As we traveled away from the Fall line and down the Congaree river toward Charleston we entered South Carolina’s only national park and explored the coastal flood plains. We spent time with an archaeologist in the Congaree, saw some amazing wildlife and learned a lot about the eco-systems of the swamp. We also got a further education about the role of the American Indian in SC history as we followed the river down to Santee National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is an important part of maintaining habitat for local animal species.

Think about these questions as you watch the Webisode:

We saw a number of different types of trees as we paddled through the Congaree. One of those trees was the Red Maple. Can you describe the life cycle of a Red Maple tree?

As we pass the Fall line and head toward the coast we can see the effects of erosion and deposition. What are erosion and deposition and how do they shape the waterways?

Limestone was formed by the skeletons of ancient sea creatures.  Why can limestone be found in the coastal plains?

Fossils of Sharks Mastadon teeth and Trilobites can be found through out the coastal plain.  What are trace, cast, mold, petrified, and preserved fossils?

What is the difference between a park and a wildlife refuge?

Who was Francis Beidler and why is he important in our history?