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
Black-and-white photo of a man wading in a swamp
Celebrating a 70 Year Legacy of Wetland Conservation at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
January 10, 2024 — In 1954, brave voices in our community spoke up to save ancient trees from the threat of the axe and saw. Thanks to their efforts, today we protect 13,000-plus acres in Southwest Florida as a haven for plants, animals, and people.
A bird in the grass
American Bittern from Connecticut Tracked to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
December 19, 2023 — While this bird will not make the return trip, others like it are informing researchers of their needs through tracking devices.
Insects in a collection box.
Elon University Student Conducts Insect Research at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
December 12, 2023 — The Sanctuary鈥檚 biodiversity inspires visiting researchers from around the nation and world.
Screenshot of Elvis' production
Florida Gulf Coast University Student Completes Service-Learning Project about Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
December 08, 2023 — The Immokalee resident visited the Sanctuary as an elementary student. It left a lasting impression.
Black-and-white photo of a man wading in a swamp
Celebrating 70 Years of Wetland Conservation at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
December 05, 2023 — In 1954, brave voices in our community spoke up to save ancient trees from the threat of the axe and saw. Thanks to their efforts, today we protect 13,000-plus acres in Southwest Florida as a haven for plants, animals, and people.
An aerial view of sunflowers blooming at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
Corkscrew Watershed Initiative Aims to Conserve Heart of the Western Everglades
December 05, 2023 — As development continues to rapidly advance in Southwest Florida, conservation of Western Everglades habitat is more important than ever鈥攑articularly in the 70,000-acre Corkscrew Watershed, home of the more than 13,000 acres of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
Aerial view of flooded wetland
51猎奇入口's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Receives Grant from the Collier Community Foundation
November 29, 2023 — The $30,000 grant will support efforts underway at the Western Everglades Research Center.
Contact us!
Find ways to reach out to us here.