Beyond the Trail

Our summer interns brought talent and passion to the organization, making a significant impact. Each had a positive, can-do attitude and delivered purpose-driven work. Meet a few of our interns and hear what they have to say about their experience with us.

Are you an aspiring Eagle Scout or know someone who is looking to leave a lasting impact through a meaningful service project? Look no further than Jefferson County Greenways (JCG), where volunteer opportunities abound for passionate individuals ready to get their hands dirty and give back to nature.

Teachers are among the most dedicated and selfless individuals, and we owe them a great deal of gratitude for their hard work. They are essential in sparking a love and curiosity for the environment in their students, which is crucial for the future of conservation and sustainability. This year, through the Alabama STEM Council Teacher Externship, local high school educators had the opportunity to delve deeper into some of Jefferson County Greenways' environmental initiatives.

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.

The upcoming Batty About Bats Program with Vicky Smith on July 19, 2025, is a perfect reminder to share the bat conservation work we’ve been doing this year. As some may be aware, Ruffner Mountain hosts one of the largest winter hibernacula of tricolored bats, a species that plays a crucial role in local ecosystems.

Moths, insects that are necessary and beneficial pollinators, are sometimes thought of as drab, like the ugly duckling cousin of the more sophisticated butterfly. But if you pay attention to them, moths are just as beautiful, beneficial, and diverse as butterflies. Alabama has approximately 150 species of butterflies, but over 1,000 species of moths - ten times as many beautiful bugs for you to appreciate! 

We’re thrilled to welcome Darryl Washington as our new Chief Executive Officer. With just a few weeks on the job, he’s spending time getting to know the team, listening, and learning before setting the course ahead. From what drew him to the role to how he recharges in nature, here’s a quick Q&A to help you get to know him a little better.

One of our volunteers, Paul Eknes-Tucker, took a sabbatical from work and spent four weeks on Ruffner Mountain exploring and researching Trillium, an iconic and delicate plant thriving at Ruffner. In this post, he shares his findings, experiences, and what makes this native plant so special.

The Jefferson County Greenways Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Darryl Washington as the new Chief Executive Officer for Jefferson County Greenways, following a national, highly competitive search supported by the Potrero Group. Washington, a recognized leader in economic and community development across Alabama, was selected by the Board of Directors and will begin his new role in May 2025. 

We’re proud to share that the design for East Side Park has received the Award of Excellence from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Central States. This was the highest honor presented at this year’s awards ceremony.

This spring, Jefferson County Greenways (JCG) proudly served as a host site for the Alabama Master Naturalist (AMN) program, welcoming 48 participants to our region’s treasured greenspaces: Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.

Spring is here, and that means it’s time for the popular Native Plant Sale at Ruffner Mountain Greenhouse! Warmer temperatures, longer days, and seasonal rains make spring the perfect time to add native plants to your landscape.

Jefferson County Greenways team gains vital certifications for safe and effective fire management in conservation efforts.

We are excited to officially announce the formation of the Jefferson County Greenways Foundation, a result of the successful merger of Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition and the Red Mountain Park Foundation. The Foundation, in partnership with the Jefferson County Greenways Commission, represents a bold step forward in our commitment to preserving and expanding the greenspaces that make Jefferson County a thriving, nature-centered community.

The Jefferson County Greenways Commission welcomes La Fran D. Marks as the first-ever Jefferson County Parks Superintendent, with Amy Conyers joining as Deputy Superintendent. “In a first for Jefferson County, we are thrilled to have the addition of Fran and Amy, whose combined veteran leadership skills will amplify the overall park experience," says Carlee Sanford, Executive Director for Jefferson County Greenways.

Over the last three years, a common question united the leadership and staff of Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve: How can we better serve our community together?