Did you know that one of the premier Audubon sanctuaries lies right here in Collier County, northeast of Naples?
If you’ve never visited - or if it’s been a while - you’ll want to make a stop at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary this year, as the facility celebrates its 60th birthday.
First, a little history. The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was dedicated in 1954, the result of passionate efforts to rescue the Corkscrew Swamp from decimation by logging. By December 15, 1954, 2880 acres were set aside as an Audubon Sanctuary, preserved for the enjoyment of residents, visitors, and native wildlife.
Today, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary spans 13,000 acres and is a center of conservation and environmental education. Your visit immerse you in an outdoor classroom - check out the schedule of guided tours, naturalist-led activities, and even full moon photography walks…or explore on your own.
Pack your binoculars and a camera, and head east on Immokalee Road. Not too far past the Collier County Fairgrounds, you’ll take a left on Sanctuary Road which takes you to the Sanctuary property.
As you arrive, you’ll enter through the Blair Audubon Center. Check out the artwork and displays - and remember to stop in the Nature Store before you leave. Through this month, you can view a special exhibit of woodcuts by artist Gordon Hartshorne. FYI the Center is solar powered and environmentally friendly. Snacks and drinks are available if you’d like.
Head out onto the boardwalk to begin your 2 1/4 mile walk. At the start of the boardwalk, check out the signboard and see what varieties of birds and wildlife have been spotted the day of your visit. That list might include species common to the area, migratory birds that have come south for winter, as well as protected varieties. As you walk, you’ll notice the hushed silence as other visitors immerse themselves in the surroundings.
The boardwalk wanders through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, marshland, and the largest bald cypress forest in America. The forest is home to hundreds of alligators, otters, white-tailed deer and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors can be seen throughout the year. Photo opportunities are available at every turn of the boardwalk trail. One favorite spot is found early on the trail, where you can wait for a glimpse of rare painted buntings zooming in for feedings. Later, you can try your hand at gator watching, spot bald eagles overhead, or watch for wood storks during nesting season.
And no need to worry about mosquito repellant; the naturally occurring mosquito fish takes care of that. Benches and covered shelters offer spots to rest along the way.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a great half-day trip from Naples. Pick up breakfast at Skillets or Mel’s Diner….head out to the Sanctuary….and you can be back in town for a late lunch. Or come later in the day, and capture a fall sunset through the cypress leaves. A trip to the Sanctuary lets you step into another world - the natural world of beautiful Southwest Florida.
