Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was recently awarded a $50,000 grant for our marsh and prairie work from the SeaWorld Conservation Fund. We are so appreciative of their partnership. Over the past three years, SeaWorld has provided $300,000 to help restore our marsh and prairies to highly productive and biologically diverse wetland systems.

Healthy wetlands help clean nutrient pollution from our groundwater and watershed, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires in our community, hold floodwaters during severe weather events, and provide habitat to many of our threatened and thriving wading birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals that call these wetlands home.

During a recent site visit, Sanctuary staff confirmed that prior restoration efforts are already showing progress. Huge flocks of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks spent part of their winters here, attracted to the diversity of plants. They forage on smartweed, grasses, and sedges (amongst other things), and all of these species are filling in nicely in this area.

It costs approximately $2,300 to restore an acre of invaded marsh or prairie, and we have a goal of 1,000 acres. Thank you, SeaWorld Conservation Fund!

Learn more about the Marsh and Prairie Restoration Project.