The Baker-Currey tree stands as a symbol of resilience in rich organic soil, reaching upward and outward despite adversity. Old-growth cypress trees here have long provided favorite nesting sites for vulnerable Wood Storks, and in the early 1900s tens of thousands of storks raised their chicks in this place before regional development pressures caused their numbers to drop dramatically. In the early 1950s, as the Lee-Tidewater Cypress Company began logging Corkscrew Swamp, passionate Floridians from Tampa to Miami united to protect this unique place and formed the Corkscrew Cypress Rookery Association, gaining support from the National Audubon Society. Its president, John Baker, met with Lee-Tidewater president, J. Arthur Currey, and persuaded him of the swamp's tremendous ecological value. The company then gifted 640 acres, and 5,040 more acres were purchased with funds raised by the National Audubon Society and many organizations and individuals, leading to the creation of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Along the boardwalk, remarkable bald cypress trees are designated as Landmark Cypress, representing Florida's natural history and conservation and honoring philanthropists who help safeguard this special place today.