Winter Programs at Ruffner

We’d be the first to admit Ruffner is not exactly the Chapel of Love when it comes to weddings. You’ve got to work to your strengths, right? That’s why we decided to utilize all of our resources to be Birmingham’s premier resource for nature education.

Every day at Ruffner we work to raise awareness of the importance of the natural world, and our intimate connection to it. In this spirit, we are excited to bring you the Winter portion of our 2017 Programs Calendar. Our EcoArts, Citizen Science, and Volunteer Work Days give you the opportunity to learn more about the natural world while experiencing it first-hand. Through a deeper understanding of ecology, we will realize our vision of a future when the flora, fauna, and people of Birmingham coexist as members of a single healthy and sustainable habitat.

As we move into the new year, we will continue to do what we do best, creating and restoring native habitats, while working to make your Ruffner experience better than ever. Stay tuned for our full 2017 Programs Calendar, and till then, we hope to see you at one of our many upcoming programs!

January 28 - Guided Hike: Lichen & Moss

February 4 - Music with Ms. Meg
February 11 - Guided Hike: Mining History
February 17 - 20 - Ruffner & Birmingham Audubon Present: The Great Backyard Bird Count
February 18 - Community Work Day
February 24 - 25 - Citizen Science: Frogwatch USA

March 4 - Music with Ms. Meg
March 18 - Community Work Day: Wetlands
March 25 - Pollinator Workshop

https://ruffnermountain.org/calendar

We'll see you on the Mountain!

Thanks to Avondale Brewery and the JCBA!

We are so thankful that we had the chance to take part in the Honey Bee*r Project at Avondale Brewery last fall! The Brewery made a special release Farmhouse Honey Ale using 120 pounds of local wildflower honey, the proceeds of which went to local parks and green-spaces that are investing in pollinator-friendly gardens. Thanks to Avondale Brewery and the Jefferson Co. Beekeepers Association for helping save our pollinators!

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

 

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