The weather is starting to turn a little cooler, which has us thinking it's time to plan a daytrip to Congaree National Park near Columbia.

South Carolina's only national park offers North America's largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest -- and some amazingly huge trees. There is a 2.4 mile boardwalk loop trail, more than 20 miles of backwoods hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

And Saturday, Sept. 17, you'll get a chance to help count the butterflies along the trails and in the various habitats at the park at the Fall North American Butterfly Association's Butterfly Count. It's a chance to learn about butterflies and help collect real scientific data -- perfect for the budding scientist or outdoors lover in your family.

All ages and experience levels are welcome at the count, which will run from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. It's free, and the park welcomes your help, but space is limited so advance reservations are required. Also, make sure you wear long pants and closed toed shoes (leave the flip-flops at home).

The park will have a limited number of butterfly field guides to help you identify the various butterflies at the park.

For more information please contact Theresa Thom, ecologist and research coordinator, theresa_thom@nps.gov or call the park at (803) 776- 4396, ext 0.

And if you can't make the butterfly count, be sure to put a trip to Congaree Swamp (that's what our family still calls the national park) this fall. Spend the day wandering through the park (which is home to a 16-story tall loblolly pine -- the largest in the country) or sign up for guided canoe trips and nighttime owl prowls (always a favorite for kids).

It's a true gem right in the Midlands.