EXPLORE NATURE’S CLASSROOM
At the Jefferson County Greenways Coalition, we understand that education is the cornerstone of conservation. Our field trip programs are designed to ignite a passion and an appreciation for the natural world through hands-on, experiential learning. We offer a range of immersive environmental education opportunities suitable for Pre-K -12th grade. Our programs align with educational standards and can be tailored to meet your student's needs.
Park Location
Explore three unique sites with us: Ruffner Mountain, Red Mountain Park, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Each site offers a variety of activities, from hiking to Birmingham’s overlook, visiting old mining sites, and exploring creeks home to endangered species! Download our guide below for more information about our field trip options, including which park might best suit your class’s needs. If visiting our parks isn't feasible for your school, we also provide off-site animal programs for your convenience, priced at $250.
Students at Turtle Rock at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.
Students searching for aquatic macro-invertebrates at Turkey Creek.
Students exploring the Euraka Mine at Red Mountain Park.
Availability
Field trips with us are scheduled from August through May, Wednesdays—Fridays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. However, we understand the importance of flexibility and are happy to accommodate your scheduling needs if possible. Fill out our Field Trip Request Form below, and we'll do our best to arrange a time that works for you.
*Please note the following:
Field trips are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure your spot, we recommend booking three months in advance.
Currently, we can accommodate up to 3 classes total. If you have more than 3 classes, please book more than one day.
If you are interested in providing a self-guided field trip, complete the field trip request form and select the program option for “self-guided”. Self-guided field trips require a $100 reservation fee (see costs below). Please note that self-guided field trips are only allowed at Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain Park.
Field Trip Request Form
Cost
Guided Field Trips are free for all schools within the Birmingham City and Jefferson County School systems. Field trips for schools outside of these systems are priced at $15.00 per student and $15.00 per chaperone, with a minimum cost of $250 for a guided trip. Teachers and teacher aides always enjoy complimentary admission.
Self-Guided Field Trips require a $100 reservation fee. This fee serves several purposes: it reserves your spot and prevents overbooking, covers parking costs, grants access to the outdoor pavilion and entry to the Nature Center exhibits (*specific to Ruffner Mountain location only). Please note that self-guided field trips are only allowed at Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain Park.
Cancellation Policy
Please provide a 48-hour notice prior to cancellation
All programs canceled with less than 48 hour notice or without rescheduling will be charged a $200 cancellation fee
Program coordinators will monitor the weather closely and notify your group the day prior in the event of a necessary rescheduling due to inclement weather.