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

About Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Ä¢¹½Av'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/Ä¢¹½Av
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—a 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
A flock of black and white birds in treeetops.
Migrating Swallow-tailed Kites Descend on Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
July 27, 2023 — Note: While visitors do see kites soaring overhead, roosts are not visible from the boardwalk or other public area.
View of the Visitor Center.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Hosts Traveling Exhibit Featuring 2022 Ä¢¹½Av Photography Awards Winners
June 27, 2023 — Eleven Winning Images on Display through August 31, 2023.
Summer Events Line-up Includes Events at Sunrise and Sunset to Beat the Heat
June 08, 2023 — Florida residents can enjoy discounted admission during the months of August and September.
A small songbird in a forest
Using Technology to Understand Habitat Connections for American Redstarts
June 06, 2023 — An American Redstart tagged in Jamaica finds stopover habitat at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary during spring migration.
An American Bittern standing on a log with its wings outstretched.
American Bittern: Secretive Marsh Birds Make Their Winter Homes at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
June 06, 2023 — Little is known about the natural history of these secretive marsh birds.
Earth Day 23 Highlights
May 09, 2023 — Nearly 400 visitors participated in our Earth Day event, which included storytime and a book signing, a Roseate Spoonbill information station, guided tours, and music by the HUGS ukelele band.
Contact us!
Find ways to reach out to us here.