A wetland with wading birds and tall palm trees in the background.

About Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

51猎奇入口's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary serves as a gateway to the Western Everglades ecosystem.
Wading birds foraging in a wetland at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Photo: Mike Fernandez/51猎奇入口
1954
Year Established
13,000
Acres Protected
700
Acres of Old-Growth Bald Cypress Forest

Discover the rugged beauty of this natural area on the sanctuary's famous boardwalk鈥攁 2.25-mile adventure through an enchanting wilderness and the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America.

Located about 30 minutes northeast of Naples, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to alligators, otters, white-tailed deer, and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors can be seen throughout the year, while the fabulous Painted Bunting is one of many winter visitors.

In addition to being listed as a Ramsar Convention Wetland of International Importance, the Sanctuary is recognized as a Wetland of Distinction by the Society of Wetland Scientists and is a National Natural Landmark. The wetlands here filter water as it slowly flows across the land, refilling local aquifers, improving resilience against catastrophic wildfires, and improving water quality for the estuaries and beaches along the coastlines of Naples and Bonita Springs. 

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was established in 1954. Learn more about our legacy in our 

Our mission is to preserve Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and support the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems throughout the Western Everglades. We use science-driven land management and education to protect birds, other wildlife, and people.

A large green leaf with a frog on it
Visit

The Blair Visitor Center offers exhibits, bird-friendly gardens, and access to our iconic 2.25-mile boardwalk. 

Visit Us!
Meet Our Leadership Team

Keith Laakkonen

Sanctuary Director

Shawn Clem, PhD

Director of Conservation

Gio D'Archiardi

Facilities Manager

Meet Our Sustainability Board

Keith Laakkonen

Sanctuary Director

Steve Nellis

Board Chair

Joe Ambrozy

Board Chair Emeritus

Dan Ault

Board Member

Deb Carrier

Board Member

Lois Kelley

Board Member

Gerry Manning

Board Member

Bruce McEver

Board Member

Brian Miller

Board Member

Sharon Stilwell

Board Member

Latest News
Wood Stork Monitoring Flight Shows Nests at the Sanctuary
January 13, 2023 — Nesting and roosting activity were observed at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Wood Stork colony on January 10, 2023.
A man on a boardwalk
51猎奇入口 Names Keith Laakkonen as Director at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
January 09, 2023 — Florida native has a background in watershed management, environmental policy, wildlife ecology, prescribed fire management, and more.
Ducks in flight over a wetland
Ducklings Displaced Before Hurricane Ian's Arrival Find New Homes at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
November 07, 2022 — Nine Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were released into wetlands at the Sanctuary.
Interior of a building with people at a desk
51猎奇入口鈥檚 Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Partners with Florida Power & Light Company to Renovate the Discovery Center Experience
November 04, 2022 — Through FPL鈥檚 charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, the company committed a gift to support new educational exhibits and other enhancements at the Sanctuary.
Contact us!
Find ways to reach out to us here.