Join us in welcoming our 140th Network forest, Congaree National Park! The dedication was held on September 11, 2021, and attended by some of Congaree’s biggest supporters, including the legendary forest advocate, John Cely, and Congaree Superintendent, K Lynn Berry. Though one of the lesser-known National Parks in the United States, Congaree is home to one of the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forests left in the Southeast. Bottomland hardwood forests are characterized by frequent flooding due to being situated on lowland floodplains, making it the ideal habitat for bald cypress.

Bald cypress is a native species to the southeastern United States and is perfectly adapted to live in swampy and often flooded environments. The “knees” of the bald cypress are the highly iconic woody projections that extend above the water’s surface. Researchers believe these protrusions provide the tree with extra stabilization and support, which is necessary for bald cypress trees that grow near the coast and endure hurricane-force winds. Though strong, coastal winds aren’t much of an issue for Congaree being over 100 miles from the coast, the bald cypress that grows in this region is nonetheless hardy and massive.

Speaking of massive trees, Congaree National Park contains 25 Champion Trees, six of which are on the National Champion Tree list. From water hickory and sweet gum to swamp tupelo and laurel oak, Congaree contains some mighty trees. But nothing tops the tallest loblolly pine in the world! Coming in at 168 feet tall, with a trunk circumference of 181 inches and a crown spread of 85 feet, this behemoth certainly is the crown jewel of Congaree’s giants. These forests giants were once under threat of logging, but the protection of Congaree is due in most part to one person in particular: Harry Hampton. Born near the turn of the century, Hampton eventually turned his passion for news reporting into conservation advocacy. After helping form the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Hampton began South Carolina’s first major push for conservation while supporting laws that led to the creation of the state’s wildlife resource agencies. In the 1950s, Hampton began supporting the protection of a special tract of floodplain near the Congaree River. He recognized that this area was home to some of the largest remaining old-growth trees in the southeast and the tract of floodplain was later was designated as a National Monument in 1976. Sadly, Hampton passed away in 1980, well before Congaree's designation as a National Park in 2003.

John Cely is another integral advocate in Congaree’s history, ranking right up there with Harry Hampton. Cely has spent the past 20 years volunteering with the park, researching the many champion trees, and advocating for the continued protection of this great forest. On the weekends, you’ll find Cely leading numerous guided hikes for visitors, giving detailed talks about forest ecology, the rich history of human activity in the Congaree floodplain, and the importance of conserving such a valuable resource. Cely also works with local advocacy groups, such as Friends of Congaree Swamp and the Congaree Land Trust. In 2020, Cely was awarded the National Park Service’s Hartzog “Enduring Service” and the Old-Growth Forest Network Forest Advocate award in 2021.

Have you ever visited Congaree National Park? If you have, then perhaps you felt the magic and serenity that is prevalent when in the presence of such grand trees. If you’ve never visited, be sure to add it to your bucket list so that you too can experience the wonder of the grandest bottomland hardwood forest left in the Southeast.