Red Mountain Park Guided Hike: Tree Identification

Ever wonder what type of trees you are hiking, biking, or running past at Red Mountain Park?

This Saturday, May 18th, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am you can learn more about the different varietals of trees, both native and exotic, around the park on a two-mile hike along the BMRR South Trail led by Henry Hughes, who studied forestry at the University of the South and teaches Native Forest Tree Identification through Alabama Audubon. This guided hike will feature approximately twenty-five common Alabama forest trees.

Details:

  • Please meet us at the picnic tables near the Red Mountain Park entrance.

  • Dogs on leashes are welcome.

  • This event is $5 for non-members and free for members.

Please click the link below to register and save your spot!


Native Plant Propagation Workshop—Saturday, May 11


Interested in learning how to propagate your own Alabama Native Plants?

Join our hands-on plant propagation workshop led by Conservation Director, Jamie Nobles and Volunteer Coordinator, Sloan Miles on Saturday, May 11th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. This workshop is designed for beginners and will cover fundamental propagation methods such as seed planting, cuttings, and division.

Participants will assist in propagating native plants for our Native Plant Sales and will also take home plants propagated during the workshop!
Cost: $15 non-members, $10 members

Please note that this workshop is for adult learners only and registration is required. Save your spot by registering below!

Big Sit - Birding for Everyone at Turkey Creek May 5th!

Join us for a special bird-watching event celebrating bird enthusiasts of all abilities. We're partnering with Alabama Audubon, Birdability, and the Feminist Bird Club of Birmingham for this occasion. It will be held at the education pavilion in Turkey Creek and is open to everyone, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities, and those new to birding. Park in the first lot of the preserve, but if you have a disability, there's a smaller lot closer to the pavilion. Snacks and refreshments will be provided and there is no cost to attend.

Here's what you can look forward to: You can take part in a 3-hour Big Sit, where members of the Feminist Bird Club of Birmingham will join you. Together, you'll identify all the birds you see and hear while sitting at the pavilion and its surroundings. If you prefer, Alabama Audubon’s Program Coordinator, Andrew Lydeard, will lead a short walk around the pavilion and parking lot instead. Additionally, there's an optional creek walk where you can search for aquatic creatures using dip nets. The event will conclude with a fun presentation featuring animal ambassadors from Ruffner Mountain. Whether you're new to birding, a seasoned nature enthusiast, or simply looking to connect with like-minded individuals, this event is a chance to celebrate the diverse community of people and birds in Alabama.

*Registration is required!

Request for Bid: Structural Repairs to Public Facilities— Ruffner Mountain’s Nature Center

The Jefferson County Greenways Commission, located in Jefferson County, Alabama, is seeking bid proposals from qualified, eligible vendors to perform all operations required for the construction of building improvements to building facilities at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.

Funding: Project funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Investment Period: June 1, 2024 - November 2024 (subject to change)
Pre-Proposal Conference: An in-person conference, Q&A, and site assessment will be held Monday, March 4th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST.
Questions: Bidders will be required to submit any questions in writing prior to 2:00 PM CST on March 5th, 2024 to allow staff to prepare any response(s) required to be answered in a FAQ to be shared with bidders by email document. Questions regarding this RFB should be emailed to paul@ruffnermountain.org.
Submission Deadline: April 5, 2024

Fall Plant Sale-Every Saturday in October!

We say it every season—Fall is the best time to plant!

To usher in the Fall planting season, we are opening the Greenhouse every Saturday in October from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for visitors to shop for native plants from Ruffner Mountain and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. This means more opportunities to buy native plants! As an added bonus—Members will receive 10% off their purchase!

Not a member? Sign up at the link below!

Please note: Some plant species may not be available for all dates, quantities may be limited, and in-person only—no online sales this time.

The Greenhouse is located at the entrance of Ruffner Mountain's South East Lake Entrance and Nature Center; 1214 81st Street S. Birmingham, AL 35206. Parking for plant shoppers will be shared with all Ruffner visitors at this parking lot and don't worry, we will have directional signage to the greenhouse!

We also encourage visitors to bring a shopping cart if they have one!

Poster by Kyle Humphrey

Virginia Creeper

Love it or hate it? We love it! This native vine, Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), is a wildlife magnet. It is the larval host plant to two really cool sphinx moths, the Virginia creeper sphinx moth (Darapsa myron) and the Pandorus sphinx moth (Eumorpha pandorus), and the plant supports many generalist moth caterpillars as well. Virginia creeper has clusters of tiny flowers in the early summer that attract pollinators, and by the end of the season, there are lots of berries to feed small mammals and birds. Leaves, palmately compound with five leaflets, begin to turn red as berries ripen, lending fall color to the landscape. The vine is attractive growing on trees, fences and arbors and provides good cover and habitat. It can even be used as a ground cover. Yes, the vine can be a bit rambunctious, but it’s easy enough to control by simply pulling it up and cutting it back.

1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206 | 205.833.8264 info@ruffnermountain.org