As of March 6, 2024, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s Prescribed Fire Team has conducted seven burns, covering 184 acres, since the beginning of this season. This year, our team has been focusing on tackling burn units that haven’t seen fire in many years, particularly those units that are within close proximity to the Sanctuary’s infrastructure (like buildings and the boardwalk). Three of these first four units should burn every 3-5 years but haven’t burned since at least 1997! Because of the lack of fire, fuels had become quite dense. Under dry conditions, they increased the risk of wildfire for the Sanctuary’s buildings, our cypress forest, and our neighbors. With the reintroduction of fire, these areas are now more resilient and defendable.

It has been exciting to see so much interest and enthusiasm from visitors who have been at the Sanctuary during some of these burns, and we’re grateful for everyone’s patience with intermittent smoke and the lingering ‘campfire’ smell. Staff on the boardwalk have spoken with visitors who were captivated by Red-shouldered Hawks and Swallow-tailed Kites hunting within and on the edge of burn units, and we’re already seeing fresh, green native plant growth and increased wildlife activity in these areas.

Corkscrew’s Prescribed Fire Team continues to prepare for more burns in the coming months. Taking advantage of the wetter-than-usual El Nino winter and spring, we’re hoping to burn at least an additional 900 acres this season, including some of the restoration areas in our North Marsh.