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With the holiday season upon us, we hope you’ll keep Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary top of mind when making your plans, whether it be for a quiet escape from the holiday hustle and bustle, a unique gift for someone special, or something fun to do with visiting friends and family. We’re open daily, including Thanksgiving Day, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the last admission at 1 p.m.

Starting Dec. 16, the Cypress Café reopens and our hours extend to 5 p.m. with the last admission at 3 p.m. Getting tickets in advance is recommended:
https://corkscrew.audubon.org/visit/.  
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary eNewsletter
Photo shows an admissions desk with purple signs overhead announcing admissions information
Sanctuary Launches First Phase of New Visitor Experience
Earlier this month, exhibit contractors installed a new suite of signs around campus. Sanctuary visitors will notice a new logo and lettering on the front of the Blair Visitor Center, colorful directional signs, and new exhibits inside the Center. The new exhibits orient visitors to the Sanctuary’s location within the Greater Everglades watershed, identify the species of birds that visitors might see at the bird feeders, explain the main habitats found along the boardwalk, and outline the important conservation work underway across the 13,000-acre Sanctuary.

Visitors will also encounter more than 50 eye-catching, interpretive signs along the 2.25-mile boardwalk, featuring amazing vistas, cool wildlife, and Sanctuary history. There’s more to come! Additional Phase I improvements are still underway.
 Read more and see photos.
Visitors will encounter brightly colored admissions signs and exhibits inside the Blair Visitor Center, around campus, and along the boardwalk. Photo: Renee Wilson/Audubon Florida
Two photos depict Audubon leadership and award winners holding their plaques
Congratulations to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Volunteers, Supporters for Conservation Awards
Audubon Florida would not be able to deliver much-needed conservation results for our state without the generous support of donors and volunteers. At the annual Audubon Assembly held earlier this month in Daytona Beach, we were thrilled to see two “power couples” from Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary recognized. Steve and Merrilee Nellis received the distinguished Philanthropist of the Year award, while Lynn and Harry Etters were named Volunteers of the Year.
(L) Audubon Florida's Julie Wraithmell and National Audubon Society's Marshall Johnson with Lynn and Harry Etters. (R) Johnson and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Director Keith Laakkonen with Steve Nellis (center). Photos: Renee Wilson/Audubon Florida
Graphic promoting the Holiday Market
Don’t Miss Our Holiday Market and 70th Anniversary Celebration on Dec. 8!
All are invited to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s festive Holiday Market and 70th Anniversary Celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 8. This is the perfect event to do some holiday shopping at the Nature Store, where you can find unique, nature-inspired gifts while sipping on refreshments and meeting local vendors.

We’re offering unique activities for the entire family, including crafts and face painting for kids, guided tours, special Sanctuary “sleigh rides” in the backcountry (separate tickets required), and more! All activities (except the “sleigh rides”) are included with Sanctuary admission. Find the entire event schedule and get admission tickets here.

Also happening on December 8 is the third installment of our Happiness in Nature Workshop series, inviting guests to join facilitator Maria Felipe for a transformative experience focused on cultivating happiness while taking in the sights and sounds of the magical landscape along the boardwalk. Get tickets for this workshop.
Photo of a small wading bird perched on a branch.
October Rainfall and Water Levels
Four inches of rainfall recorded in the days leading up to Hurricane Milton's landfall kept water levels in the Sanctuary higher than average. By the end of October, staff continued to observe high water levels in our natural areas. While water levels should begin to drop as we get further into the dry season, aquatic prey, such as small fish and tadpoles, remain spread out in the environment.
A Green Heron hunting near the wet prairie. Photo: Arnie Collens

Scroll past the news for more information and events!

in the news graphic
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the News
Corkscrew SIGHTINGS: Bike Tours, Market, and More Dot Corkscrew Calendar
https://www.swspotlight.com/articles/community/corkscrew-sightings-bike-tours-market-and-more-dot-corkscrew-calendar/
This fall, the popular BYO Bike Tours are back on the schedule for visitors to see part of the sanctuary back country on an off-road wilderness and eco-friendly adventure with naturalists. This three-hour, eight-mile tour over gravel and dirt paths enable views of different habitats found in the 13,000-plus acre preserve, with stops along the way to observe wildlife and learn about the Corkscrew watershed, land management practices, and local history of the area.

26th Panther Death of the Year Raises Development Concerns
https://www.nbc-2.com/article/26th-panther-death-of-the-year-raises-development-concerns/62766194
A map by Dr. Dan Smith of the University of Florida shows how these animals move through the region — from Bird Rookery Swamp in the west, through Horse Pen Strand in Golden Gate Estates, and into the CREW and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to the north and east.

11 Gulf Coast Towns with Amazing Weather Year-Round
https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/11-gulf-coast-towns-with-amazing-weather-year-round.html
With mellowed weather, some outdoor attractions even extend their hours in the winter, like Naples’ Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
 
Screenshot of a video showing water and trees
New Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Video Airs on Local PBS Station
In late September, viewers of WGCU-TV, the local PBS network for Southwest Florida, may have noticed this 30-second segment about Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Produced with grant funds, the video showcases beautiful Sanctuary scenery and explains how we can work together to protect the quality of life in Southwest Florida for wildlife and people.
A young woman standing next to a wooden handrail with a forest behind her
Welcome Carly!
We are excited to welcome Carly Guido as our seasonal outdoor educator. Carly leads school field trips, provides youth programming for events, and assists with public programs and admissions. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Carly received her degree in Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies and has experience working as a restoration technician, outdoor schoolteacher, public environmental educator, and herbarium worker.

“I am thrilled to explore the Sanctuary and share its wonder with others,” says Carly.
Carly Guido is our seasonal outdoor educator.
Events and Other News
Photo of sunrise on the boardwalk.
Member Corner
Did you know? Corkscrew members enjoy early access to the Sanctuary on select days each month starting November 27! Members may arrive any time between 7 and 8 a.m. with a Member-Only Early Morning Admission ticket. Learn more and see the list of early-admission dates here. 

Also, members can start participating in the Sanctuary Striders Walking Club twice each month from January through April. Members will walk different routes along the boardwalk (including areas that are closed to the public). Find out more about the walking club here.
  Not a member? Join today!
The boardwalk just after sunrise.
A white and blue bird wading in still water
Upcoming Events
BYO Backcountry Bike Tour: Nov. 23, Dec. 20, Jan. 11
Early Birding Tour: Nov 26; Dec. 3, 10; Jan 7
Explore Corkscrew’s Pine Flatwoods Tour: Nov. 27
Early Morning Admission for Members: Nov. 27, Dec. 18, Jan. 4
Corkscrew Night Tour: Dec. 4, 9; Jan. 8, 13
Guided Forest Meditation: Dec. 6, Jan. 3
Holiday Market and 70th Anniversary, “Sleigh” Rides: Dec. 8
Happiness Workshop: Dec. 8
Guided Swamp Walk: Jan. 4
Sunset Stroll: Jan. 15
  Find our entire programs and events listing here.
Little Blue Heron. Photo: Kata Gaspar
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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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