Corkscrew Swamp- Naples, FL

Primordial and virtually untouched, Corkscrew Swamp in truly a place like no other. Really. Heavy lumbering following World War II decimated most of Southern Florida’s ancient cypress forests, endangering not only the rot resistant trees, but the diverse wildlife that lived among their tangled roots and knees. In 1954, funds were raised to purchase 2240 acres of the last remaining stand of ancient bald cypress left in North America. An additional 640 acres were later donated by the Lee-Tidewater Cypress Company; considering it was their actions that cleared the forests, it was the least they could do.

Remote and largely inaccessible, the Audubon Society had been protecting wading birds in Corkscrew Swamp since 1912. At the time, poachers were harvesting large numbers of nesting birds for their feathers, which were worn by wealthy women during the Gilded Age. Although first offered to the state, it was ultimately the Audubon Society that accepted responsibility for the management of the land.

The first boardwalk was constructed in 1955, allowing visitors to walk deep into the cypress forest and witness the wonderful diversity of the swamp, while staying dry. Although the visitor center has been updated, and the boardwalk expanded, the experience is virtually the same today. Winding through several distinct ecosystems, the 2.5 mile boardwalk offers a window into an otherwise largely inaccessible world.

Below the walkway, still, tannic waters and dense vegetation hide many swamp inhabitants, including alligators, river otters, bitterns, and snakes. Larger waterbirds, including white ibises, herons, egrets and anhingas, can be seen lurking in the shadows, silently stalking their prey. Almost eerily quiet at times, it’s a peaceful retreat- an untouched oasis in a sea of development.  http://corkscrew.audubon.org/