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Florida residents enjoy half-price admission in August and September! The Blair Visitor Center and boardwalk will be CLOSED for cleaning and repairs from August 19-30, 2024. We recommend reserving tickets online to avoid closure dates. Admission for Corkscrew members is always free!
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary eNewsletter
Photo of white blossoms on the side of a tree.
Exciting News: The "Super" Ghost Orchid is Ready to Bloom Again!
The first bloom of the 2024 season lasted only a few weeks, from June 21 through July 11, but our orchid has recently produced four new buds! We anticipate the first one will open in the next day or two, just in time for our New Moon on the Boardwalk event on August 4.

Don’t miss this fantastic evening on the boardwalk as dusk turns to night during the new moon, with various activities for all ages. Enjoy story time, a touch table, a moth station, a nighttime sound identification activity and mini-boardwalk tour, spotting scopes aimed at the night sky, and a special workshop with R J Wiley, our “master of the ghost orchid capture,” who will share tips on his work to photo-document our special orchid over the past decade. PLUS, event participants who say “new moon” at the Nature Store cash register will enjoy a 10% discount on all t-shirts! We also carry many ghost orchid-themed gifts and souvenirs. 

NOTE: We are keeping an eye on the weather. Should we need to cancel our event due to severe weather, we will reschedule and refund any tickets that have been purchased. Get tickets.
The "Super" ghost orchid on July 29 had four new buds. Photo: R J Wiley
Promotional graphic includes color photos of two men standing in wetlands and a black and white photo of three men in front of dead birds on a wall.
Join Us on August 7: From Plumes to Protection
From Plumes to Protection: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary at the Heart of Bird Conservation will feature a visually stunning journey through Audubon’s 125-year history in Florida and the legacy of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Hear from Keith Laakkonen, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary director, and Paul Gray, PhD, Everglades science coordinator, who will jointly share a look back at the plume trade, the origins of Audubon in Florida, the modern conservation movement that led to the establishment of Corkscrew Swamp as a National Audubon Society sanctuary, and a vision for the future.
Four people standing in a swamp looking into the trees
Protecting the Ghost Orchids of Collier County
Since it was discovered in July 2007, the "Super" ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has been in the international spotlight every summer. On July 10, researchers and admirers gathered for a Ghost Orchid Symposium at the University of Florida’s IFAS office in Collier County. Eleven presentations covered the special conditions they need, the scent of their nectar, their international significance, current population estimates, and work underway to study and preserve these special plants for future generations. The symposium concluded with a presentation by Sanctuary Director Keith Laakkonen.
Scientists during a recent epiphyte survey at the Sanctuary. Photo: Renee Wilson/Audubon Florida

Scroll past the news for more information and events!

in the news graphic
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the News - July
Enjoy the New Moon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://www.naplesnews.com/story/entertainment/events/2024/07/31/what-to-do-in-naples-this-weekend-includes-moody-blues-john-lodge/74527259007/
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is getting ready for a special event on Aug. 4 with “New Moon on the Boardwalk.”

Meteor Shower and New Moon Gazing at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://fortmyers.floridaweekly.com/articles/meteor-shower-and-new-moon-gazing-at-audubons-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/
Catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Perseid meteor shower at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s special event, New Moon on the Boardwalk, on Sunday, Aug. 4 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Corkscrew SIGHTINGS: Tricolored Heron Sports More Than Three Colors
https://www.swspotlight.com/articles/community/corkscrew-sightings-tricolored-heron-sports-more-than-three-colors/
The Audubon Florida state office, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and Florida’s 45 chapters work with other partners and local, state, and federal decision-makers to build widespread support for this effort.
 
Super Ghost Orchid Blooming at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

https://www.coastalbreezenews.com/lifestyles/environment/super-ghost-orchid-blooming-at-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/article_c9aac21a-33d0-11ef-bc1b-3782dd2b72b7.html
The “Super” ghost orchid at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is now blooming. Ghost orchids (Dendrophylax lindenii) are rare flowering plants that rely on extremely sensitive, wetland habitats, and are only known to live in South Florida and Cuba.

Stunning "Super" Ghost Orchid Blooms Again at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
https://www.news-press.com/story/news/2024/07/06/super-ghost-orchid-in-bloom-at-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary-in-collier/74285420007/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/stunning-super-ghost-orchid-blooms-again-at-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/ar-BB1pvv0d
The famous "super" ghost orchid at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is in bloom with four blossoms, as seen in these photos taken Tuesday, July 2.
 
Corkscrew Sanctuary's 'Super' Ghost Orchid Putting On a Show
https://news.wgcu.org/top-story/2024-07-10/corkscrew-sanctuarys-super-ghost-orchid-putting-on-a-show
The ghost orchid is in multiple full bloom at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary with it's budding and blossoming action beginning on June 21 and a fourth bud opening on June 29.

Elusive Flora
https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/elusive-flora/
The first buds on the plant, dubbed the “super ghost,” opened June 22 at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples.
 
A man holding a camera standing in front of an airplane
Audubon Takes to the Skies for Wading Bird Protection
It’s early on a chilly Tuesday in February as Audubon Biologist Jacob Zetzer bundles up and readies for his day: If the weather cooperates, he will be looking down on the treetop nests of Wood Storks and other wading birds at three known nesting sites in wetlands around Southwest Florida. Audubon biologists add new tools to their toolbox whenever possible to better understand how a changing climate and development affect birds across the Sunshine State. The data they collect is critical for informing common-sense policy solutions to protect vulnerable birds, like Wood Storks and Roseate Spoonbills, now and into the future.
Audubon biologist Jacob Zetzer at the airport after a Wood Stork survey. Photo: Christine Lin/Audubon
A woman in front of a large open-air vehicle full of summer campers.
Wild Florida Adventure Camp 2024 Was a Resounding Success!
Children aged 6 to 12 learned life-long skills and an appreciation for Southwest Florida flora and fauna as part of our Wild Florida Adventure Camp this summer. Each week culminated in a backcountry tour on a swamp buggy. One camper’s comment during the swamp buggy tour was: “This is the best day EVER!” Parents also had a chance to join in on the fun on a night hike. Feedback from parents and campers was overwhelmingly positive and many plan to return next year. Parent comments included:
  • “This is just a phenomenal camp. My kids love the uniqueness of the camp. It’s worth the drive every day knowing that, not only are they learning about Florida wildlife, but also social skills and character traits.”
  • “This was a wonderful camp, and my child looks forward to doing another camp next year.”
  • “The counselor was so amazing in helping my child grow and learn in such a short amount of time.”
Education Manager Heather Gienapp driving the swamp buggy with staff Claire Turner and Pat Faehnle and summer campers.
Events and Other News
Screenshot showing aerial view of white pelicans in a wetland with words over the top.
New Video Celebrates 70 Years of Wetland Conservation at the Sanctuary
A new, three-minute video narrated by Sanctuary Director Keith Laakkonen showcases Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary's beauty and the work of Audubon staff as they protect our conservation legacy now and into the future. Watch the video.
Screenshot of YouTube video.
Graphic shows a family on the boardwalk with event promotion details.
Free Admission Day in Honor of Latino Conservation Week
Celebrate Latino Conservation Week with free admission on Saturday, September 21. Mexican frozen treats and other food and drink items will be available for purchase in the Blair Visitor Center. When you reserve your tickets, choose September 21 and your desired time, then click “check-out” to see the 100% discount applied to your order.  Get tickets.
Save the date for a free day on September 21!
People enjoying food at a table
Member Corner
There’s still time for members to register for our annual, members-only Summer Swamp Social from 5 to 6 p.m. on August 4, before the New Moon on the Boardwalk event. Enjoy upbeat music, yummy food, and drinks. Plus! Receive a free copy of Audubon Florida's State of the Everglades report, hear from Sanctuary Director Keith Laakkonen, and mix and mingle with other like-minded folks who move our conservation mission forward. Register for the Swamp Social.

Members continue to enjoy early access to the boardwalk in August. Reserve your early-morning admission tickets for August 6 and August 15 today!  Not a member? Join today.
Members enjoying the Summer Swamp Social in 2023. Photo: Kathy Shepard/Audubon Florida
Two ducks in a tree
Upcoming Events
Guided Programs
Early Birding Tour | Aug. 6, 27; Sept. 24
Family Sunset Stroll | Aug 7
Corkscrew Night Tour | Aug. 12, 26; Sept. 16
Sunset Stroll | Aug. 14, Sept. 23

Special Events
New Moon on the Boardwalk | Aug. 4
Latino Conservation Week Free Day | Sept. 21

Pre-registration for guided programs is required. See the full calendar and register for programs and events here.

Florida Master Naturalist Program – Freshwater Wetlands Core Module (a 40-hour certification course) | Oct. 28, 30; Nov. 1, 4, 8, 13, 21
Space is limited. Find all details and registration at the University of Florida FMNP website.
 
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. Photo: Kata Gaspar
DONATE
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
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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