What Makes Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary So Special?

Naples, FL (86 degrees, hot, humid)

Slash Pines and Saw Palmetto

Corkscrew Scamp  Sanctuary is a pristine oasis covering 13,000 acres.  In it's midst is the largest remaining strand of old growth cypress.  A 2.25 mile boardwalk loop trail goes right through the heart of the forest.  This probably sounds like a commercial, but we were entranced by this beautiful place. At the visitor center we met up with a guide (volunteer docent) and he led us down the boardwalk  which started off with slash pines and then entered into the wet prairie.  We eventually circled the lettuce lakes (marsh) where the alligators hang out and spent most of our time in the old growth cypress trees looking up and up into the sky.   

Wet prairie

Lichen (look a lot like Spanish Moss

The Cypress trees were so impressive and many were draped with mosses, lichens, and beautiful bromeliads or air ferns.  Some of the trees are over 500 years old  and tower 130 feet into the sky.  

Tall stately Cypress

Strangler fig

We were here to see the birds and saw a few.  Added to our list was the sweet singing Carolina Wren and a pretty American Redstart.  Our pictures did not come out very clear.  Trying to catch these little song birds as they flit around can be a challenge.  This huge hawk was much easier to capture.  

Red-shouldered Hawk

Arrowhead

A curious lizard was entertaining the boardwalk crowd.  He is sometimes called an American chameleon because he can change color from brown to bright green.

Green Anole

The lettuce lakes are where the alligators hang out.  At one time hundreds of wood storks would build their nests here too.  However, there has been several years of  drought and the birds instinctively know there is not enough food to sustain them.  

Proud Papa

Mama watching over her babies

Buttonwood Flower

Our volunteer guide, Paul (on right), was excellent.  He had a great sense of humor and was very knowledgeable   He is very dedicated and his love of the sanctuary is very evident.  Call before visiting to find out when a guided tour is available.  

The visitor center also has an  exhibit called the Guardians of the Everglades.  It features large beautifully displayed paintings by Nicholas Petrucci featuring advocates and pioneers who have been leaders in rescuing the wilderness from development.  It is set within a recreated dark cypress forest. The exhibit is very moving and the paintings are spectacular. 

Jack and Sam

Afterwards we stopped briefly at the Lovers Key State Park.  It's a small park with two beaches.  There were lots of shells and a tram to take you down to the beach.  It sure would be helpful if you were carrying lots of chairs, coolers, and food down to the beach.  It was getting ready to storm so we'll return for another visit soon.  

Lovers Key Beach

Thanks for stopping by today and taking a "peek"   at what we are doing.  See you later.