The Congaree Swamp Study Site serves as an outstanding example of a
pristine riverbottom floodplain forest similar to those which used to occur
along many of the old meandering rivers draining South Carolina's Coastal
Plain Region. These relatively flat floodplain areas are havens for
anglers, hunters, research biologists, and naturalists. Riverbottom
floodplains not only provide excellent habitat for wildlife but also serve
several ecological functions such as flood control after heavy rains, ground
water recharge, and a limited amount of pollution filtration. In
spite of Hurricane Hugo's destruction, Congaree Swamp still contains the
oldest significant stand of old growth floodplain hardwood forest in the
country, with a number of "record trees" (largest on record for the species).
Most of the big trees are at least 200 years old, and much of the site
is in a pristine condition. In all, more than 90 species of trees
can be found within the swamp boundaries as well as a number of threatened
and endangered species.
Background Information Description of Landforms Characteristic Landforms
of the Coastal Plain River Floodplains
Geographic Features of Special
Interest
Meandering Rivers and Oxbow
Lakes
Geologic Change Through
Time in Floodplains
Influence of Topography
on Historical Events and Cultural Trends River Trade and Transportation
Swamps as Hiding Places
Natural Resources, Land
Use, and Environmental Concerns Timber Resources
Habitat Diversity Based
on Water Level
Ecological Functions of
Floodplain Swamps
River Floodplains as a Unique
Natural Habitat
Study Site 6A--Congaree Swamp (Pristine Forest) Brief Site Description Tall Trees State and National Champion
Tree Selection Ecological Factors Affecting
Tree Size Life Along a Floodplain
Swamp Legends and Tales of
the Congaree Swamp The Naming of the Swamp Early History of Congaree
Swamp Reclaiming of Swamp Land The Lumber Industry in
Congaree Swamp Establishment of Congaree
Swamp National Monument Activity 6A-1: Meandering
Rivers and Geologic Change Activity 6A-2: Life in
a Floodplain Swamp
