Venue Directory

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.
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At-a-
Glance-
Contact Info
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
1214 81st Street South
Birmingham, AL 35206Phone: (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
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Map
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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.
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Accessibility Services
There is no accessibility service information available at this time.
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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.
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Current Events
There are no current events at this time.
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Upcoming Events
05/24/12 Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/02/12 Story Time On the Mountain
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/11/12-
06/15/12Little Naturalists Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/15/12 Frogs and Families
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/18/12-
06/22/12Nature Ickyology Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/25/12-
06/29/12Animal Encounters of the Furry, Feathered, Scaled, & Tailed Kind Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/30/12 Bird House Art Extravaganza
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/09/12-
07/13/12Wet and Wild Water Week Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/14/12 Chill Out!! Water Games
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/16/12-
07/20/12Creative Arts Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/23/12-
07/27/12Adventure Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center08/01/12 Full Sturgeon Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center08/04/12 Dog Days of Summer
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center08/23/12 Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
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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.
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Current &
Upcoming Events-
Current Events
There are no current events at this time.
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Upcoming Events
05/24/12 Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/02/12 Story Time On the Mountain
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/11/12-
06/15/12Little Naturalists Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/15/12 Frogs and Families
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/18/12-
06/22/12Nature Ickyology Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/25/12-
06/29/12Animal Encounters of the Furry, Feathered, Scaled, & Tailed Kind Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/30/12 Bird House Art Extravaganza
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/09/12-
07/13/12Wet and Wild Water Week Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/14/12 Chill Out!! Water Games
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/16/12-
07/20/12Creative Arts Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/23/12-
07/27/12Adventure Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center08/01/12 Full Sturgeon Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center08/04/12 Dog Days of Summer
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center08/23/12 Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
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Past
Events-
Past Events
05/12/12 Wild Animal Moms Breakfast
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center05/12/12 Edible Plants
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center05/05/12 Story Time On the Mountain
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center05/05/12 Wine and Cheese Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center05/05/12 Nature Journaling
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center05/04/12 Full Flower Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/28/12 Quarry Crawlin' With Carl
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/22/12 Spring Wildflower Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/14/12 Native Plant Sale
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/14/12 Story Time On the Mountain
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/07/12 Wine and Cheese Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/07/12 Art on R Mountain
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/06/12 Frogs and Families
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/31/12 Salamander Walk and (Log) Roll
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/29/12 Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/24/12 Family Geocaching
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/19/12-
03/23/12Ruffner Mountain Spring Break Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/18/12 Ruffner Mountain CSI 101: Critter Scene Investigation
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/17/12 St. Patrick's Day Activities
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/10/12 Bringin' Home the Bacon
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/03/12 Story Time On the Mountain
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/25/12 Southeastern Outings dayhike at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/25/12 Turtles, Terrapins and Tortoises……Can You Tell the Difference?
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/18/12 Great Backyard Bird Count
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/11/12 Hoo's Your Valentine?
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/11/12 Tapas on the Trails
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/04/12 Story Time On the Mountain
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/04/12 Nuts About Squirrels!
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center01/28/12 Miners Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center01/09/12 Full Wolf Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center01/07/12 Story Time On the Mountain
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center01/07/12 Stories Under the Stars
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center01/01/12 Winter Solstice hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center12/21/11-
12/23/11School Break Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center12/21/11-
12/30/11School Break Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center12/19/11 Full Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center12/19/11 Ruffner Mountian Nature Center
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center12/10/11 Snowball Snack
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center12/08/11 Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center12/03/11 Bird Treat Making
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center11/27/11 Marty’s Mine History Excursion
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center11/19/11 Ecology of Alabama Native Plants
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center11/17/11 Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center11/12/11 Ruffner Mountain High Crusher Ridge 21K Trail Race
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center11/12/11 Ruffner Mountain High Crusher Ridge 21k
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center11/10/11 Full Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center11/06/11 Water Wise Workshop
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center11/03/11-
11/05/11Photographing Nature
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/29/11 Jack-o-Lantern Face-Off and Faces in the Forest Jack-o-Lantern Trail
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/22/11 Family Geocaching
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/16/11 Fall Wildflower Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/15/11 International Street Fair Preview Party
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/14/11 Movie on the Backporch
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/13/11 Cocktails and Canvas
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/11/11 Full Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/09/11 Succulents
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/08/11 Wine and Cheese Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/08/11 Fall Scavenger Hunt
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/08/11 Moths
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center10/06/11 Beer on the Back Porch FUNdraiser
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center09/25/11 Grow Native: Choosing Native Plants for Your Garden
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center09/24/11 Orienteering
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center09/24/11 Instincts and Intelligence of Animals
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center09/18/11 Gardening for Nature
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center09/17/11 Pleistocene (Ice Age) Mammals of Alabama
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center09/15/11 Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center09/10/11 Wine and Cheese Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center09/10/11 Flutter Fest - Butterfly and Moth Festival
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/30/11 Dog Days of Summer
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/25/11-
07/29/11Adventure Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/18/11-
07/22/11Creative Arts Nature Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/15/11 Full Thunder Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/11/11-
07/15/11Wet and Wild Water Week Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center07/01/11-
07/31/11Dream Rocket Project Exhibit
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/27/11-
07/01/11All Things That Fly Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/24/11 Moths
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/20/11-
06/24/11Native and Nature Ways Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/18/11-
08/20/11Story Time on the Mountain
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/18/11 Green Lantern Night Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center06/13/11-
06/17/11Little Naturalists Day Camp
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/23/11 Earth Day Celebration & Trail Running Festival
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/18/11 Full Pink Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/16/11 Be Water Wise (and Make a Rain Barrel) Workshop
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/09/11 Native Plant Sale
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center04/02/11 Art on 'R Mountain
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/26/11 Breakfast With the Animals
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/19/11 Full Worm Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/12/11 Southeastern Outings dayhike at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/05/11 Dream Rocket Project Art
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center03/05/11 Cocktails and Canvas Art Class
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/25/11 Nature Social Club Series - Greening Your Home
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/19/11 Backyard Bird Count
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/19/11 Miner's Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/18/11 Full Snow Moon Hike
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/13/11-
06/12/11Little Naturalists Series
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center02/12/11 The Birds and the Bees (and the Snails and the Bonobos): Sexual Antics of Animals
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
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