Harboring one of the last remaining swaths of bald cypress, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary evinces magnificent silhouettes of nature. Here, drapes of sun-bleached prairie are contrasted by the marshlands, while densely wooded pines give way to a stunning melange of cypress trees. The sanctuary is interspersed with crisscrossing, wooded trails, whereas a scenic boardwalk reveals a wealth of aged trees that reside in its depths. Upheld by the National Audubon Society, this sanctuary sprawls across 13,000 acres (5260.9133) and is the nesting home for wading birds. Known to have the largest population of endangered wood storks in the entire country, this swamp sanctuary also shelters an insightful, environmentally-conscious visitors center. Bearing a stunning amalgam of biodiversity and coastal conservation, this sanctuary duly represents the wild side of Florida.
When visitors arrive at the Naples Botanical Garden, they are greeted with some of the most magnificent plant life in the entire state. Here, the gardeners and botanists display species not only from Southwest Florida but those from around the world. In addition to world-class fauna, the gardens present interactive exhibits, workshops, lectures and events for the kids. The garden also allows visitors to rent out space for a private event or wedding as well.
Located just southeast of downtown Naples, the mangrove estuary at the Rookery Bay Reserve harbors a boatload of biodiversity and is home to hundreds of bird species and other endangered wildlife. In an effort to promote environmental care and awareness, the reserve provides 45-minute educational programs on various topics such as natural history, native plants and herpetology. Additionally, there are also a number of programs specifically geared towards kids and they're usually free.
Closed now
CREW Trust - Corkscrew Regional Eco-system Watershed Trust - is a non-profit land and water conservation organization that manages the bird rookery swamp trail . The trail is open to public from sunrise to sunset and visitors walking the trail can hear a number of songbirds and see adult and baby gators, wading raptors and birds in the swamp.
Closed now
