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NOTICE: The Blair Visitor Center and boardwalk will be CLOSED for cleaning and repairs from August 19-30, 2024. We recommend purchasing tickets online to avoid closure dates.
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary eNewsletter
A raccoon and wading birds forage in the swamp.
Sanctuary Provides Refuge for Wildlife and People to Escape the Heat
Air temperatures around the state hit record highs over the past week, making our boardwalk a cooler alternative to other outdoor activities. As we wait for the rainy season to begin, the animals forage in shrinking pools of water and stay in the shade as much as possible. Our advice for human visitors is to stay hydrated. Please, bring a reusable water bottle to fill at one of our fountains, or purchase water in the nature store before you head out.
Wildlife at the Lettuce Lake. Photo: Bali Vigh
Two people walking through a prairie with trees nearby
Corkscrew Watershed Science Forum
Nearly 100 environmental professionals from across Southwest Florida attended the 2024 Corkscrew Watershed Science Forum on May 10. Held this year at the University of Florida/IFAS office in Collier County, the event included presentations by scientists and conservation professionals with three presentations by Audubon staff on Wood Storks, restoration monitoring, and smart growth. The forum also showcased research projects from around the region, covering wide-ranging topics from the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan to lichens, mosquito control to Snail Kites. Many projects presented had both a local focus and far-reaching impacts, sharing lessons learned, best practices, and resourceful information for all who work or live in the watershed.
Restoration monitoring at the Sanctuary. Photo: Allyson Webb/Audubon Florida
A baby alligator surrounded by aquatic vegetation.
Water Level Update May 2024
Audubon staff have recorded rainfall and water level data at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for more than 60 years. This year, we had above-average rainfall through the winter, which kept our water levels above the usual expected range and extended the timeframe when water pooled on the landscape. Interestingly, the total rainfall recorded for the entire year was about 13 inches less than the average over the past 20 years.
A baby American alligator. Photo: Kata Gáspár
Aerial photo of islands with white birds nesting in the treetops
Wood Stork Nesting Update - May 2024
Biologist Jacob Zetzer conducted the sixth Wood Stork survey flight of the 2024 nesting season on May 7, 2024. Lenore Island in the Caloosahatchee River and BC-29 (west of SR-29, north of Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge) exhibited the only Wood Stork nesting activity out of the three colony sites in Southwest Florida that have been active in recent years. Staff plan to survey the colonies one more time this season.
Wood Storks and other wading birds nesting at the Lenore Island colony in the Calooshatchee River. Photo: Jacob Zetzer/Audubon Florida

Scroll past the news for more information and events!

in the news graphic
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the News
Counting Birds for a Cause
https://fortmyers.floridaweekly.com/articles/counting-birds-for-a-cause/
https://palmbeach.floridaweekly.com/articles/all-about-the-birds/
https://bonitasprings.floridaweekly.com/articles/counting-birds-for-a-cause/
Whether you’re a bird lover or a fledgling bird enthusiast, Audubon Florida has an opportunity for you to look and learn more about some of the more than 500 species of birds that live here full-time or move through with the seasons.

Scientists Surveying Orchids, Epiphytes at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/scientists-surveying-orchids-epiphytes-at-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/ In 1954, the National Audubon Society took ownership of an ancient bald cypress forest at Corkscrew Swamp that the local community wanted to save from logging. Today, the Sanctuary protects much more than trees. Within the canopy of these 500-year-old giants exists a plant community like no other.

Corkscrew SIGHTINGS: Prescribed Fires Have a Reason for Being
https://www.swspotlight.com/articles/community/corkscrew-sightings-prescribed-fires-have-a-reason-for-being/
Of the more than 13,000 acres within Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, our goal is to burn roughly 1,500 acres of fire-dependent habitat each year.

See Seven Captivating Images from Photographer Mac Stone’s New Book for the Everglades Foundation
https://gardenandgun.com/feature/see-seven-captivating-images-from-photographer-mac-stones-new-book-for-the-everglades-foundation/
Here, deep in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, this endangered Florida panther—one of just two hundred that still roam the sloughs and uplands of the Everglades—walks along a game trail at night, the shadows of Virginia chain ferns dappling its coat.

Corkscrew SIGHTINGS: It’s Nesting Season Along the Boardwalk
https://www.swspotlight.com/articles/community/corkscrew-sightings-its-nesting-season-along-the-boardwalk/
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is revered for the beautiful wading birds that the National Audubon Society first protected from plume hunters over a century ago. While herons and egrets typically gather in large numbers near the boardwalk to feed on fish concentrating in the shallow waters each spring, visitors can enjoy seeing birds of many other species year-round. In fact, some birds make their nests right along the boardwalk, providing glimpses into their daily lives.

Bucket List: 5 Things to Do in Naples Includes Cars, Creatures, Nature, Art, More
https://www.naplesnews.com/story/entertainment/events/2024/05/03/bucket-list-of-things-to-do-in-naples-includes-revs-baker-museum/73529202007/
It's an exotic place so venture out to savor the swamps, mangroves and more while visiting Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Fakahatchee Strand State Park and Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.
A boardwalk through a forest at sunset
Enjoy Sunset, Yoga, and More on Summer Solstice, June 20
Celebrate Summer Solstice at the Sanctuary with an evening of wellness and nature-based activities from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 20 – see our updated schedule below:

5 - 7 p.m. | Nature journaling workshop ($12 / $6 for members)
7 - 8:30 p.m. | Yoga Flow and Meditative Walk ($15 / $10 for members)
8:21 p.m. | Sunset watching
Ongoing | Hammocks set up for relaxing along the boardwalk and interpretive table on nocturnal animals

Registration for nature journaling and yoga is separate and includes admission to the event.

Discounted admission is $8 for adults, $4 for kids, and free for ages 5 and under and members. Plus, enjoy 10% off all purchases in the Nature Store! Get tickets.
 
Photo: R J Wiley, photographer in residence.
Programs and Events
Room where people dressed in bright colors are seated at tables.
Let Us Host Your Upcoming Special Event
We were pleased to host a wedding reception last week for a Naples couple, originally from Senegal. Following their traditional ceremony offsite, they celebrated their special day at the Blair Visitor Center with Senegalese food and music.

We offer venue spaces for many types of ceremonies and receptions.  Email us for prices and information.
Wedding reception hosted at the Sanctuary.
Campers enjoying crafts indoors
Join Us for Summer Camp
We still have a few spots left in our summer camp! Campers will enjoy our exciting nature-based camp for children ages 6-12 years, with a different theme each week. Campers will discover the ancient forest and animals in the Sanctuary and along the boardwalk through activities that integrate science, arts and crafts, sports, water play, and more. Learn more and sign up today!
Summer campers enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
People walking on a boardwalk through a forest
Announcing Early Morning Admission for Members, Only
The early bird catches the worm!

Corkscrew members are invited to enjoy early access to the boardwalk beginning at 7 a.m. on any of the following dates: 

July 2, July 11, July 30, August 6, and August 15.

Members may arrive any time between 7 and 8 a.m. with an Early Morning Admission ticket. Reserve member tickets.
Members can enjoy early access starting at 7 a.m. several days this summer. Photo: Sydney Walsh/Audubon
A white wading bird standing in shallow water.
Upcoming Events
Guided Forest Meditation | June 7 | July 5
Corkscrew Night Tour | June 10 | June 17 | June 24 | July 1
Early Birding Tour | June 11 | June 25 | July 11
Ancient Forest Tour | June 13 | June 27 
Corkscrew Butterfly Identification Workshop and Field Excursion | June 18
Summer Solstice with Yoga, Journaling | June 20
Family Sunset Stroll | July 3
Sunset Stroll | July 24 

Registration is required for all programs.   Find the entire schedule here.
Snowy Egret. Photo: Linda Jansen
DONATE
Donations and memberships provide crucial support for conservation work at the Sanctuary. We're open daily at 8 a.m.! From December 16 through April 30 the last admission is at 3 p.m. and in summer the last admission is at 1 p.m. Online tickets are recommended at www.corkscrew.audubon.org/visit
CONNECT WITH US
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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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