Field Trips
Explore Nature's Classroom
Join us at Jefferson County’s three largest greenspaces, where each location provides its own unique learning opportunities for budding scientists. At Jefferson County Greenways, we believe that a passion for the natural world begins by being in it. Bring your learners to the great outdoors, where they can experience a variety of activities, from hiking to Birmingham’s overlook, visiting old mining sites, and exploring creeks that are home to endangered species. Explore our greenspaces below and learn more about how to book a field trip with us.
If you are interested in an off-site program, where we would come to you, visit our Wildlife Ambassador page.
Red Mountain Park
Spanning 1,500 acres, Red Mountain Park is situated about 7 miles south of downtown Birmingham and is known for its captivating industrial history as well as its miles of hiking and biking trails. Red Mountain Park blends adventure, nature, and local history- ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ruffner Mountain
In the heart of East Lake, Ruffner Mountain is an urban greenspace encompassing 1,038 acres and is most well-known for its beautiful overlook of the city. Ruffner Mountain’s Nature Center houses live, native wildlife ambassadors who help us educate people of all ages about the natural world.
Additional Information:
- Field trips are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. However, we understand the importance of flexibility and are happy to accommodate your scheduling needs if possible.
- Field trips are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. To ensure your spot, we recommend booking a minimum of three months in advance.
- We can accommodate up to 50 students per field trip. If you have more students, please book multiple days.
- We can customize your program to meet your needs! If you would like a custom program, please choose “Custom Program” when you request a field trip.
- If you are interested in providing a self-guided field trip, select “Self-guided” as the program option when requesting a field trip. Self-guided field trips require a $100 reservation fee. This fee reserves your spot and prevents overbooking, covers parking costs, grants access to the outdoor pavilion and entry to the Nature Center* exhibits (*specific to Ruffner Mountain location only). Please note that self-guided field trips are only allowed at Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain Park.
Cancellation Policy
- Please provide a 48-hour notice for cancellations.
- All programs canceled with less than a 48-hour notice or without rescheduling will be charged a $200 cancellation fee.
- Program coordinators will monitor the weather closely and notify your group the day prior to the event of a necessary rescheduling due to inclement weather.
Cost
- $13 per student and non-teacher chaperone with a $250 minimum program cost.
- Teachers and teacher aides always enjoy complimentary admission.
- Free for Birmingham City Schools and Jefferson County Schools!
Questions
Email our programs team at programs@jeffcogreenways.org with additional questions.