Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed

{{Short description|Conservation area in Florida }}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}

Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) is a conservation area in Florida covering more than 60,000 acres in Lee County, Florida and Collier County, Florida. It provides habitat for species including the Florida panther, snail kite, bobcat, and wood stork. Public trails are part of the preserve.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sfwmd.gov/recreation-site/corkscrew-regional-ecosystem-watershed-crew|title=Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW)|website=www.sfwmd.gov}} CREW connects to various protected land areas.

The property was purchased for conservation in 1990.{{Cite web|url=https://winknews.com/2023/01/30/crew-protected-lands-provide-snapshot-of-old-florida-haven-for-wildlife/|title=CREW protected lands provide snapshot of old Florida, haven for wildlife|first=Elizabeth|last=Biro|date=January 30, 2023}} The preserve includes a 2.5 mile boardwalk through old growth forest. White orchids and ancient cypress trees grow in the area.{{Cite web|url=https://news.wgcu.org/section/environment/2023-03-10/when-being-sold-ten-acres-of-swamp-land-is-a-good-thing|title=When being sold ten acres of swamp land is a good thing|date=March 10, 2023|website=WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida}}

The Audubon Society's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is central to the preserve. Invasive species, natural wildfires, and development are threats to the area.{{Cite web|url=https://fortmyers.floridaweekly.com/articles/our-swamp-treasure/|title=Our SWAMP TREASURE - Fort Myers Florida Weekly|date=January 15, 2020|website=Fort Myers Florida Weekly -}} Andrew West has captured photographs of wildlife with trail cameras in the preserve including Florida panther, bobcat, wild hog, deer, and raccoon.https://www.news-press.com/picture-gallery/news/2022/06/26/patience-tinkering-pay-off-photographer-andrew-west-and-his-camera-trap/7741218001/