Date:  Saturday, September 19, 2026

Location:  Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC

• Meeting Time:  9:00 am – to 3:00 pm
• Meeting Spot:  Meet at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061 (GPS coordinates 33.8298, -80.8234)

Description:  We will participate in a NABA (North American Butterfly Association) seasonal count at the 26,693-acre Congaree National Park near Columbia, South Carolina, to look for late-season butterflies. The park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. The lush trees growing in its floodplain forest are some of the tallest in the eastern United States, forming one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies remaining in the world. The Congaree River flows through the park. About 15,000 acres are designated as a wilderness area. Refer to the national park website link below for additional information and maps of the property. After meeting at the visitor center, we will divide into smaller groups. Some groups will have larger areas to explore than others. Some of the trails will have roots and/or may be overgrown. You do not have to be an expert to participate and may come for a whole or half day. Refer to the national park website link below for additional information and maps of the property.

Target Species:  All butterflies

Notes: There are restrooms at the visitor center but no restaurants nearby. Please bring water, lunch, binoculars, cameras and field guides. Sunscreen, bug spray, long pants and close-toed shoes are highly recommended.

Trip Leader:  Theresa Yednock

Lodging & Dining Recommendations:  N/A

Sign-up:  Please contact Theresa Yednock at theresa_yednock@nps.gov if you are planning to attend. You can also register by using the “Register” link above.

Directions:  N/A