famous boardwalk— a 2.25-mile adventure through an enchanting wilderness and the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors can be seen throughout the year, while the fabulous Painted Bunting is one of many winter visitors. Guided experiences immerse visitors in the natural wonders of the Sanctuary with photo opportunities available at every turn of the boardwalk trail. With exhibits, a nature store, and birdfriendly gardens, the Blair Visitor Center serves as a gateway to the Western Everglades environment.
The story of how Corkscrew Swamp became a sanctuary is one of the important conservation successes of our time. The National Audubon Society began protecting the wading birds nesting within Corkscrew Swamp in 1905. During the 1940s and ' 50s, cypress forests in Florida were being leveled for their timber. Because of its importance as a nesting site for what was
the largest colony of nesting Wood Storks, 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 was characteristic of this region less than a generation ago are gone. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary ' s value thus becomes more significant with every passing year.
Another nature resource in the Naples area is Naples Botanical Garden, a 170-acre, world-class garden paradise that features plants from around the world. The Garden provides arts, culture, youth and adult education, conservation, wellness, and volunteer programs that contribute to the quality of life in Southwest Florida onsite and online at naplesgarden. org. The
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