Free weekend events will honor five decades of conservation and community support
Congaree National Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary October 17-18 with a weekend of free events honoring its history and role in protecting South Carolina’s natural heritage.
Known as “the green heart of South Carolina,” the park preserves the largest intact area of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States and protects a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
The anniversary celebration will include a commemorative ceremony, interpretive talks, guided hikes, special activities and guest speakers, including people who helped advocate for the park’s establishment.
“Join us in celebrating our milestone of 50 years of Congaree National Park,” said Superintendent Gregory Hauburger. “We are honored to host our community and collectively reflect on our park’s founding and how our impact has grown since 1976.”
The commemorative ceremony is scheduled for October 18 at 12:15 p.m. in the auditorium of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
Programs throughout the weekend will explore efforts to establish the park during the 1970s, how it protects natural and cultural resources, and how it has evolved over the past half-century.
All anniversary events will begin at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, located at 100 National Park Road in Hopkins. Events are free and open to the public.
For a complete schedule of programs and activities, visit nps.gov.
Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations.
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