Explore your backyard: Connect with nature across Jefferson County

Over a 24-hour period, Jefferson County Greenways hosted its first-ever BioBlitz at Red Mountain Park, welcoming dozens of independent participants and 37 organized group participants who collectively recorded 792 total observations, documenting more than 440 species across Birmingham’s largest urban greenspace.

For those in the know, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a summertime treat and one of the most popular outdoor destinations and hiking areas near Birmingham, located a mere 30 minutes away. It supports no less than twelve imperiled species thanks to the beautiful creek that carves its way through the preserve for over a mile. And many of the same characteristics that sustain Turkey Creek’s amazing biodiversity, also draw in the crowds.

Jefferson County Greenways invites the community to take part in its first-ever BioBlitz at Red Mountain Park on April 17 and 18, featuring live bats, nighttime wildlife activity and hands-on scientific discovery. The 24-hour biological survey will bring together nature enthusiasts, families, scientists, and beginners to identify and document as many species as possible.

Jefferson County Greenways is asking for the community’s help. As revitalization efforts move forward at East Side Park in east Birmingham, more than 60,000 Alabama native plants are needed for five distinct ecoregions planned for the park, creating one of the most diverse native landscapes in Jefferson County — and you can help make it happen!

Have you missed stepping into the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center to cool off after a hike? Well, we’ve missed you too! Over the past few months, our Nature Center has undergone quite the transformation. We’re happy to announce its reopening with the newly completed treetop patio and more exciting news to share.