Description
The Cahaba River, an 1,870-square mile watershed, flows through approximately one-third of the Alabama landscape and has twelve major tributaries. This makes the Cahaba Alabama's longest free-flowing river. Lake Purdy, the only major reservoir in the basin, is the source of Birmingham's drinking water supply.
At least 69 rare and imperiled species have been identified in this watershed. Additionally, it harbors 12 federally listed fish and mussel species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and 131 species of freshwater fish, more than any other river its size in North America.
The Nature Conservancy has been working to protect the Cahaba River watershed and its unique biodiversity for many years. That includes establishing three nature preserves along the river: Pratt's Ferry, Bibb County Glades, and Barton's Beach and working with partners to establish the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Bibb County, which protects the globally imperiled shoals lily (Cahaba lily). However, a landscape of this size cannot be preserved by land acquisition efforts alone. Preserving the Cahaba requires teaming up with private businesses, citizens and local, state and federal partners – including as part of the Cahaba Blueway coalition – to protect and ensure safe and respectful access to the river.
