Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

The State Park was only one block from our resort, another bonus of this location, and a nice change from our daily beach walks. Mr. Birch was a Chicago lawyer who donated his winter estate to the State of Florida in order to preserve the habitat for future generations. For a $2 per person admission we got to explore the 180 acre park and for the afternoon were able to forget that we were in the middle of a vibrant city. We hiked 7 km through mangrove habitat as well as a small hardwood forest, along a freshwater lake and the intracoastal waterway. The park is known for its endangered gopher tortoises. They make burrows that average 6 feet deep and 15 feet long, which provide refuge for over 350 other species. The tortoise can live to 80 years old. We were lucky to see two of them along the road. We also saw a lime green iguana, shorebirds, wild turkeys and lots of dogs. It was an enjoyable afternoon and exceeded our expectations.Read more