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22 NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND AND THE EVERGLADES PARADISECOAST.COM 1-800-2-ESCAPE ead out and about to experience Florida's Paradise Coast in all its naturally wild and wonderful glory. Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary A 2.25-mile boardwalk wends its way through pine flatwoods, a wet prairie, a marsh and into the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. Experience the local nightlife with special guided walks offered during the sanctuary's After Hours program in the winter, spring and fall. » I N T H E K N O W Discovered in 2007, the Corkscrew "Super" ghost orchid is known the world over. To spy the largest ghost orchid specimen ever found, pack your binoculars and keep an eye out for the sign along the boardwalk rail that indicates its location. Big Cypress National Preserve River otters, roseate spoonbills, barking tree frogs and Florida panthers make their home here on more than 729,000 acres of pristine cypress swamps, vast prairies and upland wooded regions. » I N T H E K N O W Enhance your nature experience with the help of a knowledgeable ranger. Offered in winter and spring, guided activities—such as astronomy programs in one of the darkest night skies in the eastern United States— are exceptional learning opportunities. Collier-Seminole State Park Nature lovers and history buffs alike will be delighted by the offerings of this park, whether you choose to paddle the gentle Blackwater River, set up camp amidst the royal palm hammock or explore the interpretive displays that honor Florida's past. » I N T H E K N O W A pole boat is one of the best means of traversing the mangrove jungle. Centuries ago, Native Americans navigated the shallow marshes in these vessels to fish and hunt for game. Contact the ranger station for information and details on booking your own private excursion. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Get the best of both worlds—land and sea—at Delnor-Wiggins Pass. Trek along the boardwalk through the coastal hammock and powdery dunes. Alternate paths lead to an observation tower and to the park's true treasure, a pristine beach ideal for fabulous shelling, swimming, snorkeling and fishing. » I N T H E K N O W Dolphin- spotting is common while paddling Water Turkey Bay, which forms the eastern border of the park. The bay is also where you'll find a large boat ramp to rent or launch your own kayak for a mangrove trail adventure. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park The plants and wildlife found in the Fakahatchee Strand are every bit as diverse as the make-up of the preserve itself. The Big Cypress Bend boardwalk and miles of trails invite nature observers and photographers to hike, bike or drive through this "Amazon of North America." The park is home to crocodiles, white-tailed deer, panthers, manatees and more, as well as more native orchid species than any other place on the North American continent. » I N T H E K N O W Aboard the Ghost Rider tram, you can enjoy a leisurely, two-and-a- half-hour rolling lecture that reveals all that Fakahatchee offers. The popular Moonlit Tours sell out quickly, so pre-registration is a must. Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge This refuge, located in the heart of the Big Cypress Swamp, was established to protect the Florida panther, one of the most endangered mammals in the world. This elusive creature prowls through more than 26,000 acres of hardwood hammock peppered with towering oaks and tropical vegetation. » I N T H E K N O W Visit the PARKS & PRESERVES H

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