Congaree National Park Its river floodplain ecosystem, marked by lakes, creeks, and swamps, provides food and shelter for numerous plants and wildlife, including bird species like the Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered . Congaree National Park occupies about 40 square miles and consists mostly of river bottom hardwood forest -- sweet gum, water oak, tupelo, cypress, loblolly pine, etc. while designating congaree as a national park, congress also authorized four riverfront parcels totalingapproximately 4,600 acres to be added to congaree national park. Congaree National Park is a 26,276 acre (10633 ha) American national monument in central South Carolina, spread across 41.1 sq mi (106.3 sq km), located 18 mi (29 km) southeast of Columbia. Make sure you spend time in the visitor Center. * Taxonomic group- Hordeum leporinum Alligators can't nest in the park because of frequent flooding, but they do live in the Congaree area. These numbers will likely go up as surveys continue. Congaree National Park contains the largest contiguous tract of old-growth floodplain hardwood forest in the United States. It is an alluvial or flood plain, part of a river system where sediment deposits build up on one side and periodic sideways flooding and erosion occur on the other. Congaree National Park is a wonderful place to visit. The Boardwalk Trail at Congaree National Park is an easy 2.5 mile hike through the wetlands with plenty of places to rest. Congaree National Park ranks among the most diverse forest communities in North America. The absence of human sounds was mesmerizing. Columbia-based River Runner Outdoor Center can get you on the water. In regards to bugs, an insect repellent with 20 - 30% Deet should work fine and wearing long-sleeved shirts will be helpful. NPS 178/132546, May 2016. iii. Seasonality, the movement of water, and the impact of time . Congaree is one of the most unique. Congaree National Park is a 26,546 acre park located in South Carolina, in the United States. The park derives its name from the Great Basin, the . Located just outside of Columbia, SC, Congaree National Park provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the natural world in a largely untouched setting. Until 2003, when Congaree became the first and only national park in South Carolina, it was known as the Congaree Swamp National Monument. Housed in more than 22,000 acres, it is one of the best and last remaining examples of a mature forested floodplain. Everglades National Park, located in Florida, spans 1.5 million acres of wetlands and is also home to manatees . One sound we didn't hear was the tell-tale drumming on tree bark of Ivory-billed woodpeckers, though some think the birds thought extinct might exist deep within Congaree National Park in South Carolina. Make sure you spend time in the visitor Center. First, a little backstory. The phenomenon only occurs in a handful of spots around the world. This trail is raised nearly 6 feet above the forest floor, the elevated boardwalk winds through a diverse old-growth forest. Most of the 22,200 acres is occupied by wetlands and . Resource Data Series NPS/SECN/NRDS—2016/1016. Set in South Carolina, the Congaree Swamp is a national treasure. The park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. The park is most commonly entered by way of Nevada State Route 488, which is connected to U.S. The CBR Core Protected Area includes 15,269 acres of Congaree National Park, all of which are federally designated wilderness. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees. Congaree National Park 2) American national park in central South Carolina, 18 miles southeast of the state capital, Columbia. Let's break that down. In 1976 it became protected public land as the Congaree Swamp National Monument. Alligators. But instead of the mountains, Congaree is a swamp with gigantic cypress trees with their . Great Basin National Park is an American national park located in White Pine County in east-central Nevada, near the Utah border, established in 1986. Originally known as Congaree Swamp National Monument it was designated a National Park in 2003. Established by Congress as a national monument in 1976 and redesignated a national park in 2003, Congaree protects the last significant stand of old-growth, bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. -- sprawling across thousands of acres of Congaree Swamp flood plain. The Congaree Indians claimed the floodplain and Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto recounted the intrigue of the area in his journals. Congaree did not receive national park status until 2003. × Contact Us Plants. these two tracts - the 2,420-acre bates fork tract and the 1,886-acre kingville tract- are adjacent to one … Here, Spanish moss drapes from bald cypresses in the largest . In 1983 the national monument was designated an International Biosphere Reserve . the two largest parcels are currentlyavailable for acquisition. "As one goes through life, one learns that if you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move." — Katharine Hepburn Stay Inspired Connect with the parks you love. Though incredibly close by—just 18 miles from Columbia, South Carolina—Congaree National Park has managed to stay under the radar since its national park designation in 2003. (The park was originally designated Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976.) Is Congaree National Park A Swamp? #1 - Boardwalk Loop Trail. Congaree is a no fee park. Congaree National Park in South Carolina has the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. According to the National… Congaree National Park is less than 2 hours south of Union County, right next to Columbia, South Carolina. Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Home of Champions Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Cape Hatteras National Seashore works with the National Park Service's Southeastern Invasive Plant Management Team to treat patches with herbicide. Prehistoric . Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. The National Monument, now National Park, was established in 1976, and is located 20 miles southeast of Columbia, in central South Carolina. A 2.4-mile boardwalk allows visitors of almost any fitness level or ability to immerse themselves in an ecosystem that would be hard to access otherwise. Scientists are finding potentially harmful levels of medicines, chemicals and bacteria in waterways at Congaree National Park as the preserve's managers scramble to resolve what they suspect is . Before Congaree became the first national park in South Carolina in 2003, it was known as the Congaree Swamp National Monument. It is the largest intact tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southestern United States. Congaree National Park. Its river floodplain ecosystem, marked by lakes, creeks, and swamps, provides food and shelter for numerous plants and wildlife, including bird species like the Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl, Summer Tanager, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and wrens, nuthatches, and . Here, Spanish moss drapes from bald cypresses in the largest . The national parks protect the greatest remaining area of bottomland hardwood champion trees in old-growth forests in the United States. Congaree is one of the most unique. In 1969 a campaign by the Sierra Club to save the old growth forest of Congaree began, and in 1976 it was designated Congaree Swamp National Monument by Congress. Numbers of plants, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals live in this pristine environment. Congaree National Park is the only United States National Park in the state of South Carolina.. Congaree National Park, at over 26,000 acres, is the largest old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast. Though incredibly close by—just 18 miles from Columbia, South Carolina—Congaree National Park has managed to stay under the radar since its national park designation in 2003. This 22,200-acre park protects the largest contiguous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. Participants may attend in-person or via Zoom. A football field is 1.32 acres; imagine an area of almost 20,000 football fields. Is Congaree National Park Open? There are around 75 types of trees, nearly 200 species of birds, 75 species of reptiles/amphibians, and more than 50 species of fish and butterflies. Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park will be an enjoyable visit for you. Paddling through Congaree. The park will be more humid at that time; however, still enjoyable. This 22,200-acre park protects the largest contiguous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. It is located roughly two hours from Charleston, South Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia. b. Monocotyledons *Grasses * Once again, like many other plants in Congaree, they are surrounded everywhere besides the waters. The best time to see them is in late summer and fall at Congaree National Park. Located just 20 minutes from the state capital, Congaree National Park is the perfect place to view an abundance of fireflies in their natural habitat. What Is Cool About Congaree National Park? Like the Smokies, Congaree includes a stand of legitimate, virgin, old growth forest. Beware of the Kraken! Park staff will select first place and honorable mentions from the entries. The folks at Congaree will take pains to tell you Congaree is not a swamp, but a floodplain. Congaree National Park is a national park in central South Carolina. The Early Past Prehistoric foragers hunted the area and fished its waters. In regards to bugs, an insect repellent with 20 - 30% Deet should work fine and wearing long-sleeved shirts will be helpful. Congaree National Park is the ONLY National Park in South Carolina (there are many national historic sites), so designated in 2003 after a 40+ year effort by local legislators and community activists. The area was protected in the mid-1970s and became South Carolina's first national. Congaree National Park will be an enjoyable visit for you. The National Monument, now National Park, was established in 1976, and is located 20 miles southeast of Columbia, in central South Carolina. It protects the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. In regards to bugs, an insect repellent with 20 - 30% Deet should work fine and wearing long-sleeved shirts will be helpful. In an effort to slow the spread of invasive plant species within Congaree National Park, a new boot brush station has been installed near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Situated along the meandering Congaree River in central South Carolina, Congaree National Park is home to champion trees, primeval forest landscapes, and diverse plant and animal life. It filters through the trunks of old oaks and gum trees in beams. You will even find a rare species of lightning bug that can synchronize its flashing. Contact the Park. The Congaree River flows through the marshy region, which contains the largest intact remains of floodplain forests on the continent. Congaree Information This national park in South Carolina is home to champion trees, primeval forest landscapes, and diverse plant and animal life. * Characteristics include all flowering plants, bright colors, and smooth petals. Formerly the area that is Congaree National Park was home to red wolves, black bears and mountain lions. The National Park Service has 62 sites that include "National Park" as part of their name. Students are asked to submit art to their teachers, depicting a close-up view of plants, animals or recreational opportunities found within the Congaree National Park Wilderness. The park is most commonly entered by way of Nevada State Route 488, which is connected to U.S. Search. The symposium will focus on recurring themes in park research and feature a memorial session for Will Graf and Rebecca Sharitz. Natural . It has over 20 different plant communities. When I think of national forests I usually think of wide open spaces, challenging climbs, and incredible vistas, but Congaree has something different. Is Congaree National Park Free? Places. That's big. In fact, over 11,000 acres of Congaree have never been logged. Because of the diversity life -- hundreds of species of plants and animals -- supported by the Congaree ecosystem, the park is designated an International Biosphere Reserve. Last national park in this series! The river bottom changes from the bedrock of the Piedmont to the sandy and pliable river bottoms typical of the coastal plain, so any large obstacle like a downed tree can change the rivers direction. Mailing Address: 100 National Park Road Hopkins . The park stretches over nearly 27,000 acres, offering excellent camping and ranger-led canoe trips and hikes. The park has an area of 35 square miles (90 square km). The word swamp conjures up tropical, bug infested wetness full of mud. Authorized in 1976 as Congaree Swamp National Monument, it was designated a national park and renamed in 2003; it became an international biosphere reserve in 1981. Congaree National Park is a place of tremendous ecological diversity. The Congaree National Park (formally the Congaree Swamp National Monument) is an old growth flood plain forest located near Columbia, South Carolina. easy (1050) Length: 2.0 mi • Est. Post Summary: Visiting Congaree National Park. The Congaree National Park is located in a complex floodplain that contains an array of aquatic ecosystems and wetlands occupied by old growth forest. National Park South Carolina Info; Alerts; Maps; Calendar; Reserve; Alerts In Effect Dismiss Dismiss View all alerts. Congaree National Park is located in central South Carolina and protects 27,000 acres of floodplain geology and hydrology, both of which influence this unique ecosystem. As the land was settled in the 18th century, transportation routes crossed the . The twigs are occasionally rustled by a wild turkey. Read More Hike the Oakridge Trail at Congaree National Park Gypsy moths are also a cause for concern. National Park The most commonly encountered trees and shrubs are tupelo, laurel oak, ironwood, American holly, loblolly pine, cherrybark oak, paw paw, water oak and bald cypress. Congaree National Park, for years the only national park in South Carolina, draws about 100,000 visitors annually. The park derives its name from the Great Basin, the . Congaree National Park in South Carolina has the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. National Park Service Logo National Park Service. Use the self-guided brochure and listen for woodpeckers hammering away in the tall trees above. Learn more about Congaree National Park >> Everglades National Park in Florida. by ponzoblogs. Within Congaree National Park there are 1,220 taxa, including 33 amphibians, 45 reptiles, 71 fish, 191 birds, 37 mammals, 328 terrestrial plants, 512 wetland plants, and three aquatic plants. Situated along the meandering Congaree River in central South Carolina, Congaree National Park is home to champion trees, primeval forest landscapes, and diverse plant and animal life. The oak boughs let in an eerie amount of light. Yes. Visiting Congaree National Park. The park is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Columbia. Routes 6 and 50 by Nevada State Route 487 via the small town of Baker, the closest settlement.. One step inside the nearly 27,000-acre park and visitors are transported much further back in time. The Congaree National Park is located in a complex floodplain that contains an array of aquatic ecosystems and wetlands occupied by old growth forest. Invasive plants, like common reed (Phragmites australis), are found in tidal wetlands and can outcompete native plant species. The Congaree National Park is one of America's oldest bottomland forest located in South Carolina. Dispersed throughout the park are some enormous trees, including some national champions for their respective species. Last updated: April 14, 2015. * Taxonomic group- Vicia. Plants: 75 species of trees are found in Congaree National Park. Animals: The Park is entirely forested, but more than 170 bird species have been found in the park. Search Open Menu Explore This Park; Congaree. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. Most of the 22,200 acres is occupied by wetlands and . Great Basin National Park is an American national park located in White Pine County in east-central Nevada, near the Utah border, established in 1986. The park will be more humid at that time; however, still enjoyable. Boardwalk Loop Trail. Congaree National Park protects the largest contiguous, old-growth bottomland forest in the eastern US, and there's nothing like canoeing through its unearthly swamp to make you feel like you've stepped into a Southern Gothic novel. Its river floodplain ecosystem, marked by lakes, creeks, and swamps, provides food and shelter for numerous plants and wildlife, including bird species like the Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl, Summer Tanager, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and wrens, nuthatches, and . Known for its floodplains and massive 150+ foot tall "Champion" trees, Congaree is a vibrant and natural wonderland. Congaree is home to swampland, some of the only swampland left, and the amazing natural elements that come with this swampland are protected and treasured for their rarity. Whether it's a short stroll through the woods on one of the park's boardwalks or a canoe trip down Cedar Creek, Congaree National Park has an abundance of wonders. . (A bottomland hardwood forest is another name for a river swamp.) Some of these special trees are considered "champion trees" similar to the "rock stars" found in some of the parks in the western United States, like General Sherman found in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park or the ancient bristlecone pines found at Bryce Canyon or Great Basin.The trees in Congaree are some of the oldest and largest in South Carolina and . Prehistoric people used places like Sampson's Island as a place to set up camp while within the floodplain to hunt and gather food. A 2.4-mile boardwalk allows visitors of almost any fitness level or ability to immerse themselves in an ecosystem that would be hard to access otherwise. The park will be more humid at that time; however, still enjoyable. One step inside the nearly 27,000-acre park and visitors are transported much further back in time. This area is an important focus area for clean air and water, as well as a sanctuary for the diverse plants and animals who live there. * Frugal flowers are surrounded in grassy areas of the park. Congaree National Park (S.C.) | NatureScene. Congaree National Park, natural area in central South Carolina, U.S., about 20 miles (30 km) southeast of Columbia. These trees make up one of the highest forest canopies in the world. Make sure you spend time in the visitor Center. It protects the largest old growth forest in the southeastern United States and its flood plain creates a . They first were documented at Congaree National Park in 2008, but have been moving inland since about 2000. If you're a fan of both alligators and crocodiles, venture south to Everglades National Park — the only place in the world where they live together. The park covers more than 26,000 acres (10,520 hectares) of wilderness. Within the park are cattle mounds. Established in 2003, Congaree National Park in South Carolina is home to astonishing biodiversity. It is most known for their impressively large Champion Trees, such as sweet gums, laurel oaks, green ash, and more. Congaree National Park. Preliminary surveys have found over 80 tree species, 170 bird species, 60 reptile and amphibian species, and 49 fish species. Congaree National Park contains many places that tell the story of how people have used the land over thousands of years. Today, Congaree National Park helps preserve examples of these now uncommon natural landscapes and the diverse plant and animal life they support, as well as allowing visitors to experience and learn about what makes them so unique, as well as why they are worth saving. A database for users to find information on national parks in the United States, in a particular state, or to find a specific park. Understand [] History []. Suggest an Edit Details Address 100 National Park Rd Hopkins Phone 803-776-4396 Website www.nps.gov/cong The Cedar Creek waterway passes through a primeval old-growth forest that contains some of the . South Carolina's only national park, Congaree is located on 22,200 acres in the Congaree River floodplain of lower Richland County. Fun Fact: The Congaree and Wateree Rivers can flood up to 10 times a year, replenishing soil nutrients that sustain the forest habitat. It is also a recreational space in which visitors can fish, camp, hike, and paddle. Congaree National Park and Friends of Congaree Swamp are hosting the park's third research symposium on Thursday, January 6, 2022 and Friday January 7, 2022. The eerie wetlands are full of Cypress trees and trees knees sticking out of the water. By Land or By Water. Congaree National Park is unlike any other national park that I have been to (except maybe the Everglades). Following a 35+ year lobbying campaign, Congaree was named our Nation's 57th National Park in 2003 in order to preserve the largest tract of "bottomland hardwood forest" left in the United States. No, technically this park is a flood plain and a river. Congaree National Park will be an enjoyable visit for you. Vascular plant species known to occur at Congaree National Park (NPSpecies 2016) and . Seasonality, the movement of water, and the impact of time . On November 10, 2003, Congaree was designated a National Park, a South Carolina wilderness area, that was formerly the Congaree Swamp National Monument. The primary significance of Congaree National Park is demonstrated through its unique bottomland hardwood forest communities, the overall height of the forest canopy and associated number of national and state champion trees, as well as the presence of a well-preserved, biologically diverse, and dynamic river floodplain ecosystem. Vegetation community monitoring at Congaree National Park: 2014 data summary. The National Park Service has 62 sites that include "National Park" as part of their name. Insects buzzed, and birds sang, their sounds rising and falling as they drew near and flew off. Since then the Congaree has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve (1983), a Globally Important Bird Area (2002), and our second newest national park (2003). Before it became a national park in 2003, it was authorized as Congaree Swamp National Monument in 1976 and became an international biosphere reserve in 1981. 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