Fish and Wildlife Service, Alabama.
Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge, located within the city limits of Bessemer, Alabama, was established by the Service in October of 1980 to provide protection for the watercress darter and to conserve and restore its crucial habitat. Today, the 25-acre refuge consists of two ponds, several stands of mixed pine-hardwoods with shrubs, and a single residence. Thomas Spring is a onequarter-acre pond where a population of watercress darters was found in 1976. A second pond was constructed on the refuge in 1983 by the Service to provide additional habitat for the darter.
Watercress Darter NWR is located near Bessemer, Alabama. From Interstate-65, take Interstate-59 South/20 West. Follow Interstate-59 South/20 West for about 11 miles and take exit number 112. Turn left at the second light on the exit ramp. Follow to the next traffic light and turn right on to U.S. Highway 11. Follow U.S. Highway 11 for about 1 mile and turn left on to Westlake Road. Follow Westlake Road for about 0.5 miles and turn left on Lakeridge Road. Follow Lakeridge Road to the first traffic light and turn right on to 4th Avenue. Follow 4th Avenue to the second traffic light and take a left on Division Street. Follow Division Street for about one mile and turn left on Eastern Valley Road. The Refuge and residence are found immediately on your left.