Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge - Bessemer, Alabama
N 33° 22.451 W 086° 57.788
16S E 503429 N 3692770
The 23-acre Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge is one of the smallest refuges in the United States.
Waymark Code: WM21AJ
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 08/19/2007
Views: 52
The Watercress National Wildlife Refuge, located near Bessemer, Alabama, was established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1980 to provide protection for the endangered watercress darter. Although the refuge is only about 23 acres of pond, mixed pine-hardwood forest, and a residence, it contains Thomas Spring, the original quarter-acre pond where the species was described. A second pond was constructed in the refuge in 1983 to provide additional darter habitat. The refuge is unstaffed and administered by the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
The watercress darter is a small, very coloful fish measuring up to 2.5 inches in length. The fish is currently found only in four sites in the Upper Black Warrior River drainage in Jefferson County, Alabama. They are found only at mid-depths in dense accumulations of aquatic vegitation including watercress, in springs and spring runs. The darters feed on snails, crustaceans, and insect larvae that inhabit springs and spring runs.
Getting There:
Watercress Darter NWR is located in Bessemer, AL. From Interstate 459, take the Eastern Valley Road Exit (Exit 1). Take Eastern Valley Road north for approximately 6 miles. Parking is available on the west side of the road immediately after the West Jefferson County Historical Society's MacAdory House and before the stop light.
NWR or Protected Planet Website: [Web Link]
Point of Interest (POI): Scenic View
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