Hannah “Liz” Lunsford practically has swamp water in her blood. As the granddaughter of Alexander “Sandy” Sprunt, IV, former research director for the National Audubon Society, Lunsford was born in Naples and recalls many visits to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary as a child.
“I cannot distinctly remember my first visit to the Sanctuary, but I am sure I was a baby or young toddler,” says Lunsford. “My family would always visit the Sanctuary when my mother's parents, Gramma Donna and Grandpa Sandy, came to visit us.”
Some of Lunsford’s favorite memories of Corkscrew include camping at the Plume Hunter’s cabin and riding around in a swamp buggy. She loved learning from her grandpa about the different birds they saw and hearing about the times he spent standing in swamp water up to his chest while building Corkscrew’s iconic boardwalk. She even developed an affinity for whirligig beetles, which her grandpa called “gator fleas.” He always told her they would never bite her unless they ended up in her shoes or wet pants, then, look out!
In 2024, during her final semester at Florida Gulf Coast University, Lunsford applied to become a volunteer to earn service-learning hours for graduation. Thrilled at the opportunity, she served as an ambassador, answering questions visitors had about their boardwalk experiences. Her favorite assignment? Being a volunteer youth education guide for local school field trips and inspiring kids to understand the wonders of natural Florida.
“For me, Corkscrew represents a mixture of nostalgic sentiment wrapped in a perfect slice of old Florida. Every single lap around the boardwalk reveals different secrets about the swamp, leaving you always wanting to come back,” says Lunsford.
Lunsford hopes other college students can learn to appreciate the peacefulness of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and take advantage of it. College life can be stressful and overwhelming, she says, and allowing oneself to unplug and connect with nature can be the perfect way to unwind. She encourages her classmates (anyone!) to plan weekly group visits as a fantastic way to connect with other students who appreciate nature and form new friendships.
Volunteers are an important part of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s history and success, providing support across programs and departments to advance our shared vision. Anyone interested in volunteering should apply online.
