Hi! I'm a botanist (a biologist specializing in plant life) for the Georgia Natural Heritage Program, part of the Nongame & Natural Heritage Section of the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (U.S.A.).

But for the time being, at least, this site is not about Georgia but about the plant life of a single county in the middle of the neighboring state of Alabama.

The Cahaba River itself stretches for almost 200 miles and is Alabama's longest free-flowing stream. The river currently supports 64 rare and imperiled plant and animal species, 13 of which are found nowhere else in the world. The river has more fish species at 131 than any other river it's size in North America. Over seven miles of the Cahaba lie within the approved acquisition boundary. The rolling uplands surrounding the river are forested with mountain longleaf and loblolly pines. Mixed upland hardwood species line ravines and the river's edge.
Our mission is, working with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and
plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people

SPECIES DIVERSITY

The Cahaba River is one of Alabama’s most spectacular rivers in terms of species diversity. Unfortunately the basin is also unique in the number of aquatic species that are imperiled or declining in number. The Cahaba River Watershed supports 69 rare and imperiled species including 10 fish and mussels listed as threatened and endangered. (TNC)

Imagine unknowingly approaching, by canoe, what is now known as one of the most significant, biologically important reservoirs in the United States. In 1992, a Georgia botanist named James Allison, under contract with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, organized a canoe trip in Bibb County, Alabama. Exploring the unexplored, Allison and three of his friends --Timothy Stevens, Jim and Debi Rodgers-- began their adventure along the Little Cahaba River. What they found during their exploration was truly a monumental biological discovery!

"A Botanical Wonder," our preserve in Bibb County is home to 61 rare plant species. The Little Cahaba River, which flows through the preserve, harbors dozens of rare aquatic creatures. The site also includes Brighthope Furnace, the earliest ironworks built in the State of Alabama. This breathtaking site is truly a "lost world" of species.