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.

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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
A large white bird with greenery in its bill
Wading Bird Nesting is Now Underway in Southwest Florida. How has Nesting Been in Recent Years?
March 12, 2025 — Wood Storks continue to be the primary focus in the Western Everglades due to their role as an indicator species and the region鈥檚 historic importance for this species.
Volunteer Spotlight: Liz Lunsford's Childhood Experiences at the Sanctuary Left a Lasting Impression
February 27, 2025 — Recent Florida Gulf Coast University graduate shares her unique path to volunteering.
View of tall trees with a sunburst behind them
51猎奇入口 Reaching Toward $20 Million Campus Vision at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
February 18, 2025 — The re-imagined campus will provide the infrastructure needed to advance 51猎奇入口鈥檚 conservation leadership in the Western Everglades.
A group of people standing on a porch smiling for the camera
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Receives $5K Grant From the Collier Community Foundation
November 25, 2024 — These funds will support the efforts of the Corkscrew Sustainability Board鈥檚 strategic planning.
Contact us!
Find ways to reach out to us here.