National Audubon Society

The Blair Visitor Center opens at 8 a.m. daily. From May 1 through Dec. 15, we close at 3 p.m. with the last admission at 1 p.m. From Dec. 16 through April 30, we're open until 5 p.m. (last admission at 3 p.m.) Members enjoy free admission all year.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary eNewsletter

Collage showing leafy debris on the boardwalk, people cleaning up, and high water.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Avoided Major Damage During Recent Storms

Over the past three weeks, two major hurricanes—Helene on Sept. 26 and Milton on Oct. 10— passed by Southwest Florida. While their effects were felt in coastal communities nearby, the Sanctuary and most inland communities were spared the worst effects. Neither storm delivered as much rainfall to our area as in other parts of Florida, but many branches came down and leafy debris was scattered across the boardwalk. Staff rescued hundreds of bromeliads and orchids for relocation to nearby trees before the sweeping teams got started.

Our hearts go out to all who were affected by these monster storms. With several weeks before the official end of hurricane season and more storms on the horizon, we remain vigilant.

The Blair Visitor Center and boardwalk were closed temporarily during and following both storms, when staff and volunteers came together to clean up the debris.

A log in the water with several baby alligators on top.

September Rainfall Keeps Water Levels High

On September 26, Hurricane Helene brought three inches of rain, contributing to the 11 total inches recorded at the Sanctuary last month. This was nearly three more inches than the September average, continuing the above-average rainfall trend since June. Despite this, water levels dropped significantly at the end of the month, likely the result of water management efforts to reduce anticipated flooding. Water levels remain within our anticipated range, maintaining conditions for fish and other aquatic life to reproduce across our natural areas.

See graphs and more information about rainfall and water levels at the Sanctuary.

Staff spotted these baby American alligators sunning on a log. Their mother was nearby.

Collage showing two photos of young women, each holding an insect.

New Conservation Assistants Hit the Ground Running

Two seasonal conservation assistants, Madison Lutes and Kaylie Beale, joined the team in September and are already hard at work supporting our research staff. Their main focus is assisting with field and office activities associated with the Sanctuary’s Western Everglades Research Center and its science-based land stewardship program.

Here through February, these staff members will assist with monitoring of plants, aquatic fauna (fish, insects, and amphibians), reptiles, mammals, and wading birds, including Wood Stork nest surveys. They will also receive training to serve as members of the Sanctuary’s prescribed fire team, with fire season beginning in December.

Read more about the new staff members.

Madison Lutes (left) and Kaylie Beale (right) started working at the Sanctuary in September as seasonal conservation assistants.

A young woman in field gear walking on a hill carrying a small reptile.

Catching-up with Ayanna Browne, Former Intern

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has hosted dozens of interns in its education and conservation programs, with more than 35 students or graduate students engaged since 2013. This year, we were excited to hear from Ayanna Browne, a 2019 conservation intern.

Browne is currently pursuing her master's in integrative biology at San Francisco State University. She conducts research to assess the diversity of small lizards in the U.S. Virgin Islands where she grew up.

“Corkscrew was definitely by far the most beautiful site I've worked on,” she says.

Read more about Ayanna's work in the conservation field.

Ayanna holds a lizard on Pinel Island, off the coast of St. Martin.

Scroll past the news for more information and events!

in the news graphic

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the News

A Stopover Point
https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/a-stopover-point/
Jorge Velásquez, science director for Audubon Americas, oversees a research team in Cali, Colombia, that has been studying lesser yellowlegs since 2022… A Motus station in Missouri tracked this very bird on May 16, 2024, before it continued north to its breeding grounds where Motus coverage is lacking. Shortly after midnight on Aug. 2, it reappeared, flying past two Motus stations near Des Moines, Iowa, already on its southbound journey. Later that day, it passed near stations in Kentucky, Tennessee and South Carolina. On Aug. 4, the bird was recorded by the station at the Sanctuary.

The boardwalk at night with moon rising and people in the distance

Join Us for Moonlight on the Boardwalk TONIGHT!

Join us for a fantastic evening on the boardwalk as dusk turns to night during the full moon. Because it is a supermoon, the moon will appear larger and brighter. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., guests will enjoy a variety of activities, including a children's nighttime sound identification activity, boardwalk mini-tour, touch table, children’s story time about nocturnal animals, a moth station, and spotting scopes in the wet prairie for wildlife and night sky viewing.

Discounted admissions are $8/adult, $3 for children, and free for Corkscrew members and children ages 5 and under. Plus: Say “moonlight” at the register to get a 10% discount on all t-shirt purchases.

Get your ticket today.

Two women walking on a boardwalk through the forest.

We’re also excited to announce the Sanctuary Striders walking club so that members can enjoy the health benefits associated with spending time in nature. Twice each month, members will walk different routes along the boardwalk (including areas that are closed to the public) with a staff member from January through April. Enjoy meeting other conservation supporters and witness together how the landscape changes across the season. More details about the Sanctuary Striders walking club will be released in the coming months.

Members enjoy many benefits including discounts, exclusive events, and unlimited visits to the boardwalk year-round. We look forward to hosting members for a sold-out Swamp Social before our Moonlight on the Boardwalk event tonight to enjoy music, food, complimentary drinks, and more.

Become a member.

Spending time in nature has many benefits. Photo: David Korte

A group of smiling children standing with their arms outstretched

NEW! Let Us Host Your Child's Birthday Party

Celebrate your child’s birthday with a fun and interactive adventure at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary! There are 6 different guided programs to choose from for the birthday child. Themes and package details are available upon request. A minimum of 2 weeks' notice is required. Dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Weekdays may be considered if available.

Email Heather Gienapp for details and to reserve your date.

Events and Other News

Holiday ornament on a tree.

Save the Date for Our Holiday Market December 8

Join us to celebrate Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s 70th anniversary and our festive Holiday Market. Plan your holiday shopping at the Nature Store to find unique, nature-inspired gifts while sipping on refreshments and meeting local vendors. We’ll also feature activities for the entire family, including a contest for kids, special Sanctuary “sleigh rides” in the back country, and more! Regular admission applies.

Save the date for the holiday market, December 8.

Photo of a caged bird feeder with brightly-colored birds on it.

We’re Hiring!

If you’re local and love birds, the National Audubon Society is hiring three positions at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: a membership and admissions assistant, a seasonal cafe cook and attendant, and a seasonal visitor center assistant. Share the word with anyone you may know. See all jobs and apply here.

Painted Buntings on the bird feeder behind the Blair Visitor Center. Photo: Sydney Walsh/Audubon Florida

A woman wearing a uniform directing students outdoors

Volunteers Needed!

We are looking for volunteers to serve as environmental educators and assist with science programs for grades 2, 5, and 7. Programs are based on the state learning standards and designed to be easy to implement. Prior teaching experience is not required. Read more and apply.

Volunteers provide critical assistance with ongoing educational programming. Photo: Mike Fernandez/Audubon

A white wading bird with a black background

Audubon Assembly Nov. 7-9

Audubon members, partners, and newcomers are invited to participate in our annual conservation event, Audubon Assembly, November 7-9 in Daytona Beach! Participate in field trips with regional experts and mingle with like-minded folks as you attend skill-building sessions to learn how to make a difference in your community. Read more and register today!

Great Egret. Photo: Bonnie Masdeu/Audubon Photography Awards

We offer guided programs year-round, including early birding tours, sunset strolls, BYO back-country bike tours, and more!

Online registration for guided programs is required at corkscrew.audubon.org/events.

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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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