NAPLES, FL -- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s Blair Visitor Center acts as a gateway into the 13,450-acre Sanctuary – the heart of the Western Everglades. Thanks in part to a generous gift from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) the new exhibits and a discovery center redesign will illustrate the history and ecology of the Sanctuary like never before.
“We are so appreciative of this support from FPL,” said Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director, Audubon Florida. “This important investment will modernize the visitor experience in the Discovery Center, enabling each person to see how the Sanctuary fits into the landscape of Southwest Florida before they experience it for themselves on the boardwalk.”
Earlier this year more than 20 FPL volunteers worked at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to clean up landscaping around the property, paint the administration building, and trim vegetation as a part of a conservation and improvement project.
“We are proud to support Audubon Florida’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the important work they do to preserve and restore natural ecosystems throughout the Western Everglades,” said Kate MacGregor, FPL Vice President of Environmental Services. “We have a long-standing partnership in conservation with Audubon Florida and we are excited to help give the discovery center a refresh so generations of Floridians can continue to have a place to enjoy nature and learn about the unique environment of Southwest Florida.”
FPL is a long-time corporate partner of Audubon Florida. Together the organizations have collaborated on programs to protect important bird species, enhance solar facilities with amenities to improve their habitat value for wildlife through the FPL Solar Stewardship program, support Audubon Chapter projects in communities across Florida through the FPL/Audubon Florida Plants for Birds grant program, and speed Florida’s transition to clean energy.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is recognized as one of the world’s most valuable wetland ecosystems and has been protected by Audubon for more than 100 years. The Sanctuary spans more than 13,000 acres, including the largest remaining, old-growth bald cypress forest. An estimated 100,000 visitors annually explore the Sanctuary’s 2.25 miles of boardwalk through ancient forest, marsh, and upland habitats. Memberships and donations provide crucial support for conservation work at the Sanctuary.
