, or mobility challenges
  • Volunteer-led programs that empower community members to champion sustainability

The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is also the first phase of Flamingo Gardens’ Everglades Discovery Trail—a series of future outdoor learning environments designed to deepen environmental literacy and conservation action.

A Community Effort

This dynamic new space would not be possible without the collaboration and generous support of our partners and funders. We extend our sincere gratitude to the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward:

  • Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund
  • Mary and Alex MacKenzie Community Impact Fund
  • The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund

 Additional support has been provided by:
• The State of Florida
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• BBX Capital Foundation
• Bass Pro Shop & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund
• Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
• Helen Ingham Foundation
• JM Family Enterprises
• Lakeside Foundation
• And numerous private donors who believe in the power of education and conservation

The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is a testament to the strength of collaboration and vision-driven philanthropy—and it marks just the beginning of what’s to come.


Explore. Learn. Connect. The Everglades are waiting.

The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is included with general admission to Flamingo Gardens.

Click Here to see more photos from the Everglades Outdoor Classroom Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Eco-Teers: An End To Winter and Jump Into Spring!

As winter came to a close, Eco-Teers stayed busy with impactful projects, community engagement, and climate education. Here’s a look back at all we accomplished during February and March.

Pollinator Gardens & Rain Barrels

On February 6th, thirty butterflies were released into the newly renovated pollinator garden at Memorial Hospital’s pavilion garden, marking the beginning of a thriving ecosystem designed to support local pollinators and beautify the space.

Eco-Teers followed this success with another garden renovation at Memorial West on February 22nd. Alongside the renovation, a Rain Barrel was installed to promote sustainable water use, and an additional 20 native plants were added, bringing the total to around 50. These efforts enhance habitats for pollinators and contribute to local biodiversity.

Climate Education & Awareness

On February 25th, Eco-Teers attended a virtual Climate Seminar led by Dr. Michael Falkowski, Program Manager of The NASA Wildland Fire Program. His discussion focused on the influence of climate change and human activity on global fire regimes, highlighting how land-use changes, fossil fuel consumption, and ignition sources are driving catastrophic wildfires. Inspired by this seminar, Eco-Teers are more committed than ever to projects that protect and restore our environment.

Community Cleanups & Water Conservation

We kicked off March with the International Waterway Cleanup Project at Anne Kolb Nature Center/Hollywood North Beach on March 1st. As Broward County’s largest and longest-running cleanup initiative, Eco-Teers proudly removed approximately 220 pounds of waste—four full 60-gallon garbage bags—from local waterways, helping to preserve our precious ecosystems.

On March 8th, Eco-Teers participated in the City of Sunrise’s Water Matters Day, where we connected with community members and other organizations to share our efforts in conserving water. We also promoted our ongoing Rain Barrel installations—if your organization or business is interested, reach out to us at [email protected].

We wrapped up the month with Earth Hour on March 22nd. Eco-Teers spread awareness about this global movement, where landmarks worldwide go dark for one hour to emphasize the importance of reducing energy consumption. Originally started in Australia, Earth Hour serves as a powerful symbol of collective action against climate change.

Thank You to Our Volunteers and Supporters!

Eco-Teers would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all our volunteers and donors who make these projects possible. Your support allows us to continue our mission of depicting, preserving, and providing education about the natural and cultural heritage of South Florida and the Everglades.

If you’d like to join us, email our Eco-Teer Coordinator, Ashley Vieira, at [email protected] or call us at 954-473-2955 ext. 134. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on our environment—one project at a time.

Connecting Communities Through Conservation: The Everglades Outdoor Classroom

At Flamingo Gardens, we believe that nature is not just something to admire—it’s something to engage with, learn from, and protect. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Everglades Outdoor Classroom, a new initiative that will bring immersive environmental education to our visitors. In collaboration with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and funded through a dual grant from the Community Foundation of Broward, this project will connect two prominent Broward County locations—Flamingo Gardens and the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)—to inspire a deeper understanding of Florida’s unique ecosystems.

A Corridor of Conservation
The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is designed to highlight our vital connection to nature, focusing on the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the impact of urban sprawl on native wildlife. While MODS will explore urban wildlife, Flamingo Gardens will immerse visitors in the rich biodiversity of Everglades wildlife, with emphasis on the importance of conservation.
Through engaging interpretive signage, hands-on learning activities, and natural materials that reflect the landscape, our outdoor classroom will provide a dynamic space for both facilitated and self-guided exploration for both children and adults. The experience will underscore how our own backyards serve as essential extensions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, helping to maintain crucial habitat connectivity.

What to Expect
• Flamingo Gardens’ Everglades Outdoor Classroom will be a thoughtfully designed outdoor learning space that will:
• Engage visitors of all ages through interactive exhibits, sensory experiences, and nature-inspired creativity.
• Showcase keystone species of the Everglades, illustrating their role in maintaining ecological balance.
• Provide accessible learning opportunities as an extension of the Mary N. Porter Learning Center, ensuring inclusivity for those with visual, hearing, and mobility challenges.
• Empower our visitors and Eco-teer volunteers to lead sustainability initiatives and advocate for climate resilience.
• Strengthen community awareness of how local conservation efforts contribute to the greater Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Flamingo Gardens has a proud history of offering specialized educational programs for groups such as the Lighthouse of Broward, Deliver the Dream, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Everglades Outdoor Classroom will build upon this tradition by creating even more opportunities for hands-on environmental education for communities with special needs.

Building a Lasting Impact
The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is more than just an exhibit—it’s a movement toward a healthier, more resilient environment for all. The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is just the first of a series of planned exhibit spaces that together will combine to be the Everglades Discovery Trail. By strengthening environmental literacy, inspiring conservation action, and emphasizing the importance of wildlife corridors, we hope to cultivate a legacy of stewardship that benefits generations to come.

We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and conservation. Stay tuned for updates as we bring the Everglades Outdoor Classroom to life and mark your calendars for our Earth Day 2025 grand opening!

Together, we can make a difference—one lesson, one connection, and one backyard at a time.

The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is in collaboration with:

Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservations Commission
Museum of Discovery and Science
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Support has been provided by the following funds at the
Community Foundation of Broward:
Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund
Mary Alex Mackenzie Community Impact Fund
and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation

With additional support by:
Bass Pro Shop & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund
Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation
Helen Ingham Foundation
Lakeside Foundations
and numerous private donors

Discover Wellness at Flamingo Gardens:A Month of Mindfulness, Nature, and Renewal

March is Wellness Month at Flamingo Gardens, —an ideal time to reconnect with nature, refresh your mind, and restore your spirit. Prioritizing wellness is essential and what better place to do so than amidst the serene beauty of Flamingo Gardens?

The Healing Power of Nature

Nature has a profound impact on our health and well-being. It has the magical power to calm and heal, to recharge and rejuvenate, and to inspire! Simply breathing in fresh air, the aromas of blooming flowers, and listening to the leaves rustle in the breeze can have a deeply relaxing effect. Time spent in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and even boost the immune system. Sunlight improves sleep quality, eases fatigue, and lifts the mood.
Despite these benefits, being in nature isn’t always natural for us, and taking time for self-care can feel even less so. Self-care is one of the most important things we can do for the body, mind, and soul, yet it’s often the first thing we neglect. Self-care looks different for everyone; it begins with discovering what brings you peace and serenity, then making it a priority in your daily life.

A Month of Wellness Activities

This March, Flamingo Gardens is celebrating the healing benefits of nature with evening classes designed to help you connect with the peace and serenity of the gardens while staying active. Instead of focusing on the hour of sleep you may lose to Daylight Saving Time, change your perspective—embrace the extra sunlight and fresh air you’ve gained. Whether it’s a meditative walk through the trees in a Forest Bathing session or breaking a sweat in a yoga or Pilates class, discover what brings you peace and serenity:Yoga in the Gardens – Stretch, breathe, and find inner peace surrounded by lush tropical flora in our yoga and Pilates classes.

  • Yoga in the Gardens – Stretch, breathe, and find inner peace surrounded by lush tropical flora in our yoga and Pilates classes.
  • Guided Meditation Walks – Slow down, center yourself, and cultivate mindfulness as you explore tranquil pathways during Forest Bathing sessions.
  • Wellness Workshops – Learn from wellness experts about nutrition, holistic healing, and self-care through our aromatherapy classes or at the Wellness Fair.

The Wellness Fair – March 20th

Still exploring what self-care means for you? Join us on Thursday, March 20th for our Flamingo Gardens & Life Market Wellness Fair, featuring live music, vegan and plant-based food, sound healing, crystals, candles, teas, wellness providers, and more. Whether you’re interested in holistic therapies, fitness, or mental well-being, this event offers something for everyone to discover to help with their own self-care. The Wellness Fair is in the Entry Courtyard at Flamingo Gardens from 3:00pm to 8:00pm and is FREE! No admission fee required!

Plan Your Visit

Wellness Month at Flamingo Gardens is the perfect opportunity to unwind, de-stress, and invest in your well-being. Turn off, unplug, and disconnect—so you can connect with nature and reconnect with yourself!
For more information about Wellness Month activities and the Wellness Fair, click here.
We look forward to seeing you on the path to wellness!