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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

On the eastern edge of Collier County, along the edge of the Everglades Plain, is the largest old-age cypress forest - Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

The forest covers 13,000 acres and is part of the larger Corkscrew Watershed in Southwest Florida. This is an old piece of old Florida, not like any other place on earth.

Story

The end of the XIX century. Fashion is a fickle thing. At that time, women wore hats with feathers and boasted who had more. To satisfy the insatiable demand, the hunters traveled deep into the borders of Florida. They stumbled upon a large cypress swamp and killed thousands of valuable birds and destroyed huge nesting colonies.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples - forest and marsh photos - American ButlerIf animals were attacked first, then vegetation fell. Lumberjacks systematically chopped cypress throughout South Florida. The very existence of this beautiful place was threatened.

Soon, the people of Naples rebelled and the Blair Audubon Center had to intervene. Society fueled the desire to preserve the ancient trees, and, therefore, one of the most important rookeries for storks in the United States.

As a result, they scraped up money and acquired land.

By 1954, the Blair Audubon Center received 5,680 acres of land saved from loggers and real estate developers. Over the years, the area has expanded by an additional 8,000 acres.

In 2014, the 60th anniversary of the founding of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary took place. A trip to the reserve is a great way to learn about the natural history of the region, as well as to better understand the local ecosystem and the importance of the watershed.

What is interesting reserve

During the travelling along the 4 km long trail laid over the swamp, you will meet signs and signs with information about the nature of this place. In addition, volunteers stroll along the road, pointing to unique species of wild flora.

The trail leads tourists through four different habitats:

  • pine forests;
  • wet prairies;
  • swamps;
  • old-age bald cypress forests.

An observant eye can be seen to see raccoons, otters, alligators and many birds.

Snowy, tricolor and blue herons, pink spoonbills, osprey, owls and many others flock to this piece of paradise, which makes it a must-see for any ornithologist.

You will notice a lot of local plants and trees: orchids, pines, palms and palm-shaped sabal. The floating gun serves as a cover for fish, turtles and alligators.

Rules of attendance

The reserve is a marshland mixed with forests, most of which is inaccessible to visitors. Since the park's territory is sought to be kept in its original form, the rules for visiting are rather strict.

Guests have access to a towering trail with 8-meter-long fences 4 km long. Such a bridge protects amateur naturalists from themselves. In these places, you can easily get lost - as in space, no one here will hear your cry (except alligators).

No food, drinks (except water) and tobacco are allowed, and toilets are just at the entrance.

There are no payphones, as well as cellular communications, with the exception of emergency situations. The nearest payphones are five miles southwest at the G'S General Store on Immokalee Road.

All visitors must leave the boardwalk before closing. After dark, no one is allowed on the promenade. This restriction has been established to protect waders that nest near the boardwalk. If you scare the birds at night, they will abandon their nest and never return to it.

What to see

Guests can take a walk on their own or join one of the excursions. Let's tell about the most popular "stops".

  • Blair audubon center

If you are visiting a nature reserve for the first time, a great way to prepare for what you are going to see is to stop at this center. This place is filled with all sorts of educational exhibits and exhibits.

Guests will learn about the history of the park and the importance of the ecosystem it protects, watch a short film that will take on a virtual tour.

The lobby of the center serves as an art gallery for local artists, where new exhibitions take place every two months.

  • Early bird walk

From 8 am to 11 am the naturalist gives an excursion into the world of birds. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary registered 200 species of them. Guests will get a chance to spy on the life of birds.

  • Walking with giants

For those who are interested in history and a deep look at the ecology, a tour of the ancient forest is the thing. Having bought an entrance ticket, guests can join a naturalist on a three-hour hike, where they will show signs and tell their story.

  • After hours

Ghost Orchid is a good example of an extremely rare plant that produces more than a dozen flowers a year. Usually it is difficult to notice: it grows on tree trunks, has no leaves, and the color itself is indistinguishable from the bark. But in the case of the reserve - the orchid can be seen from the boardwalk, albeit with binoculars.

Additional Information
Address 375 Sanctuary Rd W, Naples, FL 34120
Phone +1-239-348-9151
Price
  • Adults: $10.00
  • Students: $6.00
  • Children and teenagers (6-18 years old): $4.00
  • Children up to 6 years old: free
Operation mode Mon - Sun: 7:00 - 17:30
Web site Visit website
Contact American Butler travel agency - we will organize a visit to the reserve and help you choose the right excursion!
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  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
  • 3.Secure payments
  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
Login | Registration
Registration via social network
Registration advantages:
  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
  • 3.Secure payments
  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
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