Field Trips
NAISMA hosts the only conference to bridge geographic divides across North America in invasive species management. Network with natural resource managers, researchers, and leaders in the invasive species field.
2022 Annual Conference Field Trips
The Ft. Myers/Naples area and Sanibel Island are home to some of the best wildlife and unique habitats in North America — as well as numerous invasive species challenges and successes. Many thanks to co-hosts Florida Invasive Species Council for connecting us with tour sites and guides that showcase invasive species management in such a verdant environment.
All field trips except the Edison and Ford Winter Estates include a box lunch.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Monday, November 7th, 1:30 pm – 4:30pm
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates include 20 acres of world renowned gardens with more than 1,700 plants representing more than 400 species from six continents. This is a National Register Historic Site and is one of the most visited historic home sites in America. In 1927, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone were concerned about America’s dependence on foreign rubber sources for its industrial enterprises. The three men formed the Edison Botanic Research Corporation (EBRC). Under Edison’s leadership, the corporation sought a source of rubber that could be grown and produced quickly in the U.S., in the event of a foreign supply shortage. After testing more than 17,000 plant samples, Edison eventually selected Goldenrod as the most suitable. The Laboratory was operational until 1936 (five years after Edison’s death), when the project was transferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This tour will be led by Debbie Hughes, Horticulture Director, who will talk about the estate’s work to maintain the unique gardens while managing invasive plants. You will have time to tour the gardens on your own and visit the gift shop before returning to the hotel.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

Koreshan State Park and Estero Bay State Parks, Ft. Myers
Wednesday, Nov. 9. 10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples
Thursday, Nov. 10, 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a journey into the heart of the Everglades ecosystem. Discover the rugged beauty of this famed natural area on Corkscrew’s famous boardwalk. There are two options with this tour. You can either take an easy walking 1.5 mile walk on the boardwalk or take a rugged buggy drive (limited to 10 people and is not ADA accessible) through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, around a marsh, and finally into the largest old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America. Located about 30 minutes east of Naples, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to hundreds of alligators, otters, white-tailed deer, and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors can be seen throughout the year, while the fabulous Painted Bunting is one of many winter visitors.