Children of all ages can become a Congaree National Park Junior Ranger and help preserve and protect this national treasure.

To become a Junior Ranger, stop by the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and ask for your free copy of the Junior Ranger Workbook, or get started now by downloading the workbook.

When you have completed all requirements for your chosen level, bring your completed workbook to the Visitor Center and receive your certificate and an offical Congaree National Park Junior Ranger badge.

NPS Photo

Cypress Knees

Do Trees Have Knees?

In the Congaree there are many cypress trees. They have shaggy bark and light green needles in the summer months. Around them you will see something called cypress knees. The knees are cypress roots that have grown away from the tree and up into the sunlight. They will never grow into new cypress trees. Scientists think cypress trees use the knees for anchors during strong winds or floods and possibly as snorkels to give the trees additional oxygen when growing in the wet soil.

R.I.P. (Rot In Peace)

When trees fall in a wilderness area, they are left alone to provide food and shelter for plants and animals. Think about what a downed tree does to help the floodplain and its animals.