Explore your backyard: Connect with nature across Jefferson County

Fall is the perfect time to plant native species, and Jefferson County Greenways' Fall Native Plant Sale at the Ruffner Mountain Greenhouse has a large inventory to choose from. Cooler temperatures, warm soil, and autumn rains create ideal conditions for strong root development, giving plants a head start before spring.

The MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) Bird Banding Program is a continent-wide initiative that collects critical, long-term data on the population trends and demographic parameters for over 150 target landbird species at multiple spatial scales. In general, each participating site—including Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama—sets up 10 fine nets at specific parameters to catch, band, and release birds in their breeding habitat, roughly every ten days through the course of the breeding season.

On August 21, 2025, first-year students from the UAB Honors College rolled up their sleeves to help transform East Side Park into a universally designed nature sanctuary for the Birmingham community and the surrounding region. The students worked alongside Jefferson County Greenways (JCG) staff and volunteers to salvage native plants from Red Mountain Park’s improvement zone to give them a second life at East Side Park.

Jefferson County Greenways is thrilled to announce a significant upgrade coming to Red Mountain Park, which will enhance the visitor experience and benefit the community. Thanks to funding from our partnership with Innovate Alabama Network, the park will be adding universally accessible restrooms at the Frankfurt Drive entrance. These amenities are designed to enhance safety and enjoyment for visitors by providing on-site restrooms that are well lit and accessible to individuals with disabilities.