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Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is a 1,011 acre natural oasis located on one of the last undeveloped stretches of the Red Mountain ridge known as Ruffner Mountain. Just a 10 minute escape from downtown Birmingham--Ruffner feels like a world away. Enjoy a short stroll or explore the mountain for an all day adventure. Ruffner Mountain has over 11 miles of peaceful forested trails with surprising biodiversity, wetlands teaming with wildlife, remnants of our past mining history, and spectacular views from several overlooks await those who venture out.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Contact Info

    Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

    1214 81st Street South
    Birmingham , AL 35206

    Phone: (205) 833-8264   |   Fax: (205) 836-3960   |   Email   |   Official Website

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    05/24/12	Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center May 24, 2012 You will have three chances to come relax and support Ruffner. We'll have local brews, local food and local music. All the festivities will take place on the picnic pavilion.
    06/02/12	Story Time On the Mountain Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Story Time On the Mountain Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 2, 2012 Join Ms. Jerri in the Activity Hall of the Treehouse as she reads “The Wide-Mouthed Frog” by Keith Faulkner. Ever wondered what a frog, mouse, or alligator eats? This story will give you the answers with fun pop-up illustrations. Make frog finger puppets to take home and receive a copy of the book thanks to our sponsor, Target. Stick around after Story Time and meet Ruffner’s resident grey and green tree frogs.
    06/11/12- 06/15/12	Little Naturalists Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Little Naturalists Day Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 11-June 15, 2012 Little Naturalists Camp June 11 – 15 Morning Session: 9 AM - 12:30 PM Afternoon Session: 12 PM - 3:30 PM If you have a child that’s 4K – 1st grade, then Little Naturalists Camp is the program to join. Your child will have a blast as they play sports and crazy games, hike trails, create wacky arts and crafts projects, learn about nature and wildlife, and everything else associated with summer day camps. Your little one will stay active while making...
    06/15/12	Frogs and Families Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Frogs and Families Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 15, 2012 Let's go to the wetlands and hear the frog calls of those species that are active in June.  We will hopefully hear Green frogs, the bellowing Bullfrogs, Green and Gray Treefrogs, and maybe even the high pitched call of Spring Peepers.  We will look at some of these creatures up-close and learn more about them, their importance, and how to identify them. Meet herpetologist Nick Bieser at the Ruffner Road gate.
    06/18/12- 06/22/12	Nature Ickyology Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Nature Ickyology Day Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 18-June 22, 2012 Slimy snails, regurgitating owls, and vomiting vultures - although all these things might seem gross to us, they all serve a purpose out in the wild. Not only learn about some native animals with unpleasant behaviors, also learn about unpleasant behaviors of animals from all over the world. Ever knew that giraffes often clean out their noses with their tongues? We will learn the reasons behind all of these behaviors in the wild and have fun along the way, including making vulture throw-up...
    06/25/12- 06/29/12	Animal Encounters of the Furry, Feathered, Scaled, & Tailed Kind Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Animal Encounters of the Furry, Feathered, Scaled, & Tailed Kind Day Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 25-June 29, 2012 From the Fairyfly, with a length of 0.039 inches, to a Blue Whale, with a length of up to 110 feet, animals of the world are varied and unique. Learn about and meet some animals that live in Alabama and compare them to some foreign species as well. Throughout the week, expect animal encounters from some local animals, such as a furry Flying Squirrel, a slithery Corn Snake, and a slimy Green Treefrog. Encounter some foreign species, including a Sulcata Tortoise, Burmese Python, and...
    06/30/12	Bird House Art Extravaganza Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Bird House Art Extravaganza Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 30, 2012 Bird houses are home tweet home for some birds. Other bird houses, however, are simply meant for decoration. Join us at Ruffner and decorate whatever kind of bird house suits you. You are welcome to bring your own bird house to decorate, or buy one. Paint and other art supplies will be provided. Judges will pick winners for: Most Creative Bird House and "Greenest" Bird House (Children and Adults categories). All houses will then be displayed in the large tree next to the...
    07/09/12- 07/13/12	Wet and Wild Water Week Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Wet and Wild Water Week Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center July 9-July 13, 2012 Alabama summers are notoriously hot. Stay cool with wacky water games, slippery slip and slides, and a field trip to Turkey Creek to take a swim in the refreshing water. Not all animals cool off with water. Learn the tricks that different animals use to stay cool in some of the hottest places on earth. Also explore the water sources on Ruffner and take a close-up look at animals that live in our wetlands. • For campers entering 1st – 8th grade. •...
    07/14/12	Chill Out!! Water Games Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Chill Out!! Water Games Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center July 14, 2012 As summer heats up, let's cool down! We will play water games and make snow cones! Perfect for elementary age children.
    07/16/12- 07/20/12	Creative Arts Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Creative Arts Day Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center July 16-July 20, 2012 From the shiny exoskeleton of a Hercules beetle, to the breeze blowing through your hair on a hot day, to a wildflower that has grown in the crack of a sidewalk, nature is nothing if not inspiring! Use Ruffner’s natural surroundings to encourage your artistic talent. Mediums will include: painting, drawing, weaving, and sculpting. Utilize many different types of material for projects, such as: paints, clays, fabrics, natural materials, and recycled materials. Take a field trip to...
    07/23/12- 07/27/12	Adventure Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Adventure Day Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center July 23-July 27, 2012 Attention Middle School Students: Are you looking for something fun and adventurous to do this summer while out of school? Look no further – Adventure Camp is here! Adventure Camp ensures the optimum amount of fun and excitement for middle school campers. This camp is for those on the go! Travel to different spots in and around Birmingham, as well as spend one day hiking and exploring Ruffner Mountain. Field trip activities include: rock climbing lessons, canoeing on the...
    08/01/12	Full Sturgeon Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Full Sturgeon Moon Hike Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center August 1, 2012 Native Americans named each full moon to capture the spirit of the season. August was named the Sturgeon Moon by the fishing tribes of the Great Lakes because August was the month when the most sturgeon, a type of large fish, was caught. Meet at the Ruffner Road gate on the Irondale side of the mountain and hike to the wetlands to enjoy the glow of the moon and refreshments. Leashed dogs welcome. This is a flat, 2 mile trail.
    08/04/12	Dog Days of Summer Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Dog Days of Summer Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center August 4, 2012 Ruffner has gone to the dogs! Join us for dog-friendly naturalist-led hikes throughout the day. Booths will be set up under the pavilion from with local dog organizations, businesses and groups. Throughout the day there will be raffles, contest, prizes, caricature drawings, snow cones for dogs, and human food for sale.
    08/23/12	Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center August 23, 2012 You will have three chances to come relax and support Ruffner. We'll have local brews, local food and local music. All the festivities will take place on the picnic pavilion.

• Current &
  Upcoming Events

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    05/24/12	Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center May 24, 2012 You will have three chances to come relax and support Ruffner. We'll have local brews, local food and local music. All the festivities will take place on the picnic pavilion.
    06/02/12	Story Time On the Mountain Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Story Time On the Mountain Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 2, 2012 Join Ms. Jerri in the Activity Hall of the Treehouse as she reads “The Wide-Mouthed Frog” by Keith Faulkner. Ever wondered what a frog, mouse, or alligator eats? This story will give you the answers with fun pop-up illustrations. Make frog finger puppets to take home and receive a copy of the book thanks to our sponsor, Target. Stick around after Story Time and meet Ruffner’s resident grey and green tree frogs.
    06/11/12- 06/15/12	Little Naturalists Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Little Naturalists Day Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 11-June 15, 2012 Little Naturalists Camp June 11 – 15 Morning Session: 9 AM - 12:30 PM Afternoon Session: 12 PM - 3:30 PM If you have a child that’s 4K – 1st grade, then Little Naturalists Camp is the program to join. Your child will have a blast as they play sports and crazy games, hike trails, create wacky arts and crafts projects, learn about nature and wildlife, and everything else associated with summer day camps. Your little one will stay active while making...
    06/15/12	Frogs and Families Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Frogs and Families Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 15, 2012 Let's go to the wetlands and hear the frog calls of those species that are active in June.  We will hopefully hear Green frogs, the bellowing Bullfrogs, Green and Gray Treefrogs, and maybe even the high pitched call of Spring Peepers.  We will look at some of these creatures up-close and learn more about them, their importance, and how to identify them. Meet herpetologist Nick Bieser at the Ruffner Road gate.
    06/18/12- 06/22/12	Nature Ickyology Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Nature Ickyology Day Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 18-June 22, 2012 Slimy snails, regurgitating owls, and vomiting vultures - although all these things might seem gross to us, they all serve a purpose out in the wild. Not only learn about some native animals with unpleasant behaviors, also learn about unpleasant behaviors of animals from all over the world. Ever knew that giraffes often clean out their noses with their tongues? We will learn the reasons behind all of these behaviors in the wild and have fun along the way, including making vulture throw-up...
    06/25/12- 06/29/12	Animal Encounters of the Furry, Feathered, Scaled, & Tailed Kind Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Animal Encounters of the Furry, Feathered, Scaled, & Tailed Kind Day Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 25-June 29, 2012 From the Fairyfly, with a length of 0.039 inches, to a Blue Whale, with a length of up to 110 feet, animals of the world are varied and unique. Learn about and meet some animals that live in Alabama and compare them to some foreign species as well. Throughout the week, expect animal encounters from some local animals, such as a furry Flying Squirrel, a slithery Corn Snake, and a slimy Green Treefrog. Encounter some foreign species, including a Sulcata Tortoise, Burmese Python, and...
    06/30/12	Bird House Art Extravaganza Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Bird House Art Extravaganza Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center June 30, 2012 Bird houses are home tweet home for some birds. Other bird houses, however, are simply meant for decoration. Join us at Ruffner and decorate whatever kind of bird house suits you. You are welcome to bring your own bird house to decorate, or buy one. Paint and other art supplies will be provided. Judges will pick winners for: Most Creative Bird House and "Greenest" Bird House (Children and Adults categories). All houses will then be displayed in the large tree next to the...
    07/09/12- 07/13/12	Wet and Wild Water Week Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Wet and Wild Water Week Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center July 9-July 13, 2012 Alabama summers are notoriously hot. Stay cool with wacky water games, slippery slip and slides, and a field trip to Turkey Creek to take a swim in the refreshing water. Not all animals cool off with water. Learn the tricks that different animals use to stay cool in some of the hottest places on earth. Also explore the water sources on Ruffner and take a close-up look at animals that live in our wetlands. • For campers entering 1st – 8th grade. •...
    07/14/12	Chill Out!! Water Games Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Chill Out!! Water Games Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center July 14, 2012 As summer heats up, let's cool down! We will play water games and make snow cones! Perfect for elementary age children.
    07/16/12- 07/20/12	Creative Arts Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Creative Arts Day Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center July 16-July 20, 2012 From the shiny exoskeleton of a Hercules beetle, to the breeze blowing through your hair on a hot day, to a wildflower that has grown in the crack of a sidewalk, nature is nothing if not inspiring! Use Ruffner’s natural surroundings to encourage your artistic talent. Mediums will include: painting, drawing, weaving, and sculpting. Utilize many different types of material for projects, such as: paints, clays, fabrics, natural materials, and recycled materials. Take a field trip to...
    07/23/12- 07/27/12	Adventure Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Adventure Day Camp Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center July 23-July 27, 2012 Attention Middle School Students: Are you looking for something fun and adventurous to do this summer while out of school? Look no further – Adventure Camp is here! Adventure Camp ensures the optimum amount of fun and excitement for middle school campers. This camp is for those on the go! Travel to different spots in and around Birmingham, as well as spend one day hiking and exploring Ruffner Mountain. Field trip activities include: rock climbing lessons, canoeing on the...
    08/01/12	Full Sturgeon Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Full Sturgeon Moon Hike Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center August 1, 2012 Native Americans named each full moon to capture the spirit of the season. August was named the Sturgeon Moon by the fishing tribes of the Great Lakes because August was the month when the most sturgeon, a type of large fish, was caught. Meet at the Ruffner Road gate on the Irondale side of the mountain and hike to the wetlands to enjoy the glow of the moon and refreshments. Leashed dogs welcome. This is a flat, 2 mile trail.
    08/04/12	Dog Days of Summer Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Dog Days of Summer Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center August 4, 2012 Ruffner has gone to the dogs! Join us for dog-friendly naturalist-led hikes throughout the day. Booths will be set up under the pavilion from with local dog organizations, businesses and groups. Throughout the day there will be raffles, contest, prizes, caricature drawings, snow cones for dogs, and human food for sale.
    08/23/12	Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Presented by Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center August 23, 2012 You will have three chances to come relax and support Ruffner. We'll have local brews, local food and local music. All the festivities will take place on the picnic pavilion.

• Past
  Events

  • Past Events

    05/12/12	Wild Animal Moms Breakfast Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    05/12/12	Edible Plants Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    05/05/12	Story Time On the Mountain Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    05/05/12	Wine and Cheese Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    05/05/12	Nature Journaling Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    05/04/12	Full Flower Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    04/28/12	Quarry Crawlin' With Carl Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    04/22/12	Spring Wildflower Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    04/22/12	Southeastern Outings dayhike at the Homewood Forest Preserve
    04/14/12	Native Plant Sale Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    04/14/12	Story Time On the Mountain Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    04/07/12	Wine and Cheese Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    04/06/12	Frogs and Families Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/29/12	Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/24/12	Family Geocaching Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/19/12- 03/23/12	Ruffner Mountain Spring Break Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/18/12	Ruffner Mountain CSI 101: Critter Scene Investigation Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/17/12	St. Patrick's Day Activities Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/10/12	Bringin' Home the Bacon Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/04/12	Southeastern Outings dayhike at the Moss Rock Preserve
    03/03/12	Story Time On the Mountain Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/25/12	Southeastern Outings dayhike at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/25/12	Turtles, Terrapins and Tortoises……Can You Tell the Difference? Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/18/12	Great Backyard Bird Count Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/11/12	Hoo's Your Valentine? Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/11/12	Tapas on the Trails Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/04/12	Story Time On the Mountain Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/04/12	Nuts About Squirrels! Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    01/28/12	Miners Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    01/09/12	Full Wolf Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    01/07/12	Story Time On the Mountain Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    01/07/12	Stories Under the Stars Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    01/01/12	Winter Solstice hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    12/21/11- 12/23/11	School Break Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    12/21/11- 12/30/11	School Break Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    12/19/11	Full Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    12/19/11	Ruffner Mountian Nature Center Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    12/10/11	Snowball Snack Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    12/08/11	Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    12/03/11	Bird Treat Making Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    11/27/11	Marty’s Mine History Excursion Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    11/17/11	Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    11/12/11	Ruffner Mountain High Crusher Ridge 21K Trail Race Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    11/12/11	Ruffner Mountain High Crusher Ridge 21k Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    11/10/11	Full Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    11/06/11	Water Wise Workshop Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    11/03/11- 11/05/11	Photographing Nature Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/29/11	Jack-o-Lantern Face-Off and Faces in the Forest Jack-o-Lantern Trail Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/22/11	Family Geocaching Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/16/11	Fall Wildflower Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/14/11	Movie on the Backporch Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/13/11	Cocktails and Canvas Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/11/11	Full Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/09/11	Succulents Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/08/11	Wine and Cheese Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/08/11	Fall Scavenger Hunt Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/08/11	Moths Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    10/06/11	Beer on the Back Porch FUNdraiser Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    09/25/11	Grow Native: Choosing Native Plants for Your Garden Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    09/24/11	Orienteering Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    09/24/11	Instincts and Intelligence of Animals Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    09/18/11	Gardening for Nature Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    09/17/11	Pleistocene (Ice Age) Mammals of Alabama Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    09/15/11	Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    09/10/11	Wine and Cheese Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    09/10/11	Flutter Fest - Butterfly and Moth Festival Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    09/04/11	Southeastern Outings Dayhike at the Homewood Forest Preserve Homewood Forest Preserve
    07/30/11	Dog Days of Summer Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    07/15/11	Full Thunder Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    06/24/11	Moths Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    06/20/11- 06/24/11	Native and Nature Ways Day Camp Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    06/18/11- 08/20/11	Story Time on the Mountain Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    06/18/11	Green Lantern Night Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    04/23/11	Earth Day Celebration & Trail Running Festival Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    04/18/11	Full Pink Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    04/16/11	Be Water Wise (and Make a Rain Barrel) Workshop Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    04/09/11	Native Plant Sale Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/26/11	Breakfast With the Animals Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/19/11	Full Worm Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/12/11	Southeastern Outings dayhike at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    03/05/11	Dream Rocket Project Art Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/25/11	Nature Social Club Series - Greening Your Home Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/19/11	Backyard Bird Count Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/19/11	Miner's Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/18/11	Full Snow Moon Hike Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/13/11- 06/12/11	Little Naturalists Series Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    02/12/11	The Birds and the Bees (and the Snails and the Bonobos): Sexual Antics of Animals Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
    01/19/11	Full Wolf Moon Hike

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