A Celebration of ED CARLSON'S 35 Years of Service to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
January 20, 2010 - 6:00 - 10:00 pm
Please join us to honor Ed Carlson
Dinner and Roast
$125 per person
Hilton Hotel - 5111 Tamiami Trail North, Naples
RSVP by January 13, 2010
Contact: Doug Machesney or Candace Forsyth
239-348-9151 x111
Ed Carlson's business card says "Director of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary" but the modern day warden and champion of conservation in Collier and Lee Counties for the past 35 years, is often described more frankly as "Swamp Rat."
Ed first came to Corkscrew from Miami as a teenager and spent the summer repairing the old boardwalk, with no electrical tools and chest deep in swamp water. In 1974 on his first day as an Audubon staff biologist he came upon a flock of Wood Storks.....and has been their advocate ever since, preserving habitats and watersheds critical to their existence. He became Director in 1983 and continues his mission to educate the public and policy makers about the tremendous natural resources found in southwest Florida.
He considers his major accomplishments to be the building of the Blair Audubon Center at Corkscrew, a six year campaign that created the new Visitors Center, an innovative wastewater treatment plant, an eco-friendly parking lot and the rebuilding of the 2.25-mile boardwalk trail.
Created By Nature, Protected By Audubon: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is considered the "jewel in the crown" of the National Audubon Society. For over 100 years the area just east of Naples, Florida has been a safe haven for birds, wildlife and the largest stand of old growth cypress trees in North America, protected by Audubon wardens. Audubon purchased 520 acres now known as the Sanctuary in 1954. Today 13,000 acres of native habitats are currently managed by Audubon of Florida. Over 100,000 visitors are welcomed each year to explore the 2.25 mile boardwalk trail and experience "the real Florida."
To learn more about Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, view the Sanctuary's brochure (page 1 and page 2). To find out even more and to view online photos of the preserve, consider visiting the Swamp's website.
