Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge, a small oasis of pinewood forest and ponds located in Jefferson County Alabama.

Refuge History: As the name implies, this refuge was established in 1980 in order to protected the habitat of the Watercress Darter, an endangered fish found only in four different locations of Alabama's upper Black Warrior River drainage basin. The Watercress Darter is a small colorful fish up to 2.5 inches long and it's diet consists of snails, crustaceans, and insect larvae. Some of the darter's known predators include sculpins, bluegills, and sunfish.

Public access to this refuge is restricted due to the fragility of the darter's habitat.