Corkscrew Swamp Audubon Sanctuary

Category: Parks & Wildlife Refuges

The 11,000-acre Corkscrew Swamp, owned and operated by the National Audubon Society, protects the world’s largest remaining sub-tropical oldgrowth bald cypress forest. This northern tip of the Big Cypress Swamp contains towering bald cypress more than 130 feet high and as much as 700 years old; these are the oldest trees in eastern North America. The dry winter period is best for wildlife viewing, when wading birds and other animals are forced to concentrate at the feeding pools near the boardwalk. The Audubon Society began protecting the swamp’s great egrets and wood storks from plumage hunters back in 1912. But it wasn’t until 1954 that Society members began purchasing land to create the preserve. Special Attractions: Excellent wildlife viewing: birds, alligators, deer, bobcats, and wood storks.