Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is equipped to complement home school groups’ science and natural history curriculum.

Planning your program:
We treat home school programs at Ruffner Mountain like a family program. We recognize that many times each student will be accompanied by a parent and possibly siblings. Due to the nature of the curriculum and the terrain of Ruffner Mountain, we ask that you not bring children under 4 years old on trail. Once our Visitor Center is complete, younger children are welcome to explore the visitor center and trails with a parent. All participants that go on the hike are charged the student rate. The coordinator of the program may attend free of charge.

Registration:
Ruffner Mountain will communicate with one adult within the group designated as the planner or group leader. Please look through the Program Request Form before you call or e-mail as these are the questions that will be asked when setting up a program. To decide what class you would like us to teach please review our Field Trip Options Page.

Number of People Participating:
At RMNC, we strive to keep our learning groups personal. Our desired ratio is 1 naturalist for every 20 participants. If you plan on bringing more than 20 people, your group will be divided into several groups. Please let us know as soon as possible if you learn that your group numbers will change prior to your visit.

Deposit:
To reserve your program date you must turn in a $50 non-refundable deposit. The deposit will be applied to your program balance. When we schedule your group it means that we are unable to accommodate another group. Please make sure that when you schedule a program you are able to commit your group’s participation.

Weather:
At RMNC, we love being outdoors in all kinds of weather. The key to enjoying being outdoors is to be prepared. Make sure that you and your children dress for the day’s weather. If weather is deemed dangerous, we will work with you to reschedule your program. If rescheduling is not an option, all payment received will be returned.

Program Times:
Please make sure that your group shows up together and on time. Late arrival will result in a shorter program or possible cancellation.

Questions and Finalizing a Registration:
Once you have looked through this information, please call us at (205)833-8264 ext.13 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it