School Sponsorship Program

The generosity of private individuals, foundations and businesses ensures financial support for Corkscrew's high quality conservation education program. Initiated in 2005, Founding Sponsors connected with specific schools and classrooms to support outdoor learning opportunities and underwrite admission fees for area students.

Today, Sponsors endorse a variety of activities within the Education Department at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Contributions support elementary students and teachers for Curriculum Programs which include field trip activities, Sanctuary admission, program supplies and classroom instruction. Teachers and University Professors are provided professional development opportunities under our Partner Educator program and receive year-long support. Donations underwrite coordination of programs and workshops for Corkscrew staff, Volunteers and Partner Educators who present field lessons. Sponsors receive recognition in our annual report, student and teacher feedback and an invitation to join a field program.

Featured Sponsors

Deb Carrier

“As a naturalist and photographer, Corkscrew Sanctuary’s pristine beauty and zen-like peacefulness never ceases to renew and amaze me”, says Deb Carrier School Sponsor. Deb is a frequent visitor to the boardwalk who supports our program philosophically and financially.  “Sharing this unique nature experience, through the successful Education Program, resonates with my personal mission to support children through educational and environmental initiatives. The Program changes lives through opening local students’ eyes, minds and hearts to the wonders of the natural world. They learn about the ecosystem web and understand their important responsibility as junior environmental stewards.

I was lucky to grow up close to nature with birds and wildlife as my ‘friends’. The best way to describe my childhood nature experience is to quote from a student’s journal entry after their  field trip, ‘I get a happy and free feeling that makes me feel good inside and love life.’ 

When I visit CSS I feel like a kid again!”

Collier County Audubon Society

"Collier County Audubon invests heavily in environmental policy and advocacy. History has taught us that the major battles to hold destructive development at bay while encouraging smart growth last for a very long time, often across several generations. For that reason Collier Audubon also invests in environmental education for children who will be the ones to fight the good fight. We are very pleased to partner with Corkscrew Sanctuary in reaching young people to broaden their public school environmental education, as they will be the informed voters and leaders in the future." Alan Keller, President, CCAS

Joseph T. Ambrozy

Joe Ambrozy is a birder, Corkscrew volunteer and a School Sponsor. A retired business executive, Joe has spent hundreds of hours as a "Boardwalk Naturalist" at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. He has taught birding and managed monthly bird surveys. He is an Audubon of Florida board member. Joe wants new generations to experience the serenity of the ancient cypress forest at Corkscrew and the unaltered native habitats of Florida. He describes his reasons for becoming a school sponsor, "We need to invest in education so young people will cherish the wonders of nature and carry on the culture of preservation. They must learn the value of protecting and restoring our natural systems which are vital to the health of both wild and human populations."

See 2011-2012 School Sponsorship Brochure below

View Education Reports below

2011-2012 Sponsors

Deb Carrier & Harry Gaines
Collier County Audubon Society
Allyn Golub

Valerie Kratz
HVS Labs
Joseph Ambrozy
Eloise Ingram

Karl Anderson & Maria McLean
Louise Cason & Ruth Taylor
Leslie and Tom Burgess
Frank & Eileen Davis
George & Susan Robinson
Heather Green
Richard & Ruth Sproul

In Memory of:
Squire Knox
Greg Nelson
Marjorie "Peg" Lucy

Special Thanks to:
South Florida Water Management District
Collier County Public Schools
Corkscrew Sanctuary Volunteers