Congaree National Park South Carolina
The park sits along the Congaree River. This 22,200 acre park protects the largest contiguous area of old growth, bottomland, and hardwood forests in the U.S. It is a world of primeval landscapes, champion trees, diverse plants and animal life along with tranquility. The park experiences wet and dry periods as the river floods and recedes with seasonal rains. The trees escaped large scale cuttings due to the difficulty of logging in this wetland area. Congaree National Park ranks as one of the most diverse forest community in North America. There are 22 different plant communities in the park. Preliminary surveys have found more than 80 species of trees, more 170 bird species, 60 reptile and amphibian species and 49 different species of fish. It was amazing to take a 2.5 mile walk on an elevated boardwalk and see the different plant communities and variations of trees. The park is an excellent place to kayak. It can be dangerous since approximately 10 times each year, flood waters from the Congaree River cover the park with a sheet of fast moving water. Bob looked at a 7 mile trip with the kayak but decided he should not do it alone and will return here when the park offers guided kayak trips. Over time, I am certain that we will spend some more at this National Park because of the various eco systems. Bald Cypress and Tupelo trees both grow wide at the base anchoring each tree in the mud. The Bald Cypress produce knees that rise up from the forest floor. Are they snorkels or anchors?
The park sits along the Congaree River. This 22,200 acre park protects the largest contiguous area of old growth, bottomland, and hardwood forests in the U.S. It is a world of primeval landscapes, champion trees, diverse plants and animal life along with tranquility. The park experiences wet and dry periods as the river floods and recedes with seasonal rains. The trees escaped large scale cuttings due to the difficulty of logging in this wetland area. Congaree National Park ranks as one of the most diverse forest community in North America. There are 22 different plant communities in the park. Preliminary surveys have found more than 80 species of trees, more 170 bird species, 60 reptile and amphibian species and 49 different species of fish. It was amazing to take a 2.5 mile walk on an elevated boardwalk and see the different plant communities and variations of trees. The park is an excellent place to kayak. It can be dangerous since approximately 10 times each year, flood waters from the Congaree River cover the park with a sheet of fast moving water. Bob looked at a 7 mile trip with the kayak but decided he should not do it alone and will return here when the park offers guided kayak trips. Over time, I am certain that we will spend some more at this National Park because of the various eco systems. Bald Cypress and Tupelo trees both grow wide at the base anchoring each tree in the mud. The Bald Cypress produce knees that rise up from the forest floor. Are they snorkels or anchors?
No comments:
Post a Comment