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Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Black-and-white photograph of a man walking in a swamp.
Kicking Off 70 Years of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Seventy years ago, brave voices in our community spoke up to protect ancient trees from the threat of the axe and saw. Thanks to their efforts, today we protect 13,000-plus acres in Southwest Florida as a haven for plants, animals, and people.

Since the first land purchase in 1954, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has become a leader in Southwest Florida conservation. The wetlands protected within the Sanctuary recharge the aquifer, clean stormwater, and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire while reducing algal blooms along the coastline.

From 1954 to today, Audubon staff at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary have built and continue to maintain an iconic 2.25-mile boardwalk that opens the door of this enchanting forest to thousands of locals and visitors. We bring more than 5,000 students to the Sanctuary every year to inspire a lifelong love and curiosity of the natural world. We are restoring more than 1,000 acres of wetland meadows for wading birds, alligators, fish, amphibians, panthers, and more, as well as for our neighbors, as the restored areas hold and clean water while reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire. 

Read more about our legacy. 

We are kicking off a year-long celebration of all things Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, with events both here and in the wider community. Read on and stay tuned!
Audubon warden Hank Bennett, pictured here exploring one of the lettuce lakes, served as the Sanctuary's first manager. Photo: Allan D. Cruikshank
Artist's rendering of the enhanced Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary campus.
A Visionary Plan for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
As the challenges of protecting this special place have evolved over the past seven decades with a growing population of Floridians and a changing climate, we must now strengthen our foundation.

From the forward-thinking conservationists in the 1950s to our current supporters today, the Sanctuary is built on a legacy of conservation champions working to secure a sustainable future for our region’s wetlands. While we proudly continue this legacy today, we need your help. To secure Corkscrew Swamp’s future as an inspirational nature destination, a safe haven for wildlife, and a leader in the science of saving Florida’s wetlands, we must make foundational investments in our campus.
 
Artist's rendering of the enhanced Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary campus.
A variety of wading birds congregated in the swamp.
Join us on World Wetlands Day, Friday February 2!
What better way to celebrate World Wetlands Day than by spending it in one of Florida’s premiere wetland habitats? 

We’re offering guided tours on the boardwalk and in the backcountry, interpretive stations, guided forest meditation, a new photography exhibit unveiling, a book signing for children, lectures for adults, and more (some activities require registration and/or an additional fee to participate). Plus, enjoy 10% off all heron-themed merchandise in the Nature Store.

The day is anchored by opening remarks on our 70th anniversary by Sanctuary Director Keith Laakkonen at 10:30 a.m.
 
Roseate Spoonbills and other wading birds at the Lettuce Lake. Photo: Renee Wilson/Audubon Florida
A view of a marsh landscape.
NEW! Photography Exhibit in the Gallery Café
As part of our year-long celebration of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary's 70th birthday, we're also excited to announce the unveiling of a new photography exhibit in the Cypress Café from our 2024 photographers in residence: Lisette Morales McCabe, Zeida Cecilia-Mendez, and R J Wiley.

Meet the artists as part of the exhibit unveiling during the World Wetlands Day celebration on February 2 following the 70th Anniversary opening remarks!
"View of the Marsh." Photo: Zeida Cecilia-Morales, photographer-in-residence
A songbird perched in a treetop.
Upcoming Events at the Sanctuary
Jan. 23 | Early Birding Tour
Feb. 2 | Member Lecture: Tracking Migratory Birds
Feb. 2 | BYO Bike Backcountry Tour
Feb. 3 | Beginner Swamp Walk
Feb. 7 | Night Tour
March 1 | Guided Forest Bathing Meditation
March 1 | Member Lecture: Discoveries from Corkscrew's Trail Cameras
March 14 | National Learn About Butterflies Day
  Learn more and get tickets.
Eastern Phoebe. Photo: Kent Fiala/Audubon Photography Awards
Black-and-white photo of the boardwalk with hurricane damage.
Upcoming Events in the Community
Jan. 16 – April 30 | Photo exhibit at Immokalee Pioneer Museum
Feb. 1 – 29 | Photo exhibit at Bonita Springs Library
Feb. 17 | Immokalee Museum Exhibit Celebration
March 1 – 31 | Photo exhibit at South Regional Library, Estero
April 1 – 30 | Photo exhibit at Ankrolab Craft Brewery, East Naples
April 4 | 70th Anniversary Celebration & Campaign Launch Luncheon
Historic photo of our boardwalk after it was damaged by Hurricane Donna in 1960. Photo: Donna Sprunt
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Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
375 Sanctuary Rd., Naples, FL 34120 USA
(239) 348-9151 | corkscrew.audubon.org

© 2024 National Audubon Society, Inc.

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