Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park

The nature center is named after Anne Kolb, a former award-winning journalist who in 1974 had become the first woman elected to the Broward County Commission.  Before her death in July 1981, Anne Kolb had been an active environmentalist with extensive accomplishments: leading the fight for the 1977 Land Use Plan, helping pass a platting ordinance that tightened government control over future development, directing a successful campaign to place a building moratorium on 61,000 acres in southwest Broward, and persuading the Commission to approve the Urban Wilderness Park System to preserve endangered lands for future generations.  She was also instrumental in saving the park's coastal mangrove wetland from development, thus earning her a place in regional environmental history as the namesake of this nature center. Photo courtesy of the Broward County Historical Commission.

Exhibit Hall (Fee $1 per person): The center’s striking, contemporary exhibit hall includes a site map of the complex’s three-mile preserve, the Living Crossroads theater (a 10-minute closed-caption video program), and a series of interactive and static displays (including a stocked 3,500-gallon aquarium) that vividly portray and explain West Lake’s mangrove ecosystem and its importance. Visitors then proceed to the Eco-Room for an engaging hands on investigation and an eye-to-eye view of the animal residents. 

Gallery:  A gallery provides monthly exhibits of nature-themed works by local artists, photographers, and crafters. Many artists offer a gallery reception during their monthly exhibit. Call for current gallery artist and reception information. Artists interested in displaying their work can contact the nature center at 954-926-2480.

Observation Tower: An elevator or stairs takes you to the top of the center’s 68-foot observation tower that offers a panoramic view of the mangrove wetland and coastline.

Fishing Pier:  The Fishing Pier Trail leads to two piers that overlook the Intracoastal Waterway. The nature center recommends catch and release. Park patrons are required to follow all State of Florida fishing regulations.

Intracoastal Dock:  Patrons can access the nature center from the Intracoastal Waterway by boat.   A 175-foot dock is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This area is affected by the tides and water depth must be considered when docking. Overnight docking is not permitted.

Walking Trails:  Maps are available at the Nature Center office.

Volunteer Opportunities:  Patrons interested in becoming a parks volunteer can contact the Volunteer Site Coordinator at 954-926-2480 for further details and application. Additionally, registered park volunteers can choose to become a member of The Friends of Anne Kolb Nature Center. The Friends group meets September-June on the first Thursday of the month. The meeting time is at 7 p.m., except in December when the meeting is at 6 p.m., in the center’s Exhibit Hall.