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Thursday May 17, 2012Today's Weather

    Venue Directory

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    Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

     Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 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. 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.

    Learn about nature and the environment by attending a program or workshop or by visiting our Alabama animal exhibits, including raptors, turtles and other interesting native wildlife. Whether you are a teacher looking for a quality field based experience for your class, or an adult wanting to learn more about native plants and animals or environmental stewardship, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center’s programs offer something for everyone and all ages.

    The new Tree Top Visitor Center and Mountainside Pavilion Complex, showcases environmentally friendly “green” L.E.E.D (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings. The Tree Top Visitor Center features the Tree Top Activity Room for meetings and events, the Woodland Animal Exhibit Hall, The Nature of the City Gift Shoppe and the Visitor Information Center. The Mountainside Pavilion nearby is a gathering spot for programs, and where restrooms, vending, and picnic areas can be found.

     

     


    • At-a-
      Glance

      • Contact Info

        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

        1214 81st Street South
        Birmingham, AL 35206

        Phone: (205) 833-8264   |   Official Website

        Admission:

         Admission Fees
        Suggested donation of $2 per person is greatly appreciated. As a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, your donation is very much needed to support our operations, and is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
        Program fees are reasonable and vary by program. 

        Hours: Tree Top Visitor Center: Closed on Mondays 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.Tuesday through Saturday 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sundays NOTE: Parking lot gates close promptly at 5:00 p.m. No exit after 5:00 p.m. Visiting with a group of 10 or more? Please schedule your visit with us so we can best accommodate your needs. For the enjoyment of all visitors, unless you are scheduled for a program or event, we ask that you limit the number of visitors from your group inside the Tree Top Center to no more than 10 at a time. Trail Hours: 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sundays Closed Holidays: New Year’s Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Eve Christmas Day

      • Map

        Full map and directions

      • Parking Info

         Ample secure parking with ADA accessibility is available at the Visitor Center and Mountainside Pavilion area. A small gravel parking lot is available in the Irondale area, off Ruffner Road.

      • Accessibility Services

          There is no accessibility service information available at this time.

      • Technical Specs

         Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is a nature preserve and a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Protection of native plants and animals is of foremost importance.

        Dogs are welcome to walk on the trails, but must be on a leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed in our facilities.

        No overnight camping. No hunting. No fires. No fireworks. No guns. No alcohol.

        Trails are for foot traffic only. No bikes, motorcycles, ATV’s or vehicles are allowed.

        No caving or exploration of mines without specific written permission from the Executive Director.

        Our rock walls are unstable and dangerous to climb. No rock climbing: freehand or with use of ropes.

        If visiting with a group of 10 people or more, please schedule your visit with us so that we can best accommodate your group. You may email us at info@ruffnermountain.org or call (205) 833-8264 ext 11 or 13.

        • Current Events

          There are no current events at this time.

        • Upcoming Events
          05/24/12  Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          06/02/12  Story Time On the Mountain
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          06/11/12-
          06/15/12 
          Little Naturalists Day Camp
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          06/15/12  Frogs and Families
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          06/18/12-
          06/22/12 
          Nature Ickyology Day Camp
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          06/25/12-
          06/29/12 
          Animal Encounters of the Furry, Feathered, Scaled, & Tailed Kind Day Camp
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          06/30/12  Bird House Art Extravaganza
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          07/09/12-
          07/13/12 
          Wet and Wild Water Week Camp
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          07/14/12  Chill Out!! Water Games
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          07/16/12-
          07/20/12 
          Creative Arts Day Camp
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          07/23/12-
          07/27/12 
          Adventure Day Camp
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          08/01/12  Full Sturgeon Moon Hike
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          08/04/12  Dog Days of Summer
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
          08/23/12  Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
          Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

      • NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate. However, it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

    • Current &
      Upcoming Events

      • Current Events

        There are no current events at this time.

      • Upcoming Events
        05/24/12  Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        06/02/12  Story Time On the Mountain
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        06/11/12-
        06/15/12 
        Little Naturalists Day Camp
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        06/15/12  Frogs and Families
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        06/18/12-
        06/22/12 
        Nature Ickyology Day Camp
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        06/25/12-
        06/29/12 
        Animal Encounters of the Furry, Feathered, Scaled, & Tailed Kind Day Camp
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        06/30/12  Bird House Art Extravaganza
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        07/09/12-
        07/13/12 
        Wet and Wild Water Week Camp
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        07/14/12  Chill Out!! Water Games
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        07/16/12-
        07/20/12 
        Creative Arts Day Camp
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        07/23/12-
        07/27/12 
        Adventure Day Camp
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        08/01/12  Full Sturgeon Moon Hike
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        08/04/12  Dog Days of Summer
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
        08/23/12  Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
        Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
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      Events


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