Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Logo

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Reserve Information

Designated

1986

Lead Agency

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(Visit Site)

Protects

9,317 acres

Located

Near Mobile Bay’s eastern shore about 40 miles southeast of Mobile, Alabama

Additional Information

Habitats in in this reserve support numerous rare and endangered species including the eastern indigo snake and the Alabama red-bellied turtle.

Biogeographic Region

Louisianian

Tidal Range

0.5 meters

About This Reserve

This reserve encompasses more than 6,000 acres of tidal and forested wetlands within a small estuary, and is fringed with a variety of wetland habitats that receive freshwater from the Fish and Magnolia Rivers. Fire dependent, pitcher plant bogs contain a myriad of rare species and are easily accessible on the reserve's self-guiding nature trails.

The Weeks Bay Reserve is one of 30 areas in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. This site is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship. NOAA's Office for Coastal Management provides funding, national guidance, and technical assistance.

Reserve Location and Boundaries