The generosity of private individuals, foundations and businesses ensures financial support for Corkscrew's high quality conservation education program.

Contributions support elementary students and teachers for Curriculum Programs which include field trip activities, Sanctuary admission, program supplies and classroom instruction. Donations underwrite coordination of programs and workshops for Corkscrew staff, volunteers and Partner Educators who present field lessons.

To donate to the CorkScrew Swamp Sanctuary Youth Education Program, please click here. For questions or more information, contact Sarah Lathrop at sarah.lathrop@audubon.org.

Donor Spotlights

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." Deb's appreciation for Corkscrew's Youth Education Program has also led her to join the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Sustainability Board.

"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!”

Joseph T. Ambrozy

"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."

Joe Ambrozy, a birder and retired business executive, is a long-time volunteer who has spent hundreds of hours as a Corkscrew Boardwalk Naturalist. He is also a Sustainability Board member, and a committed member of the Cypress Council. Joe wants new generations to experience the serenity of the ancient cypress forest at Corkscrew and the unaltered native habitats of Florida.