Boardwalk Talk Summer 2011

National Park Service Park News U.S. Department of the Interior Boardwalk Talk Summer 2011

Superintendent’s Message

Welcome to Congaree National Park! This summer edition We are conducting several children’s camps this summer, so of the Boardwalk Talk is full of great information to help you don’t be surprised if you encounter our Congaree Ecology make the most of your visit to Congaree. As summer gets Campers while you are out in the park! In addition, we have underway, the park is buzzing with activity. There are several quite a few summer interns and seasonal employees working in new ranger-guided programs being off ered, as well as many all park divisions. They are working to assist with camp, clear familiar ones-so check the schedule for one that interests you. park trails, lead guided walks and talks, remove exotic plants, Summer in South Carolina may mean heat and humidity, but it and photograph summer activities. It is my hope if you return also means wonderfully pleasant mornings and evenings, and to the park in a couple of years you will fi nd some of these the chance to witness the return of the synchronized fi refl ies! talented people working permanently here at Congaree! Ask rangers for more information on this natural phenomenon. Enjoy your visit, and as always please feel free to share with me With the intense daytime heat comes frequent spectacular your experiences at Congaree by leaving a message for me at afternoon thunderstorms, so always be sure to stop by the the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. If you are interested in be- Tracy Swartout, Park Superintendent Harry Hampton Visitor Center and check weather forecasts coming a park volunteer, please ask for more information from before you hike, paddle, or camp in the park. With proper one of the Congaree rangers. planning, the summer is a great time to get out and enjoy hiking or paddling in Congaree’s Wilderness. In fact, one of our most Safe travels, Canoe Tour popular guided programs is the free ranger-guided canoe tour. Reservations

Reservations for canoe tours in the 3rd quarter of 2011 (July 1 - September 30) open June 15. Call (803) 776-4396 to Tracy Swartout make a reservation. See pages four and September Birding Programs ﬁ ve for more information. Kathleen O’Grady, Park Ranger

Throughout the year, park staﬀ , researchers and citizen The goals for NAMC, according to the Cornell Lab of scientists collect information on bird species found in Conga- Ornithology, are, “to get a picture of the progress of migration, ree National Park. Join us on Saturday, September 10, at 8:30 obtain data and distribution of each species, provide an a. m. for the Big Bird Hike to look for migrating birds making opportunity for birders and non-birders to get outside and their way to their winter homes. On Sunday, September 18, join most of all to have fun!” If you are interested in participating us at 8:30 a.m. to participate in the Fall North American Migra- in the Big Bird Hike or the North American Migration Count, tion Count (NAMC). This count gives scientists a “snapshot” please sign up by calling (803) 776-4396. of migrating birds that are present during the fall season. Es- tablished in 1992, this bird census takes place in both

September and May, which are peak migration times. Summer Tanager EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA YOUR EXPERIENCE ™ Emergencies

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

throughout the park.

To: To:

Hopkins, SC 29061 SC Hopkins,

100 National Park Road Park National 100 Congaree National Park National Congaree National Park Service Things To Do U.S. Department of the Interior CAMPING obtain a complete list of fi shing regula- Congaree National Park The Longleaf Campground has fi re tions from the Harry Hampton Visitor rings, portable toilets, and picnic tables. Center or online at www.nps.gov/cong. Eight sites are available on a fi rst-come, The Boardwalk Talk is a publication of the fi rst-served basis. Each site is limited to WALKS AND TALKS National Park Service for the orientation eight campers. The Bluff Campground Rangers provide a variety of guided and education of visitors to Congaree provides picnic tables and fi re rings and walks, talks, campfi re programs, and National Park. is ideal for group camping. canoe tours. For a complete list of ranger The National Park Service was established guided interpretive programs, see pages on August 25, 1916, “to conserve the Camping is also permitted by hiking or four and fi ve. Listen and learn as rangers scenery and the natural and historic canoeing into the backcountry. To mini- give talks on various topics or take you objects and the wild life therein and to mize human impact in this designated on a hike through the old-growth forest. provide for the enjoyment of the same in Wilderness Area, campfi res are prohib- such manner and by such means as will ited in the backcountry. All campers are BIRDING leave them unimpaired for future genera- required to obtain a camping permit and Congaree National Park is designated tions.” In 1976, Congaree became part a list of regulations at the Harry Hamp- as a Globally Important Bird Area by of the National Park Service as Congaree ton Visitor Center prior to camping. Barred Owl the American Bird Conservancy. Many Swamp National Monument to preserve migratory birds can be found during the the largest remaining tract of old-growth CANOEING/KAYAKING Congaree and Wateree River Blue Trails. spring and fall migrations. Bring binocu- bottomland hardwood forest in the Traveling by canoe or kayak is a great Please check with rangers for maps and United States. It was re-designated as lars and ask rangers for a list of docu- way to enjoy this primeval Wilderness Congaree National Park in 2003. current conditions. mented species within the park. while fl oating past some of the tallest Superintendent trees in eastern North America. Paddling FISHING PICKNICKING Tracy Swartout is also a thrilling way to encounter the di- All waterways except Weston Lake are A picnic shelter with trash and recycling verse wildlife of the park including deer, open to fi shing with a valid South Caro- receptacles and grills is available on a Mailing Address otters, turtles, snakes, and raccoons. In lina fi shing license. Please do not use the Congaree National Park fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis at the Harry addition to adventures on Cedar Creek, 100 National Park Rd. Boardwalk to access waterways if you Hampton Visitor Center. Hopkins, SC 29061 opportunities are also available on the are carrying fi shing gear. Anglers may

Phone (803) 776-4396 Beware of Poison Ivy Website Kate Hartley, Park Ranger www.nps.gov/cong Poison ivy (Taxicodendron radicans) is a WHAT HAPPENS WHEN EXPOSED TO DOES THE PARK REMOVE POISON IVY? woody vine that can cause an irritating POISON IVY? Poison ivy is not removed from the park Email skin rash, and can be found throughout Most people develop a red, itchy rash because it is native to South Carolina and [email protected] the forest in Congaree National Park. It that may be localized or may develop as is a valuable part of the ecosystem. Dur- Operating Hours is important to know how to identify and huge red sores all over the body. Even ing spring you will see small white fl ow- Congaree National Park is open 24 hours avoid contact with all parts of the plant. when the rash is small it can cause in- ers on the vine, and by summer you will a day, 7 days a week. The Harry Hampton Here are some of the most frequently tense itching. The American Academy of see clusters of white berries. The berries Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to asked questions and answers about poi- Dermatology recommends seeing a doc- are an important food source for song- 5:00 p.m. and open until 7:00 p.m. on son ivy: tor if the rash covers a large portion of birds who have a home in Congaree, and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during your body, you have large blisters, or are for those passing through on their Daylight Savings Time. The visitor center WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? unable to sleep. migration journeys. is closed on December 25th. Learning to identify poison ivy is the best Fees way to avoid contact. It has shiny green Please enjoy your visit to Congaree Congaree National Park does not charge compound leaves that grow in groups National Park and don’t go home with an admission fee and all programs are of three leafl ets. The leafl ets vary from a rash. Beware of poison ivy. For more free of charge. toothed to wavy, lobed or smooth. Re- information visit the American Academy member: “Leafl ets three, let it be.” Vines of Dermatology website at http://www. Climate aad.org Winter: low 30s to high 60s on the forest fl oor will have small leaf- Spring: low 50s to high 80s lets, while large mature vines with large Summer: low 60s to high 90s (& humid) leafl ets can be found clinging onto tree Fall: low 50s to high 80s trunks with many small aerial roots, giv- ing the vine a dark, “hairy” appearance. Firearms in the Park Eastern National Remember: “If it’s hairy, it’s scary.” A new federal law allows people who HOW CAN I GET POISON IVY? can legally possess fi rearms under ap- Urushiol oil contained in the plant can plicable federal, state, and local laws, cause a rash on skin. You can get poison to legally possess fi rearms in this Park. ivy by touching the plant or by coming in However, fi rearms are prohibited in contact with something that has touched federal buildings. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply Eastern National, a non-profi t cooperat- it, including your clothing and pets. The Leafl ets of three and berries on poison ivy with all applicable state, local, and fed- ing association with the National Park leaves, vines, roots, berries, and sap of eral fi rearms laws before entering this Service, supports the mission of the the poison ivy plant all contain the oil WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN park. As a starting point, please visit our National Park Service by producing edu- that causes the itchy rash. EXPOSED? state’s website at www.sled.sc.gov/SC- cational materials, and has provided the If you come in contact with poison ivy, StateGunLaws1.aspx?MenuID=CWP to generous funds for this publication. avoid rubbing your eyes and other parts ARE SOME PEOPLE REALLY IMMUNE TO POISON become familiar with the state gun laws IVY? of your body and wash your skin with in South Carolina. Photograph Credits While some people may appear to be warm soapy water as soon as possible. All un-credited images in this publication Avoid touching objects that may have While this law affects a person’s ability are NPS photos. immune, it is important to remember that you can gain or lose immunity over come in contact with the plant including to possess a fi rearm in the park, using fi rearms within Congaree National Park time. Do not assume immunity based on backpacks, clothing, and pets. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ is still prohibited by law. past experience. 2 Congaree Boardwalk Talk Invasive Plants: A Problem for All of Us Terri Hogan, Ecologist What is an “invasive” plant species? On seven million acres in the United States. available food sources and nesting sites. into native plant communities, displace Feb. 3, 1999, Executive Order 13112 was This represents billions of dollars in lost These invasive aquatic and wetland spe- native vegetation, threaten native species signed, establishing the National Invasive recreational opportunities and crop and cies crowd out native wetland plants that biodiversity, and degrade our natural Species Council (NISC). The Order’s timber production, along with costs as- provide habitat for aquatic insects that heritage. purpose is to “prevent the introduction sociated with controlling these species. birds and fi sh feed on and that provide of invasive species and provide for their According to a 2004 Cornell University egg laying sites for fi sh. On land, dense We are not helpless in the face of this control, and to minimize the economic, study, in U. S. agriculture alone, intro- impenetrable thickets of invasive species problem. There are small steps that each ecological and human health impacts duced plant species reduce crop yields such as Chinese privet (Ligustrum si- of us can take to address the threat posed that invasive species cause….” As part of by approximately 8% representing 24 nense), thorny olive (Elaeagnus pungens), by invasive plants including learning how that Executive Order, defi nitions for both billion dollars in lost crop production. multifl ora rose (Rosa multifl ora) and to identify invasive plants, reporting their “alien” and “invasive” species were codi- presence to land management agencies fi ed. Alien species means, “with respect and by controlling them on our own to a particular ecosystem, any species, properties. Learn more about them from including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other organizations such as the South Carolina biological material capable of propagat- Exotic Pest Plant Council (http://www. ing that species, that is not native to that se-eppc.org/southcarolina/). ecosystem.” Invasive species means, “an alien species whose introduction does or While not all plants brought here from is likely to cause economic or environ- other places cause problems, many do mental harm or harm to human health.” because of invasive characteristics that are no longer held in check by their natu- Why should we care about invasive and ral predators. These species reduce our alien plants? These species aff ect all ability to live, work and recreate in the of us in one way or another. Invasive places we love. They reduce the native plants, many of which were brought diversity that surrounds us and degrade here intentionally because of desirable the natural heritage we pass on to future traits like beauty, often end up spreading generations. It is important for us to unchecked over time, causing economic learn to recognize these species, educate and environmental harm, threatening ag- ourselves and others about the impact Volunteers removing invasive plants riculture, reducing recreational opportu- they have on the lands we love and work nities, aff ecting wildlife and diminishing Invasive plants reduce our recreational Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) are together to reduce that impact. the natural heritage we pass on to future opportunities. There are a host of spe- hard to navigate, impeding hunting and generations. cies that invade waterways and wetlands hiking. Invasive plants can also reduce hindering the pursuit of activities such light and space for seedlings of canopy Invasive plants have a substantial eco- as boating, fi shing, and hunting. Species tree species, reducing nut producing nomic impact. They are found on land, like hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and trees and leaving less food for wildlife. in lakes, rivers, streams and in the oceans Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa) can clog If you enjoy being out in our country’s surrounding us. These species know no motors and impede navigation. Invasive extraordinary places like Congaree Na- boundaries. They occupy federal, state wetland species such as common reed tional Park, you should know that inva- and private lands. It is estimated that (Phragmites australis) reduce habitat for sive species have the potential to change invasive plants occupy approximately waterfowl and shorebirds by reducing these places forever. They spread easily Forest World John Galbary, Park Volunteer Plants are alive! Trees and all the forest’s In the second layer are grasses, sedges, and unfolds on its own schedule, with- fl ora are amazing living things. Plants ferns and herbs. Shrubs, such as dog out depriving one another of the energy give us so much including wood prod- hobble are the third layer, then the fourth resources of light, water, raw materials ucts, fuel, oxygen, food, animal habitats, layer are understory trees such as red and space. Their basic needs can be met. greenery for our homes, nurseries for bay. Subcanopy trees including American new life, medicines, soil stabilization, Steven McNamara holly make up the fi fth layer. The sixth From above to below, nature’s fl oral ad- natural history, and recreation. Forests layer, the canopy, includes trees such as aptations and arrangements create both are places where we can escape from the water tupelo and bald cypress. Finally, spatial and temporal divisions in this stress of fast-paced lives and re-create the seventh layer, emerging above the amazing vertical habitat. ourselves anew. canopy are the loblolly pines towering above all. A wave of green spreads from A rich supply of sunlight from a star 93 the forest fl oor upward. Over time, plants million miles away nourishes the diverse and other organisms have adapted to Floodplain Safety organisms of Congaree National Park. living and working at diff erent levels in Message Through the process of photosynthesis, each niche. leaves, the food factories of plants, give Congaree National Park is a fl oodplain us oxygen and create the carbohydrate There is also a natural time sharing. forest. Water levels on Cedar Creek base of food chains. There is a spatial Beginning in spring, the forest fl oor and the Congaree River fl uctuate and division of light and energy in the forest. blooms, gathering photons, followed by changing water levels may make hik- the shrubs, then the understory leafs out, ing, camping, and canoeing diffi cult. The seven layers of the forest unveil their and next the subcanopy trees. Finally, the Please be aware of current water level wonders all around. In this stratifi ca- canopy trees and emergents spread their conditions before you begin exploring. tion, the fi rst level of the forest includes leaves anew, absorbing the energy of life. For current conditions visit or call the subsurface and surface fl ora such as algae Living this way, each species awakens Harry Hampton Visitor Center at (803) Sunlight fi ltering through the forest 776-4396. and mosses, producers and decomposers. Congaree Boardwalk Talk 3 July 2011 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 1:30p Amazing 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour Adaptations 9:30a Nature Discovery 8:00p Owl Prowl 11:00a Gaps & Saps 1:30p Tree Trek 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Nature Discovery 1:30p Weston Lake 1:30p Skins & Bones 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Amazing Wilderness Hike 8:00p Owl Prowl 11:00a Gaps & Saps Adaptations 1:30p Birds & Branches

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Flat Hat Chat 1:30p Who Came Before 1:30p Junior Ranger 1:30p Amazing 1:30p Tree Trek 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek Program Adaptations 5:00p Guided Canoe Tour 9:30a Nature Discovery 11:00a Gaps & Saps 1:30p Amazing Adaptations 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Nature Discovery 1:30p Amazing 1:30p Tree Trek 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek Adaptations 5:00p Guided Canoe Tour 9:30a Nature Discovery 11:00a Gaps & Saps 1:30p Tree Trek 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Amazing 1:30p Junior Ranger 1:30p Amazing 1:30p Tree Trek 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek Adaptations Program Adaptations 5:00p Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Nature Discovery 5:00p Guided Canoe Tour

31 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek

August 2011 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 1:30p Amazing 1:30p Junior Ranger 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Weston Lake 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour Adaptations Program Wilderness Hike 9:30a Nature Discovery 5:00p Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Amazing 8:00p Owl Prowl Adaptations 5:00p Guided Canoe Tour 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Weston Lake 1:30p Amazing 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Tree Trek 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek Wilderness Hike Adaptations 1:30p Birds & Branches

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Tree Trek 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Birds & Branches 9:30a Nature Discovery 11:00a Gaps & Saps 1:30p Weston Lake Wilderness Hike 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Tree Trek 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Birds & Branches

28 29 30 31 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Amazing 1:30p Tree Trek Adaptations September 2011 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 1:30p Skins & Bones 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 8:00p Owl Prowl 9:30a Nature Discovery 9:00a Big Tree Hike 11:00a Gaps & Saps 1:30p Tree Trek 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Birds & Branches 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Flat Hat Chat 8:30a Big Bird Hike 1:30p Skins & Bones 8:00p Owl Prowl 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 9:30a Nature Discovery 1:30p Amazing Adaptations 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Who Came Before 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Tree Trek 9:30a Nature Discovery 11:00a Gaps & Saps 1:30p Tree Trek 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 8:30a N. A. Migration Day 1:30p Amazing 1:30p Tree Trek 1:30p Weston Lake 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour Count Adaptations Wilderness Hike 1:30p Skins & Bones 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 8:00p Owl Prowl 1:30p Tree Trek 25 26 27 28 29 30 9:00a Guided Canoe Tour 1:30p Weston Lake 1:30p Tree Trek Wilderness Hike Program Descriptions AMAZING ADAPTATIONS Stroll around the 2.4 mile Boardwalk and become familiar with Attending Ranger some of the amazing adaptations that allow plants and animals Guided Programs to survive here. MEET THE RANGER BIG BIRD HIKE All programs meet at the Harry Come out for a forest fi eld trip. We will explore several diff erent Hampton Visitor Center unless noted trails as we look for migrating birds moving through Congaree otherwise. National Park on their way back to their winter homes. Reser- BE PREPARED vations required. Call (803)-776-4396. Wear weather appropriate clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and bring BIG TREE HIKE water. Join a ranger for a fi ve (5) mile off -trail hike in an ancient forest and hunt for record trees. Reservations required. Call (803)- RESERVATIONS 776-4396. Certain programs require reservations by calling (803) 776-4396.

BIRDS AND BRANCHES CANCELLATIONS Fly into the visitor center and meet a ranger for a guided hike. Programs may be cancelled for in- Bring your binoculars and search out who may be currently clement weather and/or park emer- residing in the forest. gencies.

PETS FLAT HAT CHAT Enjoying a ranger-guided canoe tour Listen and learn as rangers give 15 minute talks on diﬀ erent Pets are not permitted to attend topics including Congaree history, ﬁ re, the creation of the park, ranger-guided programs. and owls.

GAPS & SAPS-SUCCESSION IN THE FOREST Walk through the forest, see change in action and learn some of nature’s secrets. Guided Canoe Tours: GUIDED CANOE TOUR Reservation Policy Enjoy the ambiance of this old-growth forest while paddling under bald cypress and tupelo trees. Bring water, a snack, and a Free ranger-guided canoe tours are one of the most popular ways to experience Con- change of clothes. Reservations required; Reservations for 3rd garee National Park. Note that the reservation system has changed. quarter of 2011 open June 15th. Call (803) 776-4396. 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- JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM vides seven canoes, paddles and PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices). The schedule of Investigate the mysteries of Congaree through fun and canoe tours is available on page four of this publication, and at www.nps.gov/cong. educational activities. Reservations can be made via telephone ONLY. Requests via voicemail will NOT be NATURE DISCOVERY HIKE accepted. Please do NOT leave a voicemail for reservations. Discover the ﬂ oodplain on this guided Boardwalk hike. We’ll explore the forest, looking and listening for animals. Children must be at least ﬁ ve years of age to attend.

Because of the risk of hypothermia during cold weather, extra clothes in a dry bag NORTH AMERICAN MIGRATION DAY COUNT Join rangers and volunteers to help collect real scientiﬁ c data as are required during 1st quarter (January 1-March 31) tours; water and insect repellent are recommended throughout the year, along with sturdy shoes that attach to your part of this nationwide bird count. Reservations required. Call feet and can get muddy. (803)-776-4396. Tours will be cancelled in the event of lightning, if air temperature is below 45 de- OWL PROWL grees at the time of the tour, if the water level on Cedar Creek is above ten feet, or if Explore the world of owls on this guided night hike in the for- winds exceed 30 miles per hour. est. We almost always hear the owls asking, “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you, who cooks for y’all?” Reservations for If you have any questions, please call (803)776-4396. 3rd quarter open June 15th. Call (803) 776-4396. Individual tours Organized groups SKINS & BONES • Reservations taken quarterly. For • Reservations taken quarterly. For kids of all ages! Have you ever wondered what animals are the 3rd quarter of 2011 (July For the 3rd quarter of 2011, wearing under and over their skin? Join a ranger for a look at 1-September 30), reservations (July 1- September 30) , res- some of the skulls and furs of the Congaree mammals. open June 15th and will close ervations are closed. For the when ﬁ lled to capacity. For the 4th quarter of 2011, (October

TREE TREK 4th quarter (October 1-Decem- 1-December 31) reservations Discover Congaree National Park’s primeval forested ﬂ ood- ber 31), reservations will open for groups will open July 1 and plain. Experience the extraordinarily diverse wildlife while on September 15, 2011. close August 15. walking among the towering trees. • Each individual caller may re- • Group size must be between serve up to two canoes for up to 10 and 18 people, and be WESTON LAKE WILDERNESS HIKE six seats per tour. Each individual members of an organized Take a hike! Immerse yourself in the Congaree backcountry may make only one reservation group, club, or common afﬁ li- during this 4.5 mile guided hike. per quarter. ation.

WHO CAME BEFORE Join a ranger on a hike through time. Learn about the people who ventured into Congaree before it became a park.

Congaree Boardwalk Talk 5 Common Snakes of Congaree William Privett, Park Ranger

Now that summer has arrived at Con- seen up in trees at the park. It will RED-BELLIED WATER SNAKE (NERODIA ERYTH- mouth and black tail. The cotton- garee National Park, it is time to keep feed on birds, eggs and rodents and is ROGASTER) mouth is known to stand its ground if an eye out for our cold-blooded friends nonvenomous. The red-bellied water snake can be eas- provoked. It is a venomous snake and among the fl oodplain. Snakes play a vital ily identifi ed by its solid brown back and will eat most other animals smaller role in the forest food chain and many of red to red-orange belly. A juvenile is gray than itself. them call this forest home. It is important with dark bands across its back. While to remember that snakes rarely pose a the red-bellied water snake is associated threat to humans, unless they are pro- with water, it is commonly seen on dry voked. Their natural instinct is to avoid Keith Coffer land as well. It is a nonvenomous snake people. The old saying “snakes are more and feeds primarily on amphibians. afraid of you than you are of them” is very true. Here is a helpful guide to iden- tifying some of the common snakes of Congaree National Park: John Paul Cottonmouth swimming in Cedar Creek RACER (COLUBER CONSTRICTOR) A long, slender snake, the racer is com- pletely black, except for a white spot found on the chin. The racer is usually CANEBRAKE RATTLESNAKE OR TIMBER RATTLESNAKE (CROTALUS HORRIDUS) found on the bluff and along the elevated Rat snake sunning in a dead tree Boardwalk though it can be found along The canebrake rattlesnake is a dark col- the fl oodplain. It is known for being able BROWN WATER SNAKE (NERODIA Red-bellied water snake ored snake with V-shaped crossbands to move at great speeds and will eat a TAXISPILOTA) along its back. It has a diamond shaped large variety of living things. Racers are The brown water snake has a light brown head, though its most unique feature nonvenomous. body with dark brown patches on its COTTONMOUTH OR WATER MOCCASIN (AG- is the rattle on the end of its tail that it sides and back. It is a thick-bodied snake KISTRODON PISCIVORUS) uses to warn off would-be attackers. The RAT SNAKE (ELOPHE OBSOLETA) and is typically three to fi ve feet long. It The cottonmouth is a thick-bodied canebrake is typically passive and can The rat snake is a black snake with can be seen sunning on branches over- snake with variable wide dark bands be found along the bluff . It eats various a light-colored underbelly that can hanging Cedar Creek. It mainly feeds on across its back. It can be distin- types of mammals and is venomous. grow up to seven feet long. It is an fi sh. The brown water snake is nonven- guished from the brown water snake Source: excellent climber and will often be omous but will bite if provoked. by its diamond shaped head, white Gibbons, Whit & West, Patricia J. Snakes of Georgia & South Carolina, Birmingham, AL: Lowry Printing, Inc., Paddling the Congaree Blue Trail 2000. Corinne Fenner, Park Ranger

“You’re not going to make it tonight,” a few more hours observing turkeys, a said a man relaxing on his river deck as white tailed deer, green herons, protho- we fl oated down the Congaree River. We notary warblers and belted kingfi shers. were prepared to camp for two nights, We fl oated along and spotted an eight starting at the Thomas Newman/Cayce foot alligator fl oating in the current be- Landing Sunday morning. We landed side us. Luckily, at that time, we were in on the sandbar near the River Trail in the canoe, not the water. Congaree National Park on Sunday evening and were greeted by large fl ies On our second night, we paddled into and a great blue heron. We set up camp, the evening as the temperature dropped enjoyed a beautiful pink and blue sunset slightly and found a small sandbar to over the river, and spent hours staring in spend the night. The barred owls called awe at the fi refl ies blanketing the forest as we drifted off to sleep. The next morn- from the fl oor to the tree tops. ing we were able to enjoy shade while we packed up and drank water. Monday morning we applied sunscreen, ate breakfast, took a dip and paddled for We didn’t see any other canoers or a few hours. Within the fi rst few minutes kayakers out in the 100- degree sun. Al- of leaving the sandbar, two bald eagles though it was hot, frequent dips in the soared above our canoe. One landed in river and large amounts of drinking wa- a nearby snag and we enjoyed a perfect ter kept us cool on our journey. view of this magnifi cent bird! Sunset on the Congaree River We knew we were approaching Bates We fl oated through a beautiful section Bridge when we began hearing the sound of the Congaree just below the Laurel of logging trucks on highway 601. Our chez Trace Parkway). National scenic escape from buildings and concrete. Oak Campsite and spotted a sandy beach soundscape included everything from and historic trails require an act of Con- NRTs span over public lands, private with shade, a perfect place for an after- human voices to a variety of songbirds gress for designation. National recreation lands and waterways. noon rest. Along the sunny edge of the and cicadas as we paddled the Congaree trails (NRTs) require only the signature bank we watched fl uttering red-spotted River Blue Trail. of the Secretary of the Interior. For more information on national trails purples, snouts, zebra swallowtails, and visit http://www.nps.gov/nts. Maps of crescent butterfl ies. We also observed Three types of trails were designated On June 3, 2008, former Secretary of the the Congaree River Blue Trail, camping a fi sherman catching a fi sh with every under the National Trails System Act of Interior Dirk Kempthorne designated permits, and information on water levels single cast! 1968, including national scenic trails (Ap- the Congaree River Blue Trail as a nation- are available at the Harry Hampton palachian National Scenic Trail), national al recreation trail. Similar to many NRTs, Visitor Center at Congaree National After resting, we continued fl oating in recreation trails (Congaree River Blue the Congaree River Blue Trail is located Park. the river and holding onto the canoe for Trail) and national historic trails (Nat- nearby an urban area, and provides an 6 Congaree Boardwalk Talk SCA Plant Corps Team Megan Tacey, SCA Exotic Plant Team Member Founded in 1957, The Student Conser- Tori Bohlen hails from Cleveland, Ohio vation Association (SCA) is America’s and, as a recent graduate of Ohio State oldest and largest provider of national University, is looking to expand her and community conservation service knowledge of plants and the National opportunities, outdoor education, and Park Service. Rob D’Andrea is from career training programs. The SCA wears Queens, New York and recently gradu- its logo loud by making it known that, ated from SUNY Geneseo where his in- “conservation begins here,” with young terest was piqued in natural and cultural adults as its spokespersons. resource management and conservation. Joe Neumann is from Chicago, Illinois. As SCA members, we not only wear our He has been doing restoration work for logo, but live by it every day through our the past three years and joined the Native mission statement: “To build the next Plant Corps to broaden his knowledge of generation of conservation leaders and southeastern ecosystems. Megan Tacey inspire lifelong stewardship of our envi- is from Saint Joseph, Michigan. She is ronment and communities by engaging a recent graduate of Western Michigan young people in hands-on service to the University. She found the SCA through land.” This is precisely what we are doing her love of environmental education and in Congaree National Park as part of the plants. Stephanie Orlando, the project Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Manage- leader who fearlessly guides our way, ment Team (SEC-EPMT). We work to is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has control invasive plant species in hopes of been with the SCA for fi ve seasons. She regenerating new, native growth. graduated from the University of Tampa 2011 Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team where she studied Biology. She brings a We came to Congaree from the SCA’s wide array of knowledge and experience Native Plant Corps program, which is ties. Native Plant Corps focuses on many Our traveling team of four individual to the team. If you would like to know designed to engage students of all ages in diff erent aspects of plant management corps members, together with a project more about us or the SCA, you can fi nd meaningful service learning opportuni- including: inventory & monitoring, leader, began a six- month internship in us on the web at http://thesca.org/serve/ ties that support resource managers in invasive plant control, seed collection, March of this year. conservation-corps#plants. Look for us the restoration of native plant communi- propagation, re-vegetation, herbaria and around Congaree as well. public outreach. Preserving and Protecting Joe Neumann, SCA Exotic Plant Team Member

Whether it’s acting as a steward of the old- growth forest, or their historical one such case in Kennesaw Mountain bicide to kill the roots and sunlight once country’s most magical natural places or signifi cance, such as the battlefi elds of National Battlefi eld where Golden Bam- again reached the ground. After several preserving the nation’s most important Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia and boo, left unchecked for decades, grew days of felling the bamboo, much of it historic landmarks, the National Park Horseshoe Bend in Alabama. The team densely up to heights of 40 feet. This still remained, but in the competition Service is always combating exotic pests. also serves Chattahoochee River Nation- species thrived just beneath the crowns between native and invasive plants, the In the Southeast, invasive plant species al Recreation Area, Ocmulgee National of native loblolly pines and shaded out playing fi eld was tipped in favor of the like kudzu and Japanese honeysuckle the would-be next generation of native loblolly pines, the American holly, and strangle native pine forests, while garlic plants. These greedy giants restricted the formerly struggling native fl ora. mustard and Chinese privet compromise woodland biodiversity, shielding light the land’s memory of the battles that from the understory and allowing only The problem, unfortunately, does not get shaped the country. These aggressive invasive Chinese privet to emerge on the solved with a week or two of hard work. invaders gained a spot in the landscape fringes of the forest. The park will continue to cut down the when, in the past or present, they were remaining bamboo and other weeds planted to decorate gardens, control The quintet went to work toppling the as time and funding become available. erosion, or just by mistake. Land manag- bamboo, one stalk at a time. The smaller Each site must be carefully monitored ers of all kinds, from preservationists plants could be cut with hand saws, the for years to track progress and catch new to farmers, now go to great expense to larger stalks were felled with chain saws. infestations. eliminate the pantheon of pests. The Na- The stumps were then treated with her- tional Park Service deploys exotic plant The SEC-EPMT will keep moving to management teams, or EPMTs, to fi ght SCA team removing invasive plants new parks with similar problems, and back these forest killers. with the help of park staff and invalu- Monument, Fort Pulaski National Mon- able volunteers, continue their campaign Five members of Congaree National ument, Fort Frederica National Monu- against invasive plant species that mar Park’s Southeast Coast Exotic Plant ment, Cumberland Island National Sea- our land. Management Team (SEC-EPMT)come shore, Fort Sumter National Monument, from the Student Conservation Associa- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, tion, by whom they are assembled and Moores Creek National Battlefi eld, Cape Please Remember trained. Congaree Resource Manage- Lookout National Seashore, Cape Hat- Feeding wildlife, along with the remov- teras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh ment staff also provided training for al, disturbance, destruction, or disfi g- this team. The team works from March National Historic Site, and Wright Broth- urement of any park resource, is unlaw- through August. They use Congaree as a ers National Memorial. ful. If everyone took just one piece of home base, but venture out to many of Spanish moss, or any other plant, our the parks that dot the Southeast. They Each park identifi es infestations that national heritage would soon be gone. battle invasive species in places set aside regular staff cannot tackle alone. The Thank you for helping to protect your for their natural wonder, like Congaree’s SEC-EPMT was recently dispatched to national park.

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