Introduction: A Living Legacy
In the heart of the American South lies an ecological marvel that rivals the great wilderness areas of our planet. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta, often called "America's Amazon," represents one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America. As we stand here in 2025, looking back on more than a decade since Ben Raines' groundbreaking 2014 project first brought widespread attention to this remarkable place, we can see both encouraging progress and sobering challenges in the ongoing effort to protect this natural treasure.
Aerial view of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta showing the intricate network of waterways and forests. This complex ecosystem spans approximately 260,000 acres and represents the second-largest river delta in the United States.
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta encompasses approximately 260,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and waterways where the Mobile, Tensaw, Apalachee, Spanish, Blakeley, and Middle rivers flow into Mobile Bay. This vast ecosystem represents the second-largest river delta in the United States, surpassed only by the Mississippi River Delta. Yet despite its ecological significance, the delta remains relatively unknown to many Americans, overshadowed by more famous wilderness areas like the Everglades or Yellowstone.
This updated project builds upon the foundation laid by Raines' original work, incorporating new research, conservation developments, and ecological insights gained over the past decade. It examines how climate change, conservation efforts, economic pressures, and policy decisions have shaped the delta's trajectory since 2014. By understanding both the progress made and the challenges that remain, we can better appreciate what is at stake and what must be done to preserve this extraordinary ecosystem for future generations.
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta stands as a living laboratory of biodiversity, a critical habitat for countless species, and a natural system that provides invaluable ecosystem services to the surrounding region. Its story is one of resilience in the face of human impacts, of delicate ecological balances, and of the ongoing effort to find sustainable ways for humans and nature to coexist. As we explore this remarkable place, we are reminded of the words of the late E.O. Wilson, who recognized the delta as "one of the biologically richest places in North America yet the least explored and understood."
Featured Sections
Explore the Serpents of America's Amazon
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is home to an extraordinary diversity of snake species, from the venomous cottonmouth to the federally threatened eastern indigo snake. Discover the fascinating world of these often misunderstood reptiles and learn about their ecological importance and conservation challenges.
Discover the Snakes of the Delta →Birds of the Tensaw Delta
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta serves as a critical habitat for over 300 bird species, including important species such as the Wood Stork, Swallow-tailed Kite, Bald Eagle, Osprey, and Brown Pelican. Explore the avian diversity of this remarkable ecosystem and learn about the conservation efforts protecting these magnificent creatures.
Explore the Birds of the Delta →At-Risk Species: Preserving Biodiversity
Alabama has the third highest number of endangered or threatened species in the United States. Learn about the rare, imperiled, and endangered species that call the Mobile-Tensaw Delta home, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these vulnerable populations.
Discover At-Risk Species →