John E. Cely, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, is a retired wildlife biologist and still-active naturalist who has been exploring the Congaree National Park for more than 40 y...view moreJohn E. Cely, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, is a retired wildlife biologist and still-active naturalist who has been exploring the Congaree National Park for more than 40 years. He graduated from Clemson University, twice, and currently serves on the board of directors of the Friends of Congaree Swamp. He is also a member of the COWASEE Basin Task Force. He lives in Columbia with his wife, Margaret, and two Jack Russell terriers, Buster and Belle.view less