Blackwater River (Perdido River tributary)
| Blackwater River | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Baldwin County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • coordinates | 30°38′24″N 87°42′08″W / 30.63991°N 87.70221°W |
| Mouth | Perdido River |
• coordinates | 30°28′57″N 87°26′07″W / 30.48241°N 87.43525°W |
| Length | 30.3 mi (48.8 km) |
Blackwater River is a 30.3-mile-long (48.8 km)[1] river in Baldwin County, Alabama. The Blackwater River originates at 30°38′24″N 87°42′08″W / 30.63991°N 87.70221°W near Loxley, and discharges into the Perdido River at 30°28′57″N 87°26′07″W / 30.48241°N 87.43525°W near Lillian.[2]
Geography
The river flows through Baldwin County, Alabama, eventually joining the Perdido River near its lower course. It lies within the East Guld Coastal Plain, a region characterized by flat terrain, wetlands, and forested landscapes.[3]
Ecosystem
The Blackwater River supports diverse habitats, including:[3]
- Hardwood swamps and wetlands
- Upland pine forests
- Aquatic ecosystems supporting fish, birds, and amphibians
Conservation reports highlight that areas along the river provide habitats for waterfowl and wading birds, breeding and feeding grounds for aquatic species, and ecological connectivity within the larger Perdido watershed.[4]
Conservation
Parts of the Blackwater River corridor are included in conservation efforts such as:[3]
- The Perdido River Wildlife Management Area
- Land acquisitions by organizations like the Conservation Fund
These efforts aim to preserve the water quality, maintain flood control systems, and protect biodiversity within the habitat. The surrounding areas are used for recreation, wildlife observation, and limited forestry and land use.[4]
References
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The National Map Archived 2012-03-29 at the Wayback Machine, accessed April 15, 2011
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Blackwater River (Perdido River tributary)
- ^ a b c "A Brief History of Perdido Bay". www.friendsofperdidobay.com. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
- ^ a b "Wetland Protected Along Alabama Gulf Coast". The Conservation Fund. Retrieved 2026-03-17.