Did you know that Chattanooga’s backyard is the only place in the world you’ll find the laurel dace?

This species of freshwater minnow has been considered endangered since 2011 and now is only found in two streams on Walden's Ridge. Factors like invasive predators, parasites, and prolonged drought have led to the species rapid disappearance.

In an effort to preserve the species, the Tennessee Aquarium is stepping in with its Race for the Laurel Dace campaign.

Last July, a team from the Aquarium rescued nearly 300 fish and moved them into human care to be held at its Conservation Institute. Though the fish are healthy in the care of the aquarium’s biologists, the goal is to one day be able to safely return them to their wild habitats.

Donations from the campaign will be used to fund stream analysis research + to pay for the equipment and staff needed to care for the fish.

The aquarium’s Vice President + Chief Development Officer Melanie King said this a rare opportunity to turn the tide of inevitability and safeguard the Southeast’s natural heritage

“Every small fish saved today is a step toward preserving the delicate balance of our freshwater ecosystems,” King says. “It’s not often we have these moments to make a real difference for conservation, but right now, the Tennessee Aquarium has an actionable plan that can save the laurel dace.

Bonus: National Geographic photographer + the creator of the National Geographic Photo Ark Joel Sartore has also joined the campaign. See what he had to say.

Contributions of all sizes are welcome + can be made online.