Ruffner Mountain

Ruffner Mountain Ruffner Mountain is a privately held 1,038 acre urban nature preserve in the heart of Birmingham, Al
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Our story begins in 1977, when an intrepid grassroots community movement banded together to form the Ruffner Mountain Coalition in order to protect the mountain from a land developer planning to build an apartment complex on the site. Kathy Freeland, then president of the Ruffner Mountain Coalition, along with residents from south East Lake, members of the Birmingham Humane Society, and the Vulcan

Trail Association, founded the Coalition not only in reaction to the possible land development, but also to preserve the mountain itself and the myriad native species of flora and fauna that live there, to provide educational programs for kids and adults, and to create a wildlife rehabilitation center. The first Ruffner wildlife rehabilitation "center", was actually the home of Ann Miller, a Birmingham Zoo employee. Other members of that first Coalition were Andy Smith (then president of the south East Lake neighborhood group), Gary Collier, Tom Lamb Jr., Frank Dawson, Rodney Hale, Jimmie White, Joan Dawson, and Emily Hobbs, among others. Through the eighties, nineties, and into the 21st century, Ruffner has continued to grow and expand to its current size of over a thousand acres. We owe the pioneers of the original Ruffner Mountain Coalition a debt of gratitude and thank them for preserving the beautiful, enriching, and vital world that is Ruffner Mountain for this generation and all to come.

05/19/2026

We're honored to be featured in this Bham Now - Birmingham’s modern media article, which highlights the power of partnership and sensory-inclusive outdoor experiences.

It's been a privilege to partner with Glenwood Autism, whose students are helping to propagate plants for East Side Park, our new accessible nature park, which will feature 100% native plants.

Watching these students contribute to something that will grow and be enjoyed by the community for years to come has been very special, and we're so grateful to be part of it.

A special thank you to EBSCO Industries, Inc., for sponsoring the article and helping share the story behind this important work.

We're excited for what's ahead and appreciate everyone helping bring this vision to life. 💚

We had a fabulous time at the Fascinating Frogs Hike this past weekend. The group found multiple species of frogs, salam...
05/14/2026

We had a fabulous time at the Fascinating Frogs Hike this past weekend. The group found multiple species of frogs, salamanders, moths, and more, including an American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), an American Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea), and a Two-Lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata). It was a fun night of hiking and learning!

Special thanks to Mountain High Outfitters for sponsoring the hike!

Welcome to our newest members of Jefferson County Greenways  – and thank you to those who have recently renewed your mem...
05/12/2026

Welcome to our newest members of Jefferson County Greenways – and thank you to those who have recently renewed your memberships! We are grateful for your support and commitment to our greenspaces! 🌱

Together, we are protecting and preserving Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve for our community and future generations to enjoy.

Click the link to view the list of new and renewing members in March and April who support these special places.

https://loom.ly/DZ-sVzE

We want to welcome our newest members to Jefferson County Greenways and recognize those who have continued their membership through renewal. Together, we protect these natural spaces where nature, history, and community come together.

Register now for the JUNIOR NATURALIST ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP at Ruffner Mountain. Your budding naturalist can explore the ...
05/06/2026

Register now for the JUNIOR NATURALIST ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP at Ruffner Mountain. Your budding naturalist can explore the mountain with experienced Jefferson County Greenways Naturalists, Emily and Hunter, and gain invaluable insights into the natural world around them.

The four-day-long camp is offered Tuesday through Friday during the first and second weeks in June. Register today and secure one of the few remaining spots!



https://loom.ly/StJd1rg

Enjoy the nice weather and get outside with us at a program or two this month! Don't forget that members receive discoun...
05/05/2026

Enjoy the nice weather and get outside with us at a program or two this month! Don't forget that members receive discounts on programs. Special thanks to Mountain High Outfitters for sponsoring the Fascinating Frogs Hike and Lightning Bug hike!

Registration is required to attend most of our programs. See our full calendar linked and register for your desired event(s). https://www.jeffcogreenways.org/programs/calendar

➡️ Tuesday Night Trails - Red Mountain Park, Every Tuesday in May
➡️ Fascinating Frogs Hike - Ruffner Mountain, May 9
➡️ Mindful Nature Walk - Red Mountain Park, May 10
➡️ The Elements Learning Series: Earth - Red Mountain Park, May 29
➡️ Lightning Bug Hike- Ruffner Mountain, May 30
➡️ Pilates & Hiking Program - Red Mountain Park, May 31

A big shout-out to the UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center’s Post-Rehab Transitions Program team for bringing to our attenti...
05/02/2026

A big shout-out to the UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center’s Post-Rehab Transitions Program team for bringing to our attention the need for an additional handrail to help maneuver the incline to the accessible Ruffner Mountain Nature Center from the parking lot.

Jefferson County Greenways staff and volunteers did a great job incorporating it into the surrounding area, across from the Habitat Garden. We hope this helps make visiting the Nature Center, Habitat Garden, and the reconstructed treetop deck easier.
Come check it out!

The results are in! Since we began our membership campaign on March 16, we’ve gained 150 new supporting memberships! THA...
05/01/2026

The results are in! Since we began our membership campaign on March 16, we’ve gained 150 new supporting memberships! THANK YOU to all who have joined. Not only are we grateful for your support, but we’re also excited for you to connect more deeply with these spaces and take advantage of all the benefits membership offers.

Although the campaign has ended, there will always be a need for member support. You can join anytime at www.jeffcogreenways.org/membership.

The Ruffner Mountain Nature Center will be closed on Sunday, May 3. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  ...
04/29/2026

The Ruffner Mountain Nature Center will be closed on Sunday, May 3. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

There is still time to help us meet our goal of 200 new supporting memberships before May 1! Our members provide sustain...
04/28/2026

There is still time to help us meet our goal of 200 new supporting memberships before May 1!

Our members provide sustainable financial support to help us continue to care for Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. We're grateful to our members for supporting the work we do! 💚 We can't do it alone.

Go to 👉 www.jeffcogreenways.org/membership to join our growing community of members today!

Address

1214 81st Street South
Birmingham, AL
35206

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