A first for the SFNPCC! Meet us at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to view some of Florida’s old-growth trees, tons of wildlife, and the beautiful area set aside by the Audubon Society.
Cost is $30 which includes the tour. You will need to buy tickets in advance for this from the Corkscrew Audubon Society. I recommend buying in advance just in case they sell out. I’d hate for you to drive all that way and not be able to take the tour with the group.
The tentative plan is to meet at 6:30am for a sunrise photo shoot (sunrise is 7:15am) in the park if possible, if not, nearby. (Corkscrew Swamp isn’t like the Everglades, open all night. So we have to get permission to enter.) As of this writing (Sept. 2026) I’m still working on those details. After we photograph the sunrise, we’ll meet just before 9am to do the Audubon naturalist-led ancient forest tour.
If you don’t want to do the sunrise shoot with us, you can certainly arrive later, just before 9am, for the tour.
Afterwards we can linger in the visitor’s center and maybe grab a bite to eat in their cafe - make a nice morning out of our trip to the beautiful Corkscrew Swamp.
Please be sure to RSVP - AND - Buy Tickets!
ABOUT THE ANCIENT FOREST TOUR (PLEASE READ)
“Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary's ancient bald cypress forest is the world's largest remaining old growth bald cypress forest and was protected from logging in 1954. Join us for a 2.25-mile tour on our boardwalk of the ancient forest highlighting Corkscrew history, ecology, storytelling, and ancient cypress trees. There are occasional opportunities for rest along the way.”
The Walk: 2.25-mile walking tour (boardwalk) that takes about 3 hours.
Limit: 10 people (so book early!)
Cost: $30 per person for non-members (includes Sanctuary admission)
$18 per person for Corkscrew Members.
Cancellations for full refunds must be made five (5) business days in advance. Cancellations made after that date will NOT be refunded. We reserve the right to cancel programs due to inclement weather, local fire conditions, wildlife emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will issue a full refund and notify you. If you do not receive a notification at least two (2) hours before the program start time, please note that the program will go ahead as scheduled.
More details will be added as we get them. I know it is 4 months away, but these things need to be planned early because, you know, tourists.
If anyone is interested, I booked a hotel in Bonita Springs for the weekend to make a nice trip out of it. You’re welcome to do the same. MUST RSVP AND PURCHASE TICKETS.