It is National Moth Week! Check out what we have in store this week to help you discover the magical world of moths and their important role in our ecosystems.
Black Botanists Week: July 6 - July 11
This week is Black Botanists Week. Check out the schedule, follow along, share your love of plants, and celebrate diversity!
From the Black Botanists Week team:
”Black Botanists Week is a celebration of Black people who love plants. This plant love manifests in many ways ranging from tropical field ecologist to plant geneticist, from horticulturalist to botanical illustrator. We embrace the multiple ways that Black people engage with and appreciate the global diversity of plant life.”
Black Hikers Week: June 22 - June 27
How to be an Outdoor Ally
Black Birders Week: May 31 - June 5
Hiking Responsibly in the Time of COVID-19
Shantell and Sanaa practice social distancing prior to their hike on May 14, 2020.
We have experienced record visitation at Ruffner Mountain since mid-March, and while we understand that the natural world, fresh air, and exercise are a lifeline for many during this crisis, we'd like to share some helpful reminders to keep in mind while hiking during COVID-19.
(Source: Harris Center for Conservation Education, Hancock, New Hampshire)
Stay home if you’re sick.
If you or anyone in your household is experiencing flu-like symptoms, do not go to public places, even trails and conservation lands. You can still enjoy plenty of nature in your own yard or from your front stoop.
Stay local.
Keep close to home, and choose quieter spots or quieter times of day for your outings. Try one of these trails less traveled put together by Freshwater Land Trust.
Keep your distance.
Only hike with members of your own household and stay at least six feet from other hikers at all times, even at trailheads and vistas. If a parking lot is crowded when you arrive, visit another local greenspace.
Keep your dogs on leash.
We always expect dogs to be leashed while on Ruffner Mountain trails, but it’s especially important now when increased trail activity means a higher probability of encounters with other dogs and other hikers. Keeping dogs on leash is for the dog's safety as well, especially with an increase in snake/wildlife activity.
Don’t take risks.
Search and rescue efforts put first responders at risk of exposure, and can divert medical attention away from those who need it most. Use an abundance of caution with regard to weather, terrain, and trip planning. And always remember to bring plenty of water.
Try a Trail Less Traveled
What a gorgeous Spring we are having in Birmingham!
Our friends at Freshwater Land Trust have put together a list of "trails less traveled" to help you find new trails to safely explore in Jefferson County.
PLEASE: Always maintain a MINIMUM of 6 feet between you and other people, even if that means stopping and walking off the trail. If a parking lot or trail looks busy, come back another time or visit another trail on the list!
Cahaba River Corridor
Civitation Park Trail (1.8 mi): 75 Parkway Drive, Trussville, AL 35173
Boulder Canyon Loop Trail (1.02 mi): Vestavia Hills Library, 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Aldridge Gardens (0.9 mi): 3530 Lorna Road Hoover, AL 35216
McCallum Park Trails (1.05 mi): McCallum Park/Rosemary Lane, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Five Mile Creek Corridor
Five Mile Creek Greenway (5.5 mi): Black Creek Park, Yarbrough Rd, Birmingham, AL 35217
North Aqueduct Trail (2.21 mi): Chief William C. Hewitt Park, 2475 Pinson Valley Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35217)
Reed Harvey Community Greenway Wetland Park Trail (0.3 mi): 1635 Barrington Cir, Center Point, AL 35215
Gardendale Urban Trail (3.17 mi): 2191 Fieldstown Road, Mt. Olive, AL 35117
Jones Valley Corridor
High Ore Line Trail (2.28 mi): Western Health Center, 631 Bessemer Super Highway, Birmingham, AL 35228
Clairmont Walking Trail (0.51 mi): Intersection of Clairmont Avenue and Rockford Road, Birmingham, AL 35222
1st Avenue South / Jones Valley Greenway (0.63 mi): 2501 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
Bessemer Rail Trail (0.43 mil): 15th Street South, Bessemer, AL 35020
Shades Creek Corridor
Homewood Forest Preserve (1.32 mi): 1919 South Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35216
Irondale Furnace Greenway (0.58 mi): 4175 Stone River Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35213
Flora Johnston Nature Trail/ North Shades Creek Greenway (1.49 mi): 311 Elder Street, Irondale, AL, 35210
Wildwood Preserve (0.52 mi): 1298 Forest Brook Circle, Birmingham, AL 35226
Village Creek Corridor
Enon Ridge Trail / Dorothy Spears Greenway (1.07 mi): East Thomas Park (1404 3rd Street West)
Ensley-Pratt Greenway (1.16 mi): 1221 Avenue V, Birmingham, AL 35218
Birmingham Eastside EcoGardens (0.26 mi): Eastern Health Center, 1400 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
For more trail details, visit: freshwaterlandtrust.org/find-a-trail