This sanctuary occupies 13,000 acres in the Western Everglades in Naples, Florida.  It’s a unique experience thanks to a 2.25 mile boardwalk, which allows you to walk above the marsh and deep into the the largest old-growth Bald Cypress forest in the world. These impressive trees tower 130 feet, the tallest trees east of the Mississippi.

This forest is also home to the largest nesting colony of endangered Wood Storks in the country.  Many other endangered species call it home, including the American Alligator, Florida Black Bear and Florida Panther.  I didn’t see a bear or a panther, but I did see this very big alligator.

There were so many beautiful birds, most too fast or too far away for my camera skills.  I was able to get a couple Anhingas, a Great Crested Flycatcher, and a Little Blue Heron who was busy catching a frog for lunch.

The Red-bellied Turtle was adorable.  There were wild flowers everywhere, including the Climbing Aster, above, that the bees loved.  Here’s what other people saw that morning:

This is also a great place to see wild orchids, including one of the most revered orchids in the world, the “Super Ghost” orchid.  It’s the largest Ghost Orchid ever found.  It was spotted high up in a cypress tree in 2007, but it’s estimated to be 40-60 years old.  Most bloom rarely, with only one or two blooms at a time.  This one blooms often and with up to 15 blooms at once.  There is also a smaller Ghost Orchid in the sanctuary.  Rangers set up scopes on the boardwalk for visitors to get a close view when they’re in bloom.  This is the only place you’re likely to see this orchid in the wild.  Their locations are now kept secret due to poaching.  Neither one was in bloom for my visit, but I plan to go back to see them.  You can get updates on their website or Facebook page.

Here are some other wild orchids we spotted, plus the tree the “Super Ghost” calls home:

Even if you don’t get to see the elusive ghost orchid, it’s worth a visit for a peaceful stroll through wild habitats you’d never be able to experience on your own.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary & Blair Audubon Center
375 Sanctuary Road West
Naples, FL 34120

corkscrew.audubon.org