This little guy was recently found on Ruffner Mountain. Box turtles are quite common at Ruffner, as they are over much of North America. The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), pictured here, and the three-toed box turtle, are the two most common subspecies of box turtle in Alabama. They have a dome-like carapace and a hinged plastron (that's the shell covering the belly) which allows for complete enclosure, creating a sort of closed box, hence the name "box" turtle. Box turtles usually live extremely long lives, and they are slow to develop; this fact, coupled with their propensity for few offspring, make box turtles particularly susceptible to human-induced mortality. So, the next time you're on the trail or the road, look out for our reptile friends!
Wild South & Ruffner Mountain Present: Wrenched
Edward Abbey was an American author and essayist noted for his advocacy of environmental issues, criticism of public land policies and anarchist political views. His best known works include the novel The Monkey Wrench Gang, which has been cited as an inspiration by radical environmental groups, and the non-fiction work Desert Solitaire.
The film Wrenched captures the passing of the monkey wrench from the pioneers of eco-activism to the new generation which will carry Edward Abbey’s legacy into the 21st century. The fight continues to sustain the last bastion of the American wilderness – the spirit of the West.
On Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m. Wild South and Ruffner Mountain will proudly present an exclusive screening of the film, Wrenched. Tickets are $10 online (which includes one drink) and $15 at the door (no drink ticket included). All proceeds will be donated to Wild South and Ruffner Mountain. Seating is limited to 40 so purchase your ticket now to secure a seat!
May Trail Team Work Day
Tomorrow is our May Trail Team Work Day, 8AM to 12PM! It's shaping up to be a beautiful weekend, so we hope to see you there! In the meantime, here's an old 35mm shot of a sunset as seen from Ruffner Mountain. We think it dates back to the early 80's.
Thanks to the Irondale Exchange Club!
The Irondale Exchange Club held their 30th anniversary luncheon at Ruffner on Tuesday. They were truly a wonderful group of people, and they are doing invaluable work for our community. Thank you from Ruffner Mountain!
"Hiding", Celeste Amparo Pfau, botanical mono print with ink drawing on green cotton fabric. This is just one of many pieces in Eco Stories, an exhibition of work by local artists in conversation with nature. Check it out today at the Nature Center!
Barking tree frog
The barking tree frog (Hyla gratiosa) is an insectivore, consuming flies, mosquitoes, crickets and other small insects. They can be found in the central and southeastern United States, and Ruffner Mountain is teeming with them, as you may hear after the sun goes down.