The Corkscrew Cypress Council is an important group of philanthropists who are dedicated to preserving Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and supporting the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems throughout the Western Everglades. Members of the Cypress Council make a five-year commitment of an annual gift, which empowers our team to set and achieve ambitious goals knowing that we can rely on this strong foundation of annual support. As some of our closest partners, we keep our members informed on our work through personal communications and opportunities to engage with our leadership staff.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a unique subtropical freshwater forested wetland located in a strategically important location in our community. The wetlands recharge the local aquifers, rivers, and estuaries, providing the right conditions for fishing and coastal recreation as well as clean drinking water and water for agricultural productivity. In addition, the mosaic of forested and graminoid wetlands stores floodwaters, deters saltwater intrusion, and relieves drought stress, thus reducing the risk of wildfires.

Corkscrew provides an important connection for wildlife and water to coastal habitat in the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and Delnor-Wiggins State Park via the Estero, Imperial, and Cocohatchee rivers. It also provides connectivity to important habitats in southeast Lee County as well as the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the Big Cypress National Preserve. Council Members commit five-year support to sustain Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for future generations.