Ruffner Founders Visit the Nature Center!

This weekend Kathy Stiles Freeland, Ruffner's first Executive Director, came by the Nature Center for a visit along with Betty Kimbrell and her two daughters. Betty's husband, Billie Joe, actually painted the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center sign hanging behind them in this photo; it is one of our most treasured relics at Ruffner. If it hadn't been for them, Ruffner would certainly not be what it is today. We are beyond grateful for them and that they took the time to visit us this weekend. Kathy was one of the founders of Birmingham's nature movement, and we try every day to advance the understanding of ecology and carry on the work of conservation in her spirit. It is an honor to follow in her footsteps.

Connect with your community. Join one of the largest urban nature preserves in the country, or you can support one of the many amazing organizations below through donation and membership. Let's preserve our mountains, waterways, and green spaces together. 

Red Mountain Park: redmountainpark.org/support

Railroad Park: www.railroadpark.org/support.html

Vulcan Park: visitvulcan.com/support

Birmingham Botanical Gardens: www.bbgardens.org

 

Cahaba Riverkeeper: http://cahabariverkeeper.org/how-to-help

Coosa Riverkeeper: http://coosariver.org/donate/

Turkey Creek: https://turkeycreeknp.com/support-2/

Cahaba River Society: www.cahabariversociety.org/support-crs/

Black Warrior Riverkeeper: blackwarriorriver.org/support-us/

Village Creek Society: villagecreeksociety.org/donate.html

Freshwater Land Trust: www.freshwaterlandtrust.org/donate

 

Wild South: http://wildsouth.org/

Birmingham Audubon Society: birminghamaudubon.org

Fresh Air Family: www.freshairfamily.org/donate

Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: www.awrc.org

Jones Valley Teaching Farm: http://jvtf.org/give

Gasp: gaspgroup.org/action-center/support-gasp

Alabama Environmental Council: www.aeconline.org/donate

There are so many ways to give back this holiday season

 

FIND THE OPTION THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU

 

MEMBERSHIP

Are you a Ruffner regular? Do you know the Mountain like the back of your hand? How many times have you found yourself on a trail, in a valley, or atop a ridge, enjoying the simple thrill of being outside? Do you come here to walk your dog, to take photos, or to enjoy the beauty and solitude of the Mountain? Do you like tax write-offs? If the answer is yes, then it's time to become a Ruffner Member. 

 

ONE TIME DONATION

Already a member? Maybe you simply value our rivers and streams, our plant and animal life, and want to see them preserved and protected for generations to come. Well, this is the option for you. Make a one time donation, and support conservation at one of the largest non-profit urban nature preserves in the country. 

Mining History Hike at Ruffner Mountain

On Sunday, November 13, join Gary Bostany on a hike at Ruffner Mountain while learning the history and its early beginnings. View some of the mining relics, iron-ore crushers— learn their purpose, and view mine openings that visitors rarely get to see. Learn about the extended railroad system “the old mineral railroad” that serviced Ruffner and the rest of Red Mountain.

Ruffner Mountain was once home to the Sloss-Sheffield Mines where iron-ore and limestone were extracted and sent to the blast furnaces at Sloss. Discover Ruffner’s role in the mining heyday of Birmingham while exploring these sites and artifacts up close.

The hike is approximately three miles total, usually about 3.5 hours, with moderate inclines and slopes. The hike will take us to Mine Site #3, and the Quarry. Adults and children ten and up are welcome. We will meet at the Nature Center. Please bring water and snacks to eat along the trail.  Registration required ahead of time (registration form below). Also please download our waiver form and email it to christine@ruffnermountain.org, or you can bring it with on the day of the hike. 

YOUTH WAIVER

ADULT WAIVER

Gary Bostany is a volunteer educational docent at Vulcan Park and Museum, and a history buff regarding Birmingham’s early days of the making of Iron and steel. The hikes will be rescheduled in case of inclement weather.

Sign up and more information here

 

Moss Rock Festival 2016

It's that time of year again! The 11th annual Moss Rock Festival is this weekend at the Preserve. We hope to see you there!

On the first full weekend in November, The Preserve in Hoover, Alabama will be a regional focus for art, design & environmental lovers everywhere as the 11th annual Moss Rock Festival kicks off. This one-of-a-kind outdoor fall festival welcomes 12,000 visitors annually to explore Nature, Art+Design, and SmartLIVING themes. We guarantee it will be a weekend where discoveries are the norm! Grab friends and family and get outside to explore nature at Alabama's premier eco-creative festival.

For more information visit http://www.mossrockfestival.com. 

Miner's Hike with Gary Bostany this Saturday!

Saturday, October 29 at 10:00am join Gary Bostany on a hike at Ruffner Mountain while learning the history and its early beginnings. View some of the mining relics, iron-ore crushers— learn their purpose, and view mine openings that visitors rarely get to see. Learn about the extended railroad system “the old mineral railroad” that serviced Ruffner and the rest of Red Mountain.

Ruffner Mountain was once home to the Sloss-Sheffield Mines where iron-ore and limestone were extracted and sent to the blast furnaces at Sloss. Discover Ruffner’s role in the mining heyday of Birmingham while exploring these sites and artifacts up close.

The hike is approximately three miles total, usually about 3.5 hours, with moderate inclines and slopes. The hike will take us to Mine Site #3, and the Quarry. Adults and children ten and up are welcome. We will meet at the Nature Center. Please bring water and snacks to eat along the trail.  Registration required ahead of time (registration form below). Also please download our waiver form and email it to christine@ruffnermountain.org, or you can bring it with on the day of the hike. 

YOUTH WAIVER

ADULT WAIVER

Gary Bostany is a volunteer educational docent at Vulcan Park and Museum, and a history buff regarding Birmingham’s early days of the making of Iron and steel. The hikes will be rescheduled in case of inclement weather.