The story of how Corkscrew Swamp became a sanctuary is one of the important conservation successes of our time. National Audubon began protecting the wading birds nesting within Corkscrew Swamp in 1905 . During the 1940’s and 50’s, cypress forests in Florida were being leveled for their timber. Audubon realized the forest must be saved. At the time Corkscrew was isolated and almost impossible to access. Today it is an oasis in a made-over landscape. In other areas, many of the wild swamps and much of the teeming wildlife that were characteristic of this region less than a generation ago are gone. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s value thus becomes more significant with every passing year. Your visit and admission fees help us preserve it for generations to come.

The natural biological systems, which expand over 14,000 acres at Corkscrew are maintained through land management practices to sustain native plants and animals found here and to preserve the natural processes that have been occurring for thousands of years.

Corkscrew is an ideal outdoor classroom. We offer a full calendar of active environmental education programs for the public that promotes the importance of wetlands around the world.

In 2000, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary including Panther Island received a Ramsar Designation as a Wetland of International Importance. Corkscrew is also an Important Birding Area and a Gateway to the Florida Birding Trail.