Turkey Creek Nature Preserve Expands to More than 1,000 Acres in Alabama
Located in northeastern Jefferson County, near Pinson, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is recognized for its natural beauty and exceptional biodiversity. The preserve protects critical habitat for rare and endangered species like the vermilion darter (Etheostoma chermocki), a small freshwater fish found exclusively within the Turkey Creek watershed, and other imperilled species of fish, reptiles, mammals, and plants. Over 130,000 visitors come to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve each year to hike, mountain bike, birdwatch, and enjoy other outdoor recreation just minutes from Birmingham.
The newly protected acres stretch to the south of the popular Turkey Creek Falls, across rugged slopes that include more than a half mile of sandstone rock outcrops. Much of the property is covered by mature oak-hickory forest, largely undisturbed for nearly a century. Towering longleaf pines (Pinus palustris) are rooted on the ridgetops. Perennial streams flowing through the property help support the watershed’s rare aquatic life.
Partnernship Expands Protected Habitat
The Nature Conservancy and Alabama's Forever Wild Land Trust came together to acquire the land for Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, entrusting it to the care of Jefferson County Greenways. This kind of accomplishment is only possible through partnership. Charles Yeager, Director of Land and Water Conservation for Jefferson County Greenways, said the expansion represents more than a decade of work.
"This acquisition builds on over 10 years of effort under challenging circumstances to ensure that this magnificent property will be a beacon for ecological preservation and outdoor recreation for generations to come," Yeager said. "It was only made possible because The Nature Conservancy of Alabama recognized its importance, stepped in to preserve it and supported its transfer to the Forever Wild Land Trust."
"I appreciate the significant investment by the Forever Wild Board to acquire this property and for our continued partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Jefferson County Greenways and the City of Pinson on the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve," said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and chairman of the Forever Wild Board of Trustees.
Blankenship said the acquisition protects sensitive species while expanding public access to outdoor recreation.
"This is a perfect example of how Forever Wild provides public access to outdoor recreation while ensuring the conservation of unique habitats and species throughout the state," he said.
Keith Tassin, deputy director for The Nature Conservancy in Alabama, said the acquisition demonstrates the value of long-term conservation partnerships.
"The Turkey Creek watershed is home to incredible freshwater biodiversity, including three endangered fish species," Tassin said. "This acquisition demonstrates what is possible when conservation partners like The Nature Conservancy and Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust come together to protect critical habitat for wildlife, connect resilient landscapes and expand opportunities for people to enjoy this special natural place."
Red Hollow Road Tract
The 248-acre Red Hollow Road Tract (previously known as the Shepherd Tract) was listed for sale by private owners in 2015. Originally partially a dairy farm, much of the land remains undeveloped, pristine land that protects the watershed and the endangered species of the area. Alabama’s Forever Wild Land Trust, a public entity committed to transparency, takes time to acquire land. The Nature Conservancy of Alabama purchased and held the land, until it could be acquired by Forever Wild and protected in perpetuity.
The Shepherd family stuck out the long process - their patience and commitment to conservation carries forward the legacy of community courage that established Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.
Bell Tract
The 80-acre Bell Tract was purchased from private owners at the end of July, 2026.
“For as long as I can remember, my grandfather, Frank Bell Sr., called this property 'Parts Unknown'," says Rick Swagler, Bell family member who managed the transaction. “It was his shorthand for a piece of untouched wilderness.”
“When our family learned about the potential for expanding the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve we knew this was the right steward for our land. With land being snapped up for questionable purposes, we’re glad to know that Parts Unknown will continue to be the wild land it’s always been.”
Public Land for the Future
The expansion of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, one of Alabama’s most ecologically significant landscapes, ensures future generations can enjoy the forests, streams, and wildlife that make Alabama unique.
“This expansion is a phenomenal win for all of Jefferson County. We’re honored to be entrusted with preserving this beautiful addition to the preserve and providing opportunities for the public to experience it.”
- Darryl Washington, CEO, Jefferson County Greenways.
Protecting this land honors the community courage and environmental conviction that birthed Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. This a new day in a long history of protecting public land for everyone to enjoy.
History of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
The history of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is rooted in community conservation efforts.
In the late 1990s, concerned citizens formed the grassroots organization Society To Advance the Resources at Turkey Creek to protect the land from development. After several years of trials and triumphs, the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve was established in 2003 through a partnership involving the Southern Environmental Center at Birmingham-Southern College, Freshwater Land Trust and Alabama’s Forever Wild Land Trust.
After the initial 462-acre purchase, massive volunteer efforts took place to clean up the area from years of illegal dumping. Access to the preserve was limited during habitat assessment to protect the vermilion darter, listed as critically endangered in 2001 (which contributed to the establishment of the preserve).
The City of Pinson was incorporated in 2004, adding 30 acres to the preserve, and became an important partner in the preserve’s development and stewardship.
Birmingham-Southern College’s Southern Environmental Center played an important role in the preserve’s creation. Birmingham-Southern and the Southern Environmental Center’s commitment to managing the property and providing environmental education helped secure Forever Wild approval. For years, they supported on-site education, land management, and a trail system developed to provide opportunities for visitors to explore the preserve.
As Birmingham-Southern College prepared to close in 2024, management of the preserve transitioned to the Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition in 2023.
In 2024, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, along with Red Mountain Park and Ruffner Mountain joined together as Jefferson County Greenways, a public-private partnership created to preserve and care for the three greenspaces as sanctuaries for native plants, wildlife and the surrounding community.
The protection of Turkey Creek has a long history built on community effort, trust, resiliency, and care. The history of all our greenspaces is a result of many people working together over years to protect places we care about. It is thanks to this care that we have a bright future to look forward to.
Support Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
If you would like to support Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and the conservation work of Jefferson County Greenways, you can become a member or explore other ways to get involved.
