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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary eNewsletter

A woman speaking into a microphone in front of photographs displayed on easels.

Photographer-in-Residence Exhibit Unveiled During World Wetlands Day Event

Our World Wetlands Day and 70^th Anniversary kick-off celebration was a great success, with more than 450 people participating in a variety of activities, including the unveiling of our new Photographers-in-Residence exhibit.

In celebration of 70 years of conservation, three Photographers in Residence have shared their amazing Sanctuary photography to highlight this special place and the wildlife that calls it home. During the event, Sanctuary Director Keith Laakkonen introduced our 2024 photographers: Lisette Morales McCabe, a photographer, artist, and healing arts advocate; Zeida Cecilia-Mendez, an Emmy-winning TV and film director; and R J Wiley, a professional nature photographer whose work has been published in many publications including Audubon Magazine.

Check out their works in the Cypress Cafe!
Learn more about the photographers.

During the unveling, Photographer-in-Residence Zeida Cecilia-Mendez shares remarks as Sanctuary Director Keith Laakkonen looks on.

A trail camera image of an American Bittern at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Assists UConn with Migration Research

Each winter, eagle-eyed visitors on the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary boardwalk spot American Bitterns hidden amidst alligator flags and sawgrass. Because these secretive birds are considered a threatened species in Connecticut, scientists at the University of Connecticut are using modern technology to track their movements. Learn more about the research underway and how our research technician was able to help recover information about a bird that was tracked near Corkscrew Swamp.

A trail camera image of an American Bittern at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Photo montage of two women smiling for the camera

Welcome Seasonal Educators!

Mandi Ferris and Claire Gerdes are serving as outdoor educators at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for spring semester. Originally from Texas, Mandi worked for the College Station Independent School District as a staff member counselor where she led and supervised K-5 students while earning her B.S. in environmental studies at Texas A&M University. Claire has a degree in zoology and hails from St. Louis, where she previously worked at the St. Louis Zoo. Please help us welcome them to the flock!

Seasonal educators Mandi Ferris (left) and Claire Gerdes (right).

A trail camera photo of a deer.

March Member Lecture: Discoveries From Corkscrew's Trail Cameras

Audubon staff use camera traps for ongoing monitoring of mammal populations in the Sanctuary. With the help of interns and volunteers, staff conducted a study of the images from 2013 to 2019 to establish baseline data on mammals living within the Sanctuary. Over the course of six years, the cameras collected more than 930,000 photos, providing information on 18 species and their habitat preferences over time.

Hear what our staff is learning, and how this project is done, with Research Technician Alex Meinders during this special member lecture on March 1.

Click to register for the free program or become a member today.

White-tailed deer are commonly picked up by our trail cameras.

Scroll past the news for more information and events!

in the news graphic

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the News

Migrating Red Knot recorded by Motus station at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://bonitasprings.floridaweekly.com/articles/migrating-red-knot-recorded-by-motus-station-at-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/migrating-red-knot-recorded-by-motus-station-at-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
National Audubon Society installs Motus wildlife tracking stations in locations like Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary as part of its conservation science program.

Corkscrew SIGHTINGS: ‘Tis the season to enjoy nature at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://www.swspotlight.com/articles/community/corkscrew-sightings-tis-the-season-to-enjoy-nature-at-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
In every season, there’s no shortage of fun at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Alligators and crabs in paradise
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/12/28/lifestyle/alligators-crabs-paradise/?event=event12
https://nationalaudubon.box.com/s/if47gxkl4los42ak4mcowiohd50e13r9
In the afternoon, we visited the lush and beautiful 13,450-acre Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, walking the extensive boardwalks through grass and cypress swamps and the largest remaining, virgin bald cypress forest in the world (approximately 700 acres).

Celebrate birds on National Bird Day, World Wetlands Day
https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/celebrate-birds-on-national-bird-day-world-wetlands-day/
Did you know that many migrating species stop over or spend the winter at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, including Palm Warblers, Eastern Phoebes, and Northern Harriers, to name a few?

American Bittern from Connecticut tracked to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/american-bittern-from-connecticut-tracked-to-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
Each winter, eagle-eyed visitors on the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary boardwalk spot American Bitterns hidden amidst alligator flags and sawgrass.

Celebrate World Wetlands Day at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/celebrate-world-wetlands-day-at-audubons-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
https://theswfl100.com/celebrate-world-wetlands-day-and-70-years-of-conservation-at-audubons-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
Thanks to their efforts, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary now protects 13,000-plus acres in Southwest Florida as a haven for plants, animals and people.

Corkscrew SIGHTINGS: Celebrate 70 years of wetland conservation at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://www.swspotlight.com/articles/community/corkscrew-sightings-celebrate-70-years-of-wetland-conservation-at-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
Since the first 5,650 acres of land were set aside in 1954, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has grown to more than 13,000 acres and has become a leader in Southwest Florida conservation.

Events and Other News

Photo of t-shirt

Get Your 70th Anniversary Swag

Help us celebrate our 70^th Anniversary! Pick up a special-edition t-shirt, magnet, stickers, and more to commemorate our special occasion at the Nature Store. Also available online. Shop online.

70th Anniversary t-shirts are among the many items now available.

Three ducklings next to a pond.

Join our flock! We’re looking for another full-time seasonal outdoor educator as well as a center assistant to support the Blair Visitor Center operations and guest services. Learn more.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducklings. Photo: Alex Meinders

Photo of a songbird perched in a tree.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 12 | Corkscrew Night Tour
Feb. 13 | Early Birding Tour
Feb. 15 |Ancient Forest Tour
Feb. 20 | Early Birding Tour
Feb. 21 | Sunset Stroll
Feb. 26 | Corkscrew Night Tour
March 1 | Guided Forest Meditation
March 1 | Member Lecture: Discoveries from Corkscrew's Trail Cameras
March 6 | Corkscrew Night Tour
March 14 | National Learn About Butterflies Day

Registration is required for all programs. Find all events details here!

Yellow-rumped Warbler. Photo: Donald Sawin

Photo exhibit promo graphic

Photo Exhibit and Reception at the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch

The public is invited to enjoy our new 70^th Anniversary photography exhibit now on view at the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. At 3 p.m. Sanctuary Director Keith Laakkonen will share a retrospective of 70 years in conservation. Admission is free and light refreshments will be provided. Learn more about the museum.

The museum is located at 1215 Roberts Avenue West in Immokalee, Florida.

Donations and memberships provide crucial support for conservation work at the Sanctuary. From December 15 through April 30, the Blair Audubon Center and boardwalk are open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. with the last admission at 3 p.m. Online tickets are recommended at www.corkscrew.audubon.org/visit.

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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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