Area shown in the map is outlined.
Rationale 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. 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.