National Audubon Society

Monthly eNewsletter

People standing on the boardwalk surrounded by nature.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Voted "Best Nature and Wildlife Viewing"

In case you missed it, the readers of Gulfshore Life have selected their favorite things about living in paradise and we are a winner! The Best of the Gulfshore is an online, write-in ballot open for two months every year. We're excited to announce that Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was named “Best Nature and Wildlife Viewing” for Collier County. We’re not surprised.

Beat the heat this summer—immerse yourself. In addition to checking out our Early Birding Walks, Sunset Strolls, and Night Walks, watch the sun go down on the longest day of the year in June for Summer Solstice, relax and enjoy a shady rest along the boardwalk in July on Hammock Day (we provide the hammocks), or enjoy the full moon in August for our Moonlight on the Boardwalk event. These special events are free for members and offer discounted admission for all other participants. Want more good news? Florida residents can also enjoy discounted admission to the Sanctuary every day in August and September (driver’s license or other proof of Florida residence required).See our entire calendar of events.

People enjoying the serenity of the ancient cypress forest. Photo: Charlie McDonald Photography

A warbler in a bush.

Using Technology to Understand Habitat Connections

As part of a study of songbird migration, biologists from Georgetown University conducted research in Jamaica, applying nanotags to 115 birds on March 29, 2023. One of those birds, an American Redstart, passed through Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary on its migratory journey to northern breeding grounds in early May. We know this because our Motus Wildlife Tracking Station detected its nanotag. Want to know where it went from here?

Read our story.

American Redstart. Photo: Simon d'Entremont/Audubon Photography Awards

A hammock on the boardwalk.

Celebrating Latino Conservation Week on Hammock Day, July 21

Un guía de Corkscrew realizará la visita guiada el 21 de julio a las 10 de la mañana, ofreciendo a los visitantes una oportunidad única de experimentar las vistas y los sonidos del pantano, desde su bosque de cipreses y lagos de lechuga hasta su bosque de pinos y praderas abiertas. Se ofrecerá un tour en español a las 10:00 a.m. La visita guiada en nuestra pasadera tiene una duración de una hora. El registro está limitado a 12 participantes.

Registrate aquí.

Visita Guiada en El Día de Hamacas - el 21 de julio.

Scroll past the news for more information and events!

in the news graphic

Corkscrew SIGHTINGS: Drought Isn’t Helping Declining Number of American Bitterns
https://www.swspotlight.com/articles/community/corkscrew-sightings-drought-isnt-helping-declining-number-of-american-bitterns/
American bitterns are skillful stalkers of still waters. They breed in freshwater wetlands across northern North America and spend winters in Cuba, Mexico, and the southeastern U.S., including at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Corkscrew Watershed Science Forum Shines Spotlight on Wetland Health
https://bonitasprings.floridaweekly.com/articles/corkscrew-watershed-science-forum-shines-spotlight-on-wetland-health/
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary hosted the Corkscrew Watershed Science Forum on May 12. This annual event, started by Audubon staff in 2015, encourages scientists, engineers, land stewards, and others working in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) to share their work with colleagues, policy staff, decision makers, and volunteers.

75-plus Things to Do in June in Naples
https://www.naplesnews.com/story/entertainment/events/2023/05/30/75-things-to-do-in-june-in-naples-sw-fl-including-comedians-concerts/70247339007/
Guided tours at Aububon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: There's many ways to enjoy the outdoors this summer.

Naples, Florida: Your Summer 2023 Guide
https://ventsmagazine.com/2023/05/31/naples-florida-your-summer-2023-guide/
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary -- Visit the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a 13,000-acre preserve managed by the National Audubon Society. Here, you can walk the 2.5-mile boardwalk and see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, otters, and a plethora of bird species.

An airboat next to a lake

Thank You for Our New Airboat!

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s conservation team will add a new airboat to their fleet of specialized equipment in the coming months. The new boat is key to effectively stewarding the Sanctuary's 13,450 acres, serving as a critical tool for conducting prescribed fires in the summer months and for maintaining our restored wetlands. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we received—your generous gifts helped us meet the full matching fund and, in total, $82,000 was raised in one week thanks to our wonderful friends.

Our new airboat is being custom built to meet our needs.

View of wetland habitat.

Encouraging Collaboration for Regional Wetland Resilience

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary hosted the Corkscrew Watershed Science Forum on Friday, May 12, with more than 70 environmental professionals in attendance. This annual event, started by Audubon staff in 2015, engages scientists, engineers, land stewards, and others working in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) to share current projects, emerging science, land stewardship best practices, and to discuss any knowledge gaps. Along with scientific presentations, the event encouraged participants to share resources and discuss opportunities for future collaboration across the watershed. Topics included our marsh and prairie restoration, various wildlife monitoring programs, using drones to answer ecological questions, and much more.

Wetland habitat at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

A woman sitting at a desk.

Celebrating a Staff Milestone

We are fortunate to have had Mary Ann Summeralls on the team at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for 25 years. Needless to say, she has seen many changes on this campus from infrastructure to staff. Through the evolution, she’s been a steady part of the Visitor Center team. On most days, she works behind the scenes, doing various office tasks from e-commerce to reports. Her work is always timely and done with care. But after 25 years, Mary Ann knows how to do everything in the Visitor Center. On occasion, you might find her ringing up guests at the admissions desk, or behind the counter at the Nature Store, all with a smile and cheery conversation. Thank you, Mary Ann, for your hard work and dedication to the Sanctuary!

Events and Other News

A bird with a worm

Members are invited to come out to the Sanctuary on Saturdays in June and enjoy early access to the boardwalk beginning at 7 a.m. You may arrive anytime between 7 - 8 a.m. with an Early Morning Admission ticket.

Members are also invited to come for drinks and a bite to eat from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, for our members-only Summer Swamp Social! This free and exclusive social hour will take place prior to our Moonlight on the Boardwalk Event (separate registration required) with doors opening to the public at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an hour of relaxing jazz music and conversation prior to heading out on the boardwalk to see the full moon. Parents/caregivers are welcome to take a break and register their children (ages 4 to 12) in our "Stay and Play" room for fun, nature-themed activities with our education staff. Register for the Summer Swamp Social

Members Still Enjoy Early Access Days in June

a barred owl in a tree

Upcoming Events

Check out these upcoming tours and events!

Members Early Admission Day | June 17
Summer Solstice Evening | June 21
Members Early Admission Day | June 24
Butterfly ID Workshop and Field Excursion | June 26
Early Birding Tour | June 27
Sunset Stroll | June 28
Night Tour | July 3
Guided Forest Bathing Meditation | July 7
Sunset Stroll | July 10
Early Birding Tour | July 11
NABA Butterfly Count | July 12
Night Tour | July 17
Hammock Day | July 21 View our Calendar of Events.

Barred Owl. Photo: Arnie Collens

Collage of summer camp images

Get Ready for a Summer to Remember!

There is still time to register! Campers will explore the magic of the Sanctuary’s ancient forest and animals through fun and exciting activities that integrate science, arts and crafts, sports, water play, and more. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with four different weekly themes. Sign up for one week or four! Space is still available for the following weeks: June 26, July 3, July 10, and July 17. Enroll today!

Wild Florida Adventure Camp

A bride and groom on the boardwalk

The Perfect Place to Say “I Do”

Celebrate your special day in nature. We’re currently offering three outdoor locations as well as the Blair Visitor Center for weddings, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and remembrance ceremonies. Members enjoy a 10% discount. Read more.

Bride and groom on the boardwalk. Photo: Love Letters Co.

Donations and memberships provide crucial support for conservation work at the Sanctuary. The Blair Audubon Center and boardwalk are open daily with timed admissions from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Online tickets are required 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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