Landmark Cypress № 12 — "Baker-Curry"

Landmark Cypress № 12 — "Baker-Curry". Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The Baker-Curry tree is named for two individuals whose unlikely partnership saved Corkscrew and established it as an Audubon Sanctuary. It started with passionate citizens who came together to stop the logging of the last remaining old-growth bald cypress forest in the world. These individuals formed the Corkscrew Cypress Rookery Association in 1954 and enlisted John Baker, president of the National Audubon Society, to lead their efforts to stop Lee Tidewater Cypress Company from logging. Baker successfully petitioned the Lee Tidewater president, J. Arthur Curry, extolling the value of the swamp, negotiating its sale, and eventually winning an ally. Curry responded by making a Christmas present of a square mile of the most valuable stretch of old-growth forest. This partnership is a testimony that individuals can make a significant and lasting difference., With roots anchored deep in the peat, the Baker-Curry tree weathers adversity and continues reaching upward and outward providing value to the surrounding community. Old-growth cypress trees are favorite nesting sites for threatened wood storks. One spring in the early 1900s, ornithologist T. Gilbert Pearson estimated the Corkscrew colony contained 100,000 storks. Due to regional development pressures, these numbers have dropped dramatically. So like John Baker, we continue the fight to protect, restore, and steward the legacy of wildlife and wild lands with which we've been entrusted, seeking allies where we can find them., We urge you to stay connected to special natural areas near your home, get involved, and help with stewardship and advocacy.