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Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary corkscrew.audubon.org u 375 Sanctuary Road West, Naples 239-348-9151 | q g Corkscrew Swamp is the largest old-growth bald cypress forest on the continent, and the largest nesting site for the endangered wood stork. It's also home to great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, and many other year-round and migrating birds. Take the 2.25-mile boardwalk across open prairies and deep into the ecosystem. Perhaps you'll catch the bloom of the rare ghost orchid, or glimpse a deer, a shy Florida panther, or the alligators in Lettuce Lake. V INSIDE SCOOP: Bird watchers, pick up Audubon's Boardwalk Bird List to check off your sightings. From tiny buntings to the massive bald eagle, the swamps, prairies and marshes are flush with winged wonders. Big Cypress National Preserve nps.gov/bicy u 52105 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, 239-695-1201 | q This lush preserve bordering the Everglades offers a plethora of exploration options for the nature lover. Whether your passion is hiking, camping, cycling or just observing and taking it all in, the Big Cypress experience is truly unforgettable. INSIDE SCOOP: Visit the wild manatee observation deck and chat with the rangers at the Big Cypress Welcome Center, where you can check the schedule of free talks and tours. Outings like the Wet & Wild Walk or Canoe Rendezvous get you in touch with your surroundings on a whole new level. Collier-Seminole State Park floridastateparks.org/park/ collier-seminole u 20200 E. Tamiami Trl., Naples 239-394-3397 | q g V Just a few miles from downtown Naples or Marco Island, Collier- Seminole State Park is Florida's Paradise Coast best-kept secret. There are shady campsites, hiking/ biking trails, bike rentals, canoe, kayak and boat launches, a picturesque 13.5-mile canoe trail, guided tours on the Blackwater River, and dark night astronomy programs. See the replica of an ancient Calusa Indian dugout canoe, and an actual "walking dredge" used to build the Tamiami Trail. Maybe you'll spot some raccoons, a giant pileated woodpecker, or even a black bear. INSIDE SCOOP: Go on a high-tech treasure hunt via GPS. The park's ten geocaches include some especially for children on the Florida State Parks Kids Geotour. Mother Nature is on display and at her very finest in the many protected wilderness areas that grace Florida's Paradise Coast. Bring your binoculars and camera! EXPLORE PA R K S & P R E S E RV E S Everglades National Park