National Park Service Congaree National Park U.S. Department of the Interior

Summer 2012 Boardwalk Talk

COURTESY / JOHN PAUL Superintendent’s Message

Welcome to Congaree National Park. This edition of the Board- Intense daytime temperatures and high relative humidity often walk Talk will help you get the most out of your summertime provide the environment in which spectacular summer storms visit to the park. See inside for program schedules, articles on may be experienced. These storms frequently pop up in the Leave No Trace principles, and adaptations. We hope late afternoon and can include high winds and drenching rains, you fi nd the information useful to you as you enjoy the park. often disappearing as quickly as they appear. The spectacle of We invite you to take the paper home with you to share with a summer storm is a sight to behold, but remember to check others when you head to your next destination, but if you the weather forecast at the front desk before hitting the trails or choose to leave it behind, we’d be happy to re-use or recycle it roads and plan accordingly so you aren’t caught off -guard! for you! We appreciate you making Congaree National Park a destina- With the comfortable mornings and warm evenings of a south- tion during your busy summer and as always we appreciate ern summer, there can also be high heat and humidity through- any feedback you’d like to provide on how we can improve the Tracy Swartout, Park Superintendent out the day. Be sure everyone in your group (even pets) has park experience for visitors in the future. access to enough water. A fountain is available 24 hours a day in the breezeway at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. If you are Happy Trails, camping, visitor center staff can also provide you with access to potable water for fi lling larger containers to take back to your Join Congaree Online campsite. www.facebook.com/CongareeNP Save the Date for Tracy Swartout Campfi re Chronicles @CongareeNPS Lauren Gurniewicz, Chief of Interpretation www.fl ickr.com/photos/congareenps Each fall, Congaree National Park staff between people and the land that is now and volunteers gather together to Congaree National Park in a series of celebrate the park’s rich cultural history scenes set along the boardwalk. The walk by sharing the stories of the people who ends with s’mores and a campfi re with came to Congaree in the past. park staff . Canoe Tour During this free family friendly event, Join us November 2-3, 2012 for the 4th Reservations park rangers will guide visitors along a Annual Congaree Campfi re Chronicles. Reservations for canoe tours in one-mile trek into the forest and through Guided tours will take place the 4th quarter of 2012 (Oct. 1- Dec. 31) centuries of history to see costumed November 2 from 6:00-8:00 pm and No- open September 15. Call 803-776-4396 interpreters portray the relationship vember 3, 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm. to make a reservation. See pages four and

fi ve for information.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA YOUR EXPERIENCE ™

Emergencies To: To: Call 911 or contact a park ranger. Be aware that cell phone service is patchy

throughout the park.

Hopkins, SC 29061 SC Hopkins,

100 National Park Road Park National 100

k Par l Nationa Congaree National Park Service Things To Do U.S. Department of the Interior CAMPING Boardwalk to access waterways if you are Congaree National Park There are two developed primitive carrying fi shing gear. Anglers may campgrounds in the park. The Longleaf obtain a complete list of fi shing regula- Campground has fi re rings, portable tions from the Harry Hampton Visitor The Boardwalk Talk is a publication of the toilets, and picnic tables. Eight sites are Center or online at www.nps.gov/cong. National Park Service for the orientation available on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served and education of visitors to Congaree basis. Each site is limited to eight camp- National Park. WALKS AND TALKS ers. The Bluff Campground has no toilet Rangers provide a variety of guided The National Park Service was established facilities but provides picnic tables and walks, talks, campfi re programs, and on August 25, 1916, “to conserve the fi re rings and is ideal for groups of up canoe tours. For a complete list of ranger scenery and the natural and historic to thirty individuals. Camping is also guided interpretive programs, see pages objects and the wild life therein and to permitted by hiking or canoeing into four and fi ve. Listen and learn as rangers provide for the enjoyment of the same in the backcountry. To minimize human give talks on various topics or take you such manner and by such means as will impact in this designated Wilderness on a hike through the old-growth forest. leave them unimpaired for future genera- Area, campfi res are prohibited in the tions.” In 1976, Congaree became part backcountry. of the National Park Service as Congaree BIRDING Swamp National Monument to preserve Paddling the Congaree River Blue Trail Congaree National Park is designated the largest remaining tract of old-growth All campers are required to obtain a free as a Globally Important Bird Area by bottomland hardwood forest in the camping permit and a list of regulations otters, turtles, snakes, and raccoons. the American Bird Conservancy. Many United States. It was re-designated as at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center In addition to adventures on Cedar migratory birds can be found during the Congaree National Park in 2003. prior to camping. Creek, opportunities are also available spring and fall migrations. Bring binocu- on the Congaree and Wateree River Blue lars and ask rangers for a list of docu- Superintendent CANOEING/KAYAKING Trails. Please check with rangers for mented species within the park. Tracy Swartout Traveling by canoe or kayak is a great maps and current conditions. Chief of Interpretation way to enjoy this primeval Wilderness PICKNICKING Lauren Gurniewicz while fl oating past some of the tallest FISHING A picnic shelter with trash and recycling trees in eastern North America. Paddling All waterways except Weston Lake are receptacles and grills is available on a Editor is also a thrilling way to encounter the di- open to fi shing with a valid South Caro- fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis near the Corinne Fenner verse wildlife of the park including deer, lina fi shing license. Please do not use the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Mailing Address Congaree National Park Safety First 100 National Park Road Jared Gurtler, Law Enforcement Park Ranger Hopkins, SC 29061 What should you do if a thunderstorm- while being aware of water levels that BEWARE OF DEAD TREES Phone storm hits while you are in the park? may rise quickly. Also avoid open fi elds Since dead trees are more likely to fall 803-776-4396 This is an excellent question and one or trails, and areas near tall isolated trees. than living trees, avoid areas with dead Website that both visitors and rangers can learn Lightning has the tendency to strike ob- trees. Look for and stay away from dead www.nps.gov/cong from. The best way to safely hike, camp jects that are closest to the cloud where or injured trees that have no foliage, are or paddle in Congaree National Park is it developed. Even if there is no audible missing bark or show signs of rotting. Email to properly plan your trip. This includes thunder or visible fl ashes of light, you [email protected] packing appropriate gear, knowing how will reduce the chances of getting struck RESUME ACTIVITY ONLY WHEN CONDI- Operating Hours long your visit will take, and checking by lightning by taking the following pre- TIONS ARE SAFE Congaree National Park is open 24 hours weather conditions. However, as they cautions: 1.)Stay away from tall, isolated A thunderstorm may last anywhere from a day, 7 days a week. The Harry Hamp- say, “even the best laid plans of mice and trees. Instead look for a dense, low grow- 30 minutes to two hours. Even when the ton Visitor Center hours vary by season. men go astray.” No matter how well you ing group of trees or shrubs to stay un- storm appears to have subsided, light- Please call before visiting. The visitor cen- plan your trips, you should always expect der. 2.) If hiking or camping near a ridge ning may still linger. If possible, avoid ter is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas the unexpected. This is especially true (higher elevation), look for a lower area open fi elds or trails, and areas near tall, Day, and New Year’s Day. when hiking, camping, or paddling in the to stay during the storm. 3.) Make your- isolated trees while retreating to safety or resuming camping, hiking, or paddling Fees fl oodplain. Afternoon thunderstorms are self small by squatting on the ground Admission and all programs are free. common throughout summer at Conga- with your knees to your chest. Keep your activities. ree National Park. head tucked in with your hands protect- Climate ing your ears. Winter: low 30s to high 60s Following a few basic tips if caught in Spring: low 50s to high 80s a thunderstorm will help you stay safe. GET OFF THE WATER Summer: low 60s to high 90s (& humid) While these tips do not cover every sce- If you are canoeing or kayaking, make Firearms in the Park Fall: low 50s to high 80s nario, they do provide a starting point for your way to land and retreat inland, the basic course of action when caught moving away from the edge of the water. Eastern National Federal law allows people who can le- in a thunderstorm. When disaster strikes, Look for a low area or a low stand of gally possess fi rearms under applicable the human psychological process tends trees to stay under. federal, state, and local laws to legally to break down and panic may set in. To possess fi rearms in this park. However, fi rearms are prohibited in federal build- avoid panic, remember the following tips SPREAD OUT ings. It is the responsibility of visitors to and your chances of safely weathering If you are with a group of people, spread understand and comply with all appli- the storm will increase exponentially. out with several yards between each of cable state, local, and federal fi rearms you. If one person gets hit by lightning, a Eastern National, a non-profi t cooperat- laws before entering this park. As a SEEK SHELTER person sitting next to him may also re- starting point, please visit our state’s ing association with the National Park If possible, move into a building or avail- ceive injury. By spreading out, the chanc- Service, supports the mission of the website at www.sled.sc.gov to become able vehicle. Roll up the vehicle windows es of everyone getting hit are lower, and National Park Service by producing edu- familiar with the state gun laws in and avoid touching metal parts. there will be someone to respond if there cational materials and has provided the South Carolina. generous funds for this publication. is a victim. If someone in your group gets While this law affects a person’s ability STAY LOW struck by lightning, provide CPR (when to possess a fi rearm in the park, using Photograph Credits While hiking or camping during a storm, safe to do so) and call for additional fi rearms within Congaree National Park All un-credited images in this publication you should avoid high (elevated) areas, medical help. are NPS photos. is still prohibited by law. 2 Congaree Boardwalk Talk Amazing Adaptations John Galbary, Park Volunteer Over time, have adjusted to their more complex as with a male anole fi nches over the past two decades and tions go on. The unsuccessful die out. environments in amazing ways through successfully controlling his territory and have observed and documented changes Next time you observe an animal at adaptations that may be behavioral or the females within, while keeping out the in beak size, shape, form and function Congaree National Park, ask yourself, physical, instinctive or learned, or com- competition. Behavioral displays may due to environmental pressures brought “What about it makes it successful day by binations of these. Behavioral and physi- involve posturing and color changes, about with climate change. Changes day?” “What is it doing to meet its basic cal adaptations contribute to survival, head bobbing and body pumping, rear- in rain patterns and plant growth have needs?” Amazing animal adaptations are growth, and reproduction. ing back and infl ating his colorful dew- eff ected physical changes in the fi nches’ all around us. lap. The male who postures, displays, beaks on diff erent islands within a rela- Behavioral adaptations involve what an and bumps away his rivals wins the day tively short time span. Environmental Sources: animal does daily to successfully meet its and passes on his genes. The eastern gray pressures aff ect proteins within the bird Campbell, Neil A. (2007). Biology. Saddle River, basic needs. Physical adaptations involve squirrel that gathers and caches enough that govern the expression of genes. As NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. changes modifying aspects of the ani- seeds and nuts in the fall is best suited to environmental pressures select for these mal’s physiology and anatomy to make it survive the lean winter months and will proteins, they in turn act as switches to Carroll, Sean B. (2005). Endless Forms Most a more successful carnivore, herbivore, have a higher degree of reproductive suc- turn on or off genes shaping beak pat- Beautiful. , NY: W. W. Norton & Com- or omnivore and to fulfi ll its niche and cess in the spring. terns within the populations of fi nches. pany. pass on its genes. The bird’s genetic heritage is modifi ed to enhance fi tness for survival and re- Isham, Steven B. (2007). Anoles: Those Natural selection tweaks these changes, productive success. The diff erent species Yard Lizards. Orlando, FL: Commahawk Pub- enhancing the animal’s fi tness to survive of fi nches originated from a common lishing, LLC. and thrive. The fi ttest reproduce, and mainland ancestor. All carry a common slowly the population is altered, incor- genetic inheritance that can be tweaked Kricher, John & Morrison, Gordon. (1998). porating minute changes modifi ed by by environmental pressures upon the Eastern Forests. Boston, MA: Houghton Miffl in environmental conditions. Natural selec- protein switches governing genetic ex- Harcourt. tion shapes the animal slowly through pression. If Charles Darwin had stayed more successful approximations to the on the islands long enough, he could Miller, Kenneth R. & Levine, Joseph S. (2006). desired result, including reproductive have seen beak size and shape altered. Biology. Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. success. The goal is to be better than a rival. Adaptive changes facilitate greater Animals adapt to their environments Shanor , Karen & Kanwal, Jagmeet. (2009). Bats success in the struggle for existence. over time. Changes in camoufl age pat- Sing, Mice Giggle. London, UK: Icon Books. terns, silent wings for nocturnal preda- Green Anole Behavioral adaptations can be as simple tors, tail-vibrating in snakes, binocular Weiner, Jonathan. (1994). The Beak of the Finch. as a green anole (Anolis carolinensis) vision for carnivores, better peripheral New York, NY: Vintage Books. moving in and out of the sun to regulate Physical changes can happen over vast vision for their prey, puffi ng up of body its body temperature, or an eastern gray time or within the span of a few decades. parts to intimidate and bluff are all adap- Williams, Ernest H. Jr. (2005). The Nature Hand- squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) building an According to Jonathan Weiner’s book, tations in an animal’s behavioral reper- book. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, airy summer nest and a more insulated The Beak of the Finch, scientists have toire and/or physiology that enhance its Inc. and secure winter nest. Behavior can be been studying populations of Galapagos chances for success. Successful popula- Managing Exotics Maggie Wilder, Erin Redding, Emily Jablonski, SCA Interns

Congaree National Park is a very fortu- The Chinese wisteria eradication project Japanese climbing fern is a small, easily- ary of park. Chinese privet is one of nate place. This is not only because of took place in October of 2011, although recognizable fern that thrives in several the most prominent invasive species the beautiful forest, diverse wildlife, cen- this project began years ago when park ecosystems throughout Congaree Na- in Conagree National Park and in the tury-old trees and the very knowledge- staff prepared for a prescribed fi re. A tional Park. The team treated large and southern United States. The SEC-EPMT able and dedicated staff , but also because large infestation was discovered at an old small infestations of Japanese climbing has begun the long, slow process of con- it is home to the Southeast Coast Exotic home site. In 2011, after several previous fern along Weston Lake Loop Trail and trolling the Chinese privet population. Plant Management Team (SEC-EPMT). treatments, the team went back through the Kingsnake Trail in December of 2011 The SEC-EPMT is one of 16 teams who the area and sprayed small re-sprouts and January of 2012. These areas were All of these plants and many more serve throughout the United States to with herbicide. The area that was once treated and the plants with spores were were introduced to the United States preserve native plant ecosystems in na- overgrown with wisteria is now return- removed. Because of the long life and by gardeners who enjoy their lovely tional park units. The SEC-EPMT travels ing to its natural state with native plants mobile character of Japanese climbing appearance and easy maintenance. to 12 national parks, monuments, sea- reappearing. fern spores, it was important that they Unfortunately, outside of their native shores, and battlefi elds throughout the be collected and properly disposed of to ecosystems, these plants have few natu- Carolinas, Alabama, and , but al- prevent it spreading to new areas. Several ral controls. They spread rapidly from ways returns to Congaree National Park. more follow-up treatments will be need- gardens into native woodlands, smother- The team consists of two to four Student ed in infested areas to eff ectively control ing native plants, and reducing biodiver- Conservation Association (SCA) interns, the population. sity and overall forest health. The team the fi eld crew leader, Amorita Brackett, monitors invasions, maps exotic popula- and our new liaison, Lauren Serra. Team The last big project of the SEC-EPMT tions, physically removes specimens, and members work three to six months with at Conagree National Park is the treat- utilizes targeted spraying. much of the team’s time spent battling ment of Chinese privet along the western invasive plants throughout the region. boundary of the park. Because of the Citizens can assist the park mission of The team has also tackled several in- large size of this infestation and range preserving the country’s unique native vasive plant species here at Congaree. of plant ages, several treatment meth- ecosystems. Visit the Harry Hampton These projects include Chinese wisteria ods were needed. For larger trees, a cut Visitor Center to learn how you can help (Wisteria sinensis), Japanese climbing stump treatment was used, for smaller in the fi ght against invasive species. fern (Lygodium japonium), and Chinese saplings and shrubs, a foliar spray was privet (Ligustrum sinense). used. The crew worked the entire way along the western boundary from the Congaree River to the northern bound- Congaree Boardwalk Talk 3 July 2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 Independence 5 6 7 4 Day 10:00a Ranger Choice 10:00a Ranger Choice 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 9:30a Nature Discovery 10:00 Tree Trek 12:30p Public Canoe Tour 10:00 a Ranger Choice

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10:00a Tree Trek 9:00a Group Canoe Tour 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 11:00a Tree Trek 11:00a Tree Trek 12:30p Group Canoe Tour 12:30p Group Canoe Tour

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10:00 a Tree Trek 12:30p Group Canoe Tour 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 5:30p Public Canoe Tour 9:30a Nature Discovery 10:00a Junior Ranger to Activity Day 2:00p 12:30p Group Canoe Tour 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 10:00a Tree Trek 10:00a Tree Trek 10:00a Tree Trek 5:30p Public Canoe Tour 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 10:00a Junior Ranger to Activity Day 2:00p 12:30p Group Canoe Tour 29 30 31 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 10:00a Tree Trek 12:30p Public Canoe Tour August 2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 10:00a Tree Trek 5:30p Public Canoe Tour 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 9:30a Nature Discovery 10:00a Loblolly Hike 12:30p Group Canoe Tour 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10:00a Tree Trek 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 12:30p Group Canoe Tour

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10:00a Tree Trek 9:30a Nature Discovery

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 10:00a Tree Trek 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 12:30p Group Canoe Tour

26 27 28 29 30 31

September 2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 9:30a Nature Discovery

2 3 Labor Day 4 5 6 7 8 10:00a Birds & Branches 10:00a Tree Trek 2:00p Gaps & Saps 9:30a Nature Discovery

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 10:00a Birds & Branches 2:00p Gaps &Saps 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 9:30a Nature Discovery 12:30p Group Canoe Tour

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2:00p Gaps & Saps 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 9:30a Nature Discovery 12:30p Group Canoe Tour

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 10:00a Birds & Branches 2:00p Gaps & Saps 9:00a Public Canoe Tour 9:30a Nature Discovery 12:30p Group Canoe Tour 30 Program Descriptions

BIRDS & BRANCHES LOBLOLLY HIKE Attending Programs Fly into the visitor center and meet a ranger for a guided hike. Bigger really is better! Take a hike with a ranger to see the Bring your binoculars and search out who may be currently national champion loblolly pine up close. MEET THE RANGER residing in the forest. All programs meet at the Harry NATURE DISCOVERY HIKE Hampton Visitor Center unless noted otherwise. CANOE TOURS Discover the fl oodplain on this guided boardwalk hike. You’ll Enjoy the ambiance of this old-growth forest while paddling explore the forest, looking and listening for animals. BE PREPARED under bald cypress and tupelo trees. Bring water, a snack, Wear weather appropriate cloth- sturdy shoes and a change of clothes. Reservations required. See RANGER CHOICE ing, sturdy walking shoes, and bring reservation policy on this page. Variety is the spice of life! Meet at the Harry Hampton Visitor water. Center to explore the park’s rich natural and cultural stories with RESERVATIONS GAPS & SAPS a ranger. Rangers may present one of the programs listed here or Required for Public and Group Canoe Walk through the forest. See change in action and learn surprise you with a new walk of their choice. Tours. Please call 803-776-4396. some of nature’s secrets. TREE TREK CANCELLATIONS JUNIOR RANGER ACTIVITY DAY Discover Congaree National Park’s primeval forested fl oodplain. Programs may be cancelled for in- Join park rangers and our Junior Ranger Ambassador for Experience the extraordinarily diverse wildlife while walking clement weather and/or park emer- a day of fun-filled activities. All participants will earn an among the towering trees. gencies. official Congaree Junior Ranger Badge. PETS Pets are not permitted to attend ranger-guided programs.

Guided Canoe Tours: Reservation Policy

The park offers free ranger-guided canoe tours on a limited basis throughout the year. Public and group canoe tours are one of the most popular ways to experience Congaree National Park. Reservations are required.

During a ranger-guided canoe tour, rangers provide instruction and interpretation as you paddle a park-provided canoe along Cedar Creek. Congaree National Park pro- vides canoes, paddles, and personal fl otation devices. The schedule of canoe tours is available on page four of this publication.

Reservations can be made via telephone ONLY. Please do NOT leave a voicemail for reservations.

Children must be at least fi ve years of age to attend.

Water and repellent are recommended throughout the year, along with sturdy shoes that attach to your feet and can get muddy.

Tours will be cancelled in the event of lightning, if air temperature is below 45 de- grees at the time of the tour, if the heat index exceeds 103 degrees, if the water level Visitors identify leaves during a ranger-guided program on Cedar Creek is above ten feet, or if winds exceed 30 miles per hour.

For additional information, call 803-776-4396. Public Tours Group Tours

• Reservations taken quarterly by • Reservations taken on a con- calling 803-776-4396. For the tinuous basis throughout the 4th quarter of 2012 (October year. Call 803-647-3969 or 1-December 31), reservations email Lauren_Gurniewicz@ open September 15. For the nps.gov. 1st quarter of 2013 (January 1-March 31), reservations open • Group size must be between December 15. Reservations 10 and 16 people and be will close when fi lled to ca- members of an organized pacity. group, club, or common affi li- ation. • Each individual caller may re- serve up to two canoes for up to six seats per tour. Each individual may make only one reservation per quarter.

Visitor enjoying a big tree Congaree Boardwalk Talk 5 Leave No Trace Lindsay Compton, Park Ranger

Last year, Congaree National Park tional Park, or if you’re just hiking for the Keep fi res small and use sticks that DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY hosted approximately 5,500 campers, day, some wisdom can be gained from can be broken by hand. To prevent the Pack it in, pack it out. Check your camp- of which twenty percent were in the these seven simple principles: spread of invasive , bringing site before leaving to ensure all trash backcountry. For some campers, the idea wood from external sources is prohib- and food waste leave with you. Deposit of camping in the backcountry may be PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE ited in Congaree National Park. Camp- solid human waste in catholes dug six to unfamiliar and even frightening. Almost Know the rules and regulations of an area fi res are not allowed in the backcoun- eight inches deep and at least 200 feet all of the remaining campers were in before visiting. At Congaree National Park, try, but camp stoves are permitted. from water, camp, and trails. Cover with the Longleaf or Bluff primitive camp- glass bottles are prohibited from entering dirt and leaf litter to disguise the cathole grounds. Backcountry regulations are the park and pets must be on a leash at all RESPECT WILDLIFE when fi nished. diff erent from campsite camping, also times. Prepare for South Carolina weather; Keep your distance from wildlife. Do referred to as frontcountry camping. it can change instantly. Plan to bring not follow or approach animals. Never LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND enough water for the heat and humidity in feed animals; this can be very detri- Help your national park preserve the One of the most important aspects of summer, and always be prepared for rain mental to their health. Feeding animals past by leaving cultural and historic arti- backcountry camping, aside from having and afternoon thunderstorms. can change their natural behavior and facts where you fi nd them. Please leave fun and enjoying the natural world, is to eventually habituate them to human trees, plants, animal remains and any- keep human impact on the land minimal, TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES. food. To discourage wildlife from eating thing else naturally occurring in the park. leaving the land in a better state than it If you’re backcountry camping, you must human food, please store food securely The best way to preserve natural and was when you arrived. There is an orga- be at least 200 feet from trails and water while camping and put trash in the cultural resources for future generations nization called Leave No Trace Center (creeks, lakes, streams) and at least 500 proper receptacles. Also remember to is to take a photograph of what you fi nd for Outdoor Ethics whose primary goal feet from the boardwalk or park infra- keep your pet on a leash at all times and beautiful! is to teach a set of seven principles to structure. do not leave him/her unattended. a wide array of diverse groups around For more information about regulations North America. Their intent is to help MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS at Congaree National Park, please visit encourage people of all ages to become Campfi res should stay in designated fi re Quiet hours in the Longleaf and Bluff www.nps.gov/cong or call 803-776-4396. good stewards of the earth. rings located in campgrounds. Use the campgrounds are from 10:00 pm to DDD rule for collecting fi re wood. That 6:00 am. Please respect other visitors The member-driven Leave No Trace Regardless of what type of camping means DOWN, DEAD, DINKY. and protect the quality of their experi- Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches you’re participating in at Congaree Na- ence. Yield to other hikers on trails. people how to enjoy the outdoors re- Avoid loud noises and voices. sponsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor A Wild Adventure Ethics: www.LNT.org Karen Brown, Teacher-Ranger-Teacher

What kind of person takes 305 four-year- We divided the group up and took on walks before, and we were not as old children on a fi eld trip to a national them to the park on three diff erent days fortunate as that group of students. The park? A Teacher-Ranger-Teacher (TRT)! within the same week. I was responsible students would say, “Hey Ranger Brown! As part of Congaree National Park’s for leading the groups each day. The Look what I see!” Of course I pointed outreach program to schools, TRTs are fi rst day, my own class of 20 pre-kin- out the large trees to them and the stand- asked to share their knowledge of the dergarten students went on their fi eld ing dead trees or fallen dead trees. I told park with their students. I decided the trip. I met the classes on the bus when them about how the dead trees were best way to do this with 4-year-olds was they arrived. The fi rst thing they said homes for diff erent animals. We talked to let them experience Congaree Nation- was, “Hi, Ms. Brown!” Quickly another about the large amounts of water on the al Park through a fi eld trip. Field trips student turned to them and said, “It is ground and the Doravan Muck. I put are an integral part of our program for not Ms. Brown. It is Ranger Brown.” my hand down in the muck and pulled at-risk students in Child Development at They did not know much about my some out for them to smell. Naturally, Richland School District Two. The fi eld experiences as a park ranger, but they they yelled, “Eww!” We spotted dung trips provide students with experiences did understand that I had another job. beetles, squirrels, and a salamander. We that they may never have otherwise. Stu- That job is to teach people about the saw many spiders with beautiful webs, dents have the opportunity to develop forest and how to keep it safe, including along with three diff erent snakes includ- background knowledge and build lan- the animals and plants that live there. ing one that was going back into a hole guage necessary for future learning. We As long as I was wearing the uniform in the ground. We found the exoskeleton take our students many diff erent places and fl at hat, I was Ranger Brown. from a dragonfl y nymph. We heard the including the downtown airport, a farm, calls of pileated woodpeckers and song- a restaurant, the circus, and a movie. To start off our adventure, I performed birds. There were many signs of animals Taking them to the forest seemed like the puppet show and showed them the in the park, including snail “trails” on an obvious way to teach them about the slide show with assistance from another the boardwalk, snag trees that had been natural wonder located within a 30-min- ranger. bored by beetles and dead trees that had ute drive from their homes and school. been pecked by woodpeckers. Before we began our walk, I told them Preparing for this fi eld trip included co- that they would see lots of big trees and As adults we often forget to look for the ordinating with 17 diff erent teachers from that it was a magical place where many small things. If not told to look for spe- 17 diff erent child development classes. I animals live. I reminded them that cifi c things children can sometimes be had to ensure that students were engaged they needed to be quiet if they wanted awestruck by the big picture. Yet, chil- and involved throughout the entire trip, to see any animals because the noise dren can often see things we miss. I was TRT Karen Brown with students so I was going to have to provide them might scare animals away. They needed amazed at the sightings their young eyes with a few activities to keep the atten- to look very carefully for the animals found. It was truly a wild adventure for plants and animals along the boardwalk to tion and interest of 4-and 5-year olds. because many of them were hidden these budding naturalists! create a slide show for the children to view A puppet show presented with another from sight for protection. We only before the walk. Through this, students ranger seemed like a good way to intro- walked along the boardwalk to stop would know what to look for in the park. duce them to the park. I took pictures of number three, but on that short walk we saw many things. I have taken adults 6 Congaree Boardwalk Talk Butterfl y Count Terri Hogan, Chief of Resource Managment & Corinne Fenner, Park Ranger On June 9, park staff and volunteers , Papilio polyxenes, 2 • Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, • Silver-spotted , including members of the Carolina But- Papilio glaucus, 6 Epargyreus clarus, 2 terfl y Society’s Midlands Chapter partic- • Cabbage White, ipated in the North American Butterfl y Pieris rapae, 1 • Eastern-tailed Blue, • Silvery Checkerspot, Association’s (NABA) annual 4th of July Everes comyntas, 6 Chlosyne nycteis, 1 Butterfl y Count. The goals of this count • Carolina Satyr, are to gather data on butterfl y popula- sosybius, 268 • Eufala Skipper, • Sleepy Orange, tions for monitoring, provide opportuni- eufala, 1 Eurema nicippe, 21 ties for butterfl iers to socialize, and to • Checkered Skipper, raise public awareness about butterfl ies. Pyrgus communis, 3 • Fiery Skipper, • Southern Skipperling, Hylephila phyleus, 61 Copaeodes minimus, 20 The park hosted a training prior to the • Checkered White, count to familiarize participants with Pontia protodice, 1 • Gemmed Satyr, • Spicebush Swallowtail, the variety of species that have a home gemma, 7 Papilio troilus, 6 at Congaree. According to Jaret C. Dan- • Clouded Skipper, iels’ book, Butterfl ies of the Carolinas, Lerema accius, 4 • Gray Hairstreak, • Spring Azure, there are over 725 species of butterfl ies Strymon melinus, 4 Celastrina ladon, 6 in North America, north of Mexico, with • Cloudless Sulphur, over 150 species identifi ed in the Phoebis sennae eubule, 16 • Gulf Fritillary, • Summer Azure, Carolinas. Agraulis vanillae, 2 Celastrina neglecta, 1 • Common Buckeye, Butterfl ies provide an important function Junonia coenia coenia, 39 • Hackberry Emperor, • Swallowtail species, in the food web, as they pollinate many Asterocampa celtis, 16 Papilio spp, 3 plants and are a source of food for birds, • Common Wood Nymph, frogs, spiders and lizards. According to Cercyonis pegala, 1 • Horace’s , • Tawny Emperor, the on-line version of the Encyclopedia of Erynnis horatius, 20 Asterocampa clyton, 1 Arkansas History and Culture, butterfl ies • Creole Pearly-Eye, are an indicator species. They are sensi- Enodia creola, 1 • Lace-Winged Roadside Skipper, • Variegated Fritillary, tive to pollution, and changes in butterfl y Amblyscirtes aesculapius, 19 Euptoieta claudia, 32 populations can indicate the health of an • Crossline Skipper, ecosystem. Polites origenes, 1 • Least Skipper, • Viceroy, Ancyloxypha numitor, 3 Limenitis archippus, 2 Congaree National Park will hold an- • Dun Skipper, other count in September. A butterfl y Euphyes vestris, 80 • Little Wood Satyr, • White Checkered-Skipper, identifi cation training session will be Megisto cymela, 1 Pyrgus albescens, 40 conducted on Saturday, September 8, • Duskywing spp., and the count will be held the following Erynnis spp., 2 • Little Yellow, • Yehl Skipper, Saturday, September 15. No experience is Eurema lisa, 2 yehl, 1 necessary. To sign up, call (803) 776-4396. • Eastern Comma, Polygonia comma, 7 • Long-Tailed Skipper, • Zabulon Skipper, RESULTS OF NABA COUNT Urbanus proteus, 1 Poanes zabulon, 72 JUNE 9, 2012

• Ocala Skipper, • American Lady, ocola, 1 Vanessa virginiensis, 8

• Painted Lady, • American Snout, Vanessa cardui, 1 Libytheana carinenta, 31

• Pearl Crescent, • Appalachain Brown, Phyciodes tharos, 214 Satryodes appalachia, 30 Eastern Comma • Pearly Eye spp., • Black Swallowtail , COURTESY / RON AHLE Enodia spp., 1

• Pipevine Swallowtail, Battus philenor, 8 Zabulon Skipper COURTESY / RON AHLE • Question Mark, Polygonia interrogationis, 3 • Zarucco Duskywing Skipper, • Red Admiral, Erynnis zarucco, 3 Vanessa atalanta atalanta, 6 • Zebra Swallowtail, • Red-Banded Hairstreak, Eurytides marcellus, 22 Calycopis cecrops, 16 Total individuals per program, 1155 • Red-spotted Purple, Limenitis arthemis astyanax, 16 Total species per program, 58

• Sachem, Atalopedes campestris, 9 Volunteers spot a butterfl y fl ying towards the canopy Congaree Boardwalk Talk 7 National Park Service Congaree National Park U.S. Department of the Interior Longleaf Boardwalk Campground 263 To 20 and Camden Seaboard Coast Line Railway Detail Map

EASTOVER 601

ch 0.7 Miles an 123 Southern Railway Br

764 k

e

To 77 and Columbia

e

r C y

r r D 769 a 0.3 Miles d e

O C l d

B lu M f ye f r Mt. View 56 s Park R o C Duffies Entrance Road a r d GADSDEN d e Pond 734 e a

k o Bluff Road

k R National Park e C 48 e 1288 d Road Bluff Trail a G M r Cre r c

ar i K Harry Hampton f

e J d fi o n Visitor Center e n z C C s i o C e re l e h C l i k Boardwalk t Te r n n e s n e Sims Trail e R s C o k r s ut Sou e a ee G Weston Wise T e d o R

Lake o k

Lake m Weston ‘ ad Cooks ‘ s nd Gu Lake

t 0.5

o

Lake

m Trail

k m edar ee ‘ C r Ha ‘ C C ngsnake re O Ki e 3.7 a ‘ T k k r 1.3 ridge Trail a

i 3.6 il l W ra y Gut River T g 2.7 a WATEREE t g t e o u r B G e 25 n e so Jack Deep CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK

R un n in g Old Dead R e k i Gut River Lake k Run a v 20 r Cree ning L e eda r C

Gut

n

e p

e

s r o r e C H o iv n R g a 15 re e ld O North 012 Kilometers River Devils Bates TY Elbow N U O 0 1 2 Miles RIC C 10 HL Y AND T N U 5 O National Park Hiking trail CALHOUN C Service land 0 Miles Trail Blaze 2.4 Boardwalk Private land Unpaved road 1.2 Sims Trail within authorized 2.1 Bluff Trail Blue

park boundary S

2.5 Weston Lake Loop Trail Yellow a 3.2 Oakridge Trail Red FORT MOTTE 601 n t 5.0 River Trail White e Canoe and fishing e

River mileage 15 access point 3.6 Kingsnake Trail Orange R i v e Trail mileage is given to indicate one-way travel 419 r

Primitive for each trail. For a detailed trail map, visit the To campground Harry Hampton Visitor Center Orangeburg and 26