The CREW Land and Water Trust is a private, non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of the water resources and natural communities in and around the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW). We do that by coordinating the land acquisition, land management, and public use of this 60,000-acre watershed in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District (which owns and manages the land) and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (which monitors wildlife, hunting,and provides law enforcement on CREW). CREW is the largest intact watershed in southwest Florida, straddling Lee and Collier Counties. CREW’s majestic 5,000-acre sawgrass marsh is the headwaters for the entire watershed which includes the National Audubon Society’s famous Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary directly to the south.
This unique watershed provides southwest Floridians
- aquifer recharge for our drinking water
- natural flood protection
- water purification
- wildlife habitat
- and a beautiful space for public recreation
CREW is the perfect place to visit all year round. Each season brings dramatic changes to the plants and animals due to variations in water levels. Come see baby alligators and pine lilies blooming during the fall, hawks and flycatchers nesting in the spring, the graceful swallow-tailed kites in summer, and the dramatic red maples turn red in the winter.
The CREW Land & Water Trust provides guided hikes for the public, environmental education programs for kindergarten through college students, special events like our Wildflower Festival, teacher workshops, and presentations to community groups. We love to share the CREW story and help others understand the importance of protecting places like CREW.
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Take a look at this great Prezi about CREW created by FGCU students for a civic engagement project…
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