What’s a darter and why is there an annual festival for it?

It’s a tiny fish, and Darter Festival 2016 is designed to raise the public awareness about this endangered species found only in central Alabama.

Darters can only survive in the cleanest freshwater. One place you’ll find them is Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, about 20 minutes north of Birmingham.

Turkey Creek is home to three types of darter: the Watercress, Vermillion and Rush darters.

“The Birmingham metropolitan area is the only place in the world the Vermillion darter can be found,” said Roald Hazelhoff, director of the Southern Environmental Center at Birmingham-Southern College.

The center co-manages Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and is host for the Darter Festival, which takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at Birmingham’s Good People Brewing Company.

The fifth annual Darter Festival features music by local bands John and Jacob, Winston Ramble and Steel City Jug Slammers, and local food trucks, as well as activities for children.

The beauty of the darter is captured in this photo. (contributed)

Sign notes the Watercress Darter is found only in Jefferson County. (contributed)

Limited edition Darter Spring Ale by Good People Brewing Company will be available at festival. (contributed)

Beautifully illustrated Watercress darter mural in downtown Birmingham. (contributed)

DarterFest will be held at Good People Brewery. (contributed)

An interactive, Darter art installation will also be on display, and a special, limited-edition “Darter Ale” will be available throughout the festival. Alabama Power is one of the event sponsors.

Proceeds from the event will help bolster educational efforts as well as habitat restoration projects that support the darter.

Visit the Darter Festival site on Facebook for more information.