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Retired Biologist’s Hand-Drawn Swamp Map Astounds Rangers

Washington, D.C., USA

May 13, 2025 1 Positive General

Congaree National Park, South Carolina: A 77-year-old retired biologist spent decades carefully exploring the park’s floodplain forests, meticulously recording cypress groves, water channels, and wildlife habitats by hand. His detailed, handmade map has become so accurate that rangers now prefer it over official park materials. It includes special notations of centuries-old trees, secret oxbow lakes, and remnants of past logging roads, illustrating the deep bond between one observer and a dynamic wetland. Visitors who use this map often discover hidden corners they’d otherwise miss, sparking a newfound appreciation for America’s lesser-known swamplands.

What this means for you:

•	If you enjoy off-the-beaten-path hikes or canoe trips, consider gathering your own data—local knowledge can reveal incredible nature spots.
•	Laminating or digitizing personal maps can keep them safe for future sharing.
•	In the meantime, check if your nearest national or state park has volunteer citizen science programs.

Key Entities

• Congaree National Park: A protected floodplain in South Carolina with one of the largest stands of old-growth hardwood forest in the US.
• John Cely: A retired state ornithologist turned volunteer mapmaker who spent decades charting Congaree’s hidden features.

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Retired Biologist’s Hand-Drawn Swamp Map Astounds Rangers

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