Our Mission

We seek to foster a future that celebrates, values, and sustains the rich natural and cultural legacies of the Congaree Biosphere Region in concert with opportunities to promote healthy, vibrant, and prosperous communities.

a foundation in dialogue

Our non-regulatory framework allows us to serve our region through collaboration

The Congaree Biosphere Region is a voluntary organization built on the power of public and private contributors. We consist of organizations, individual members and community stakeholders.

The Congaree Biosphere Region Advisory Council

We have a diverse membership under a memorandum of understanding between the Central Midlands Council of Governments, South East Rural Community Outreach, and Congaree National Park.

While these three institutions are the organizing partners, the council currently includes a broad range of other organizations.

  • University of South Carolina

  • Clemson University

  • Benedict College

  • Congaree Land Trust

  • Friends of Congaree Swamp

  • Richland County

  • Sumter County

  • Calhoun County

  • Town of Eastover

  • Santee Lynches Council of Governments

What is a Biosphere?

We’re part of an internationally-recognized group of vital ecological sites striving to better live in harmony with nature. This global designation is granted by the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), which was launched by UNESCO in 1971.

we can’t do this alone

Ways to Get Involved

The Congaree Biosphere Region Advisory Council works with our partner organizations to support a range of research initiatives, projects, and community events within the biosphere region. If you have questions or want to contribute to our mission, please fill out our contact form.

Barred owl sitting in tree