Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in southwest Florida lives up to its rave notices.
Virtually untouched by man's heavy hand, this primitive Sanctuary transports visitors back to Florida's roots.
This is the Florida that used to be.
For example, Sanctuary Director Rick Bantz points out that North America's largest remaining stand of virgin bald cypress is contained within the Sanctuary's 11,000 acres.
Many of the cypress trees seen here rise to more than 130 feet skyward and have girths measuring 25 feet. Matter of fact, some of the trees are over 700 years old and were here 200 years before Columbus sailed from Spain in search of the New World.
Visitors to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary will enjoy a unique experience while strolling through natural cathedrals formed by giant bald cypress trees on a boardwalk measuring nearly two miles in length.
With an illustrated self-guiding tour book, trekkers can identify various plants and animals native to the area, and Sanctuary staffers are available to answer questions and explain relationships between water, wildlife, plants, and man.
Here a visitor may learn about plants, identify rare orchids, marvel at hidden lettuce lakes, see alligators, ogle otters, and watch or photograph rare birds.
When acquired in 1954, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was isolated. However, due to south Florida's rapid development during the past couple of decades, it's now a primitive oasis in the center of a made-over landscape.
According to Ranger Rick, 50,000 people visit the Sanctuary annually, with most arriving from December through April.
Open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Sanctuary has a permanent staff of five, plus five seasonal naturalists during the peak winter and spring months.
In addition to a long boardwalk trail, the facility boasts of a large picnic area and a visitor center complete with restrooms. Admission is $4 (adult), $2 (student), with children under six free. Bantz, a graduate of Ohio State who grew up in the Smokey Mountains, said that members of the National Audubon Society receive a discount. Night walks through the swamp can be arranged, as can vehicle trips for Audubon chapters.
Located east of I-75, about halfway between Fort Myers and Naples, visitors heading for this outstanding nature preserve can reach the entrance where County Road 849 dead-ends, 1-1/2 miles from County Road 846. Those wanting more information can write: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Route 6, Box 1875-A, Naples, FL 33964, or call 813-657-3771.
Bantz said the Sanctuary has a few simple rules that must be observed in order to maintain the area's integrity. "We ask that people not collect or disturb the plants or animals, nor that visitors feed any of the animals.
"Also," he continued, "it's essential that guests stay on marked trails, and that food and beverages (non-alcoholic) not be taken out of the picnic area."
Copyright (c) 1997 Herb Allen. All rights reserved.