We hope everyone is staying healthy and safe during this difficult time.
While we support exercise and getting out in the fresh air, we are asking visitors to think before they put themselves, our staff, others, and first responders at risk.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition, Inc. is an environmental education and conservation-focused nonprofit— at this time, our on-site staff is limited to the essential duties of caring for our Animal Ambassadors and Plant Nursery. We, too, must follow the shelter-in-place and social distancing recommendations, but with many people off work and out of school, there's been heightened demand on Ruffner Mountain, increasing burden and risk on limited staff and others. Therefore, in accordance with ORDINANCE NO. 20-48 approved on March 25, 2020, by the Birmingham City Council and recommended by the Mayor of Birmingham and Chief Health Officer of Jefferson County, we are making the following changes, effective immediately:
All Public, School and Group Programs have been canceled.
Pavilion, Picnic Area, Restrooms, and Nature Center are closed.
In an effort to reduce overcrowding of trails and parking areas:
Limited hours of Trail and Parking access - 8:00am - 6:00pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
Access to Trails is permitted for the following: Residents of the City of Birmingham, Members, and Employees of a Business Member
Furthermore, we require that all visitors adhere to the following rules:
Once the parking lot is full, the preserve is closed for additional visitors.
Do not park on 81st Street or in a non-designated parking spot.
No group congregations.
No organized group activities.
Social distancing is required at all times.
Packout all trash and follow Leave No Trace Principles.
If you have an emergency, call 911.
If these changes and guidelines are not followed, we will be forced to close the parking lots— trails will only be open to those within walking distance of Ruffner Mountain.
We want to safeguard the health of everyone in our community— visitors, neighbors, members, donors, staff, and beyond—as much as we can. Right now, that means social distancing, staying at home, and getting outdoors and exploring close to home.
Stay tuned as we will be updating our website with educational resources that you can use in your own backyard!
~ From all of us at Ruffner Mountain, stay safe and take care of each other.