Fall into Congaree National Park for Guided Programs in October & November

Date: September 25, 2014
Contact: Lauren Gurniewicz, 803-647-3969

The public is invited to join park rangers and volunteer naturalists for guided programs at Congaree National Park in October and November. The fall is a great time to enjoy the park, with mild day time temperatures and cool evenings. All programs are free and begin at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center unless otherwise noted.

Bark in the Park: Join a park ranger on a 2-3 mile dog-friendly hike to learn how people and animals have interacted with the forest over time. The best behaved dog will take home an official "Bark Ranger" bandana!Limited to ten participants and ten dogs. Dogs must be on leash at all times. Please bring waste bags and plenty of water. This hike is weather permitting. Registration is required. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bark-in-the-park-tickets-13226074545
October 25 & November 8 @ 10:00 am

Guided Canoe Tour: Paddle with a ranger and volunteer naturalist along Cedar Creek to experience the Congaree Wilderness. Participants must be at least 6 years of age and able to paddle and swim. All equipment is provided. Limit 16 participants. Registration is required. Visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ranger-guided-canoe-tour-tickets-12757288393.
October 11 & November 1 @ 9:00 am

Nature Discovery Hike: Take a walk on the boardwalk with a volunteer naturalist to look and listen for animals in the forest.
October 4, 11, 18 & November 1, 8, 15 @ 9:30 am

Owl Prowl: Join a park ranger and volunteer naturalist to take a walk on the wild side during this special evening program. You'll meet at the visitor center and explore the forest at night along the boardwalk. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. The park has a limited number of flashlights and red cellophane for visitor use during the program. This program is accessible and takes place on the boardwalk. Registration is required. Visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/owl-prowl-tickets-13111780689?aff=eorg
October 24 @ 6:30 pm

Story Time with a Ranger: Join a park ranger at a Richland Library branch to learn about wildlife and Congaree's champion trees. All ages welcome!
October 11 @ 11:00 am (St. Andrews)
October 15 @ 10:00 am (Eastover) & 3:30 pm (Wheatley)
October 16 @ 12:30 am (Cooper)
October 18 @ 10:30 am (Main)

Who Lives Here: Learn about the owls that have a home in Congaree and how they use their special adaptations for survival during this 20 minute talk. 
November 15 & 22 @ 2:00 pm

Wilderness Tree Trek: Walk with a ranger to explore the old-growth forest along the boardwalk.
October 18, 25 & November 1, 8 @ 2:00 pm & November 15, 22 @ 10:00 am

The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Tuesday-Saturday, year-round.The facility is closed on Sunday, Monday and all Federal Holidays.Visitors are encouraged to explore Congaree at any time, as the park's trails and campgrounds remain open 24 hours, 7 days per week. Law enforcement and emergency services operations are available to visitors 7 days per week.

For more information call 803-647-3970. Join Congaree National Park on social media:facebook.com/CongareeNP,@CongareeNPS on Twitter, flickr.com/photos/congareenps/ and pinterest.com/congareenps.