Corkscrew Swamp at night
Your child has probably been to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary at least once on a field trip from school. But imagine how much fun your family will have exploring Corkscrew Swamp at night!
“Corkscrew After Hours” is now offered monthly. The Sanctuary usually closes at 5:30 p.m. but during Corkscrew After Hours, you can explore the boardwalk until 9:00 p.m. I attended a recent after-hours event and found it to be educational, interesting and plain, old fun.
During the evening I attended, musicians played Celtic and Irish folk music in the visitors center to greet guests as they arrived. At the entrance to the boardwalk, visitors could touch a small alligator while a naturalist offered information on the animal.
Small groups of 15-25 people were led on the walks by naturalists. Our guide offered information about everything from the history of the Sanctuary to the types of animals and plants found on the approximately 13,000 acres. She eagerly answered questions from our group which ranged from simple–we had several small children along–to complex–we also had several Audubon members who knew their stuff!
The pace was leisurely and doable for everyone from small children to the elderly. Several families had children in strollers and they had no trouble navigating the boardwalk.
We were given two choices: walk with the group and naturalist for about 1/2 mile for the guided walk and then leave the group to finish the loop on our own or stay with the guide for the entire walk of about 1-1/2 miles. My friend and I chose to leave the group and walk the entire boardwalk.
As we walked and the sun set, the swamp got progressively noisier. Frogs, birds, alligators and other animals sounds competed. After walking for about 15 minutes we reached the viewing platform where we saw a beautiful sunset.
The return walk back to the visitors’ center took about 1/2 hour. We had flashlights but never needed to use them–the moon was very bright and illuminated our way.
The next After Hours event is Friday, January 24, 2014
There is no additional charge beyond the regular admission of $12 per adult; $6 for college students with ID; $4 for children 6 to 18 years old, and free for children under 6.
Future dates: Friday, February 21
Friday, March 21
ABOUT CORKSCREW SWAMP:
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary occupies approximately 13,000 acres in the heart of the Corkscrew Watershed, part of the Western Everglades. It is primarily composed of wetlands that include the largest remaining virgin bald cypress forest in the world (approximately 700 acres). The forest is the site of the largest nesting colony of Federally Endangered Wood Storks in the nation.
In addition to the wood stork, Corkscrew is home to numerous other animals including the Florida Panther, American Alligator, Gopher Tortoise, Florida Sandhill Crane, Limpkin, Roseate Spoonbill, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, White Ibis, Big Cypress Fox Squirrel and the Florida Black Bear. Several rare plants are also found here, most notably the Ghost Orchid.
You can become a “Friend of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.” Individual memberships are ($50) and include unlimited admission for you and 10% discount in the Nature Store. A family membership ($75) includes unlimited admission for you and your immediate family, 10% discount in the Nature Store and an annual update.