Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Opens New Spurlino Foundation Discovery Center

Something exciting has been brewing at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: The new Spurlino Foundation Discovery Center, which opened on February 4, 2026, immerses students and visitors of all ages in swampy goodness. With exhibits like “The Secret Lives of Plants,” “Life Beneath the Surface,” and “Amphibians and Reptiles,” the new space shines a spotlight on the Sanctuary's work and plants and animals like never before.

“We are deeply grateful for the Spurlino Foundation’s support,” said Sanctuary Director Keith Laakkonen. “This investment has modernized and enhanced the visitor experience in the Discovery Center, enabling each person to see how important the Sanctuary is for water and wildlife in the landscape of Southwest Florida, before or after they experience it for themselves on the boardwalk.”

The Blair Visitor Center at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary welcomes 80,000+ annual visitors to this remarkable 13,000-acre wildlife sanctuary – a gateway to the Western Everglades. Thanks to a generous gift from the Spurlino Foundation, Audubon has renovated the original 1,600 square-foot discovery center space with new exhibits that illustrate the history and ecology of the Sanctuary while inspiring a conservation ethos in all visitors.

The space, which had been closed since 2020, was completely made over with eye-pleasing signs, bright colors, video, and engaging activities that enhance learning. For nearly three years, Audubon staff worked with the Michigan-based design firm Flutter & Wow, as well as local taxidermists and wildlife sculptors, to design exhibits that immerse visitors in the swamp's cultural and natural history. With mounted artifacts to touch and bird calls and other sounds to hear, and a chance for kids to dress up like a prescribed fire professional, this multi-sensory learning experience is the perfect complement to a walk along the renowned 2.25-mile boardwalk.

Learn more about the new exhibits.

Visitors can explore the new Spurlino Foundation Discovery Center with general admission to the Blair Visitor Center and boardwalk, which remains $17 for adults, $6 for kids 6 to 14, and free for members and children under 6. The Sanctuary is open daily at 8 a.m. with the last admission at 3 p.m. during the winter/spring season. Online tickets are recommended at audubon.org/corkscrew/visit.

The opening of the Spurlino Foundation Discovery Center marks the completion of the first phase of construction for a visionary Capital Campaign campus transformation. This phase included other visitor experience enhancements, such as new navigational signage for the parking lot, a new campus entrance, and 95 new wayfinding, interpretive, and educational signs along the boardwalk. 

Learn more about the campus refresh.