Nestled within the heart of the Western Everglades in Naples, Florida, Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary encapsulates the dedication, scientific innovation, and advocacy of so many over the years working to preserve this still-wild slice of Florida. From Audubon wardens who protected thousands of wading birds from the devastation of the plume trade to the community members who took a stance against the logging industry to purchase Corkscrew Swamp’s original acreage—this place is built on a conservation legacy as impressive and enduring as our ancient bald cypress giants.
Today, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a world-class destination welcoming more than 80,000 visitors annually. Beyond our famed boardwalk and immersive visitor programs, we are a recognized leader in the science of saving Florida’s wetlands. To ensure our future as a still-wild slice of Florida where Wood Storks soar, ghost orchids bloom, and budding conservationists find inspiration to leave their mark, Audubon is planning a visionary transformation of our campus. Strategic investments in mission-critical facilities will make the Sanctuary more inspiring and effective as we amplify our conservation impact.
Realizing the Full Potential of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Sustainably built with nature and people in mind, campus infrastructure improvements will expand our team’s capacity to conduct innovative science and research, protect vulnerable wildlife, and connect conservationists with nature in new and meaningful ways.
Capital improvements will maximize our leadership, with a state-of-the-art facility to support the important collaborations between our research and land stewardship teams, and the policy and restoration decisions they help inform across the state. Formerly the site of an outdated Chikee hut classroom, the Corkscrew Commons will bring our education and conservation teams together in a centralized, public-facing space to bolster collaboration and raise awareness of our work beyond the boardwalk. Strategically placed near the Blair Visitor Center and in sight as visitors enter the Sanctuary, the Corkscrew Commons will include:
- The Sanctuary Headquarters
- The Public Engagement Center
- The Volunteer Headquarters
- The Western Everglades Research Center
- The Land Stewardship Operations Center
Inspire Future Conservationists
Place-based learning at Corkscrew Swamp can be life-changing for students and adults alike. To increase our reach, Audubon will expand and transform our spaces to provide immersive learning opportunities in every season. We will use a multipurpose outdoor classroom that can be open-air or enclosed, an activity green, a historic cottage, and a special spur to the boardwalk. Our aim is to serve more families, campers, and age groups. Surrounded by the pine flatwoods and hardwood hammock on the outskirts of the swamp, the Outdoor Classroom will serve as a unique setting to deliver programming for school groups and specialized public programs.
The Outdoor Classroom will be home to:
- A multifunctional open-air/enclosed convertible classroom
- A demonstration wetland
- Flex field for multipurpose education programming
- Historic cottage
- Pathway to the boardwalk
Recruiting Top Talent
Partnerships with external scientists, seasonal staff, and interns is integral to carrying out our mission. Affordable housing in Southwest Florida is a major barrier for short-term staffing. New on-site lodging will remove this barrier, enabling us to attract and collaborate with the best and brightest researchers and train the next generations of conservation champions. Our new on-site lodging will consist of individual dorm-style rooms, shared common spaces, and a wing with small suites.
Help Our Vision Take Flight
Thanks to the generosity of many, we are only $5M away from reaching our $20M fundraising goal. We hope you will join us!
Ready to get involved?
- Make an outright gift or multi-year comprehensive commitment for the capital investments and our operations.
- Join the Corkscrew Cypress Council, our annual giving society that provides the foundation of support for our education and conservation programs.
- Include Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in your estate plans.
Exciting naming recognition opportunities are available for leadership-level gifts at the $150,000–$1,000,000 levels. If you’re passionate about making a lasting impact, we invite you to join us in shaping the future. To explore how you can leave your legacy, please reach out directly to Sarah Sauerland below:
We are deeply grateful for your interest in protecting this special place, and for your understanding that what benefits wildlife—clean water, healthy habitats, and a stable climate—benefits people and the planet, too. Thank you for helping us carry Audubon’s conservation legacy forward.
Contact:
Sarah Sauerland, Director of Leadership Giving: Sarah.Sauerland@audubon.org / 317.372.9016
Keith Laakkonen, Director of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Keith.Laakkonen@audubon.org / 239-348-9151 ext. 125