Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve: Difference between revisions
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The '''Ruffner Mountain Nature Center''' is a 1,011-acre natural park situated on [[Ruffner Mountain]] in eastern [[Birmingham]]. The park began with the [[Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition]]'s acquisition of a 24-acre mountainside parcel in [[South East Lake]] in [[1977]]. The park operates an educational program which makes use of the area's natural and historical resources. The center also keeps specimens of numerous native animal species, most of which are injured and unsuited for return to the wild. The nature center and park entrance are at 1214 [[81st Street South]] | The '''Ruffner Mountain Nature Center''' is a 1,011-acre natural park situated on [[Ruffner Mountain]] in eastern [[Birmingham]]. The park began with the [[Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition]]'s acquisition of a 24-acre mountainside parcel in [[South East Lake]] in [[1977]]. The park operates an educational program which makes use of the area's natural and historical resources. The center also keeps specimens of numerous native animal species, most of which are injured and unsuited for return to the wild. The nature center and park entrance are at 1214 [[81st Street South]] | ||
Between 1977 and [[2000]] the park expanded with parcels obtained through Forever Wild, the Trust for Public Land, and donations from United Land (a division of Walter Industries). The park's [[2005]] master plan calls for the acquisition of 500 more acres and the construction of a new nature center. | Between 1977 and [[2000]] the park expanded with parcels obtained through Forever Wild, the Trust for Public Land, and donations from United Land (a division of Walter Industries). The park's [[2005]] master plan calls for the acquisition of 500-600 more acres and the construction of a new nature center. | ||
[[Image:Ruffner quarry.jpg|left|thumb|275px|View of the quarry, May 2006]] | [[Image:Ruffner quarry.jpg|left|thumb|275px|View of the quarry, May 2006]] | ||
Revision as of 16:42, 16 March 2007
The Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is a 1,011-acre natural park situated on Ruffner Mountain in eastern Birmingham. The park began with the Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition's acquisition of a 24-acre mountainside parcel in South East Lake in 1977. The park operates an educational program which makes use of the area's natural and historical resources. The center also keeps specimens of numerous native animal species, most of which are injured and unsuited for return to the wild. The nature center and park entrance are at 1214 81st Street South
Between 1977 and 2000 the park expanded with parcels obtained through Forever Wild, the Trust for Public Land, and donations from United Land (a division of Walter Industries). The park's 2005 master plan calls for the acquisition of 500-600 more acres and the construction of a new nature center.
The park is crossed by 18 miles of hiking trails, highlighted by scenic overlooks, an abandoned limestone quarry and the surface ruins from an old iron ore mine. Frequent special events and guided hikes are scheduled year-round. The park hosts spring break and summer day camps.
Fund-raising for the realization of Ruffner Mountain Park's master plan is being coordinated as a "parknership" with the campaigns to create Red Mountain Park and the Railroad Reservation Park. Together, the three parks would give residents of Birmingham more public green space than in any other American city.
See also
- Ruffner Park in Irondale.
External link
- Ruffner Mountain website