Explore your backyard: Connect with nature across Jefferson County

From connecting our communities and improving health and quality of life to strengthening our economy, the benefits of greenspaces extend beyond conservation. A recent article from The Birmingham Times highlights how Jefferson County Greenways is protecting three of our region’s most significant natural assets–Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve–and supporting economic and community development.

Fall is the perfect time to plant. And we've got you covered with the Jefferson County Greenways Native Plant Sale, held every Saturday in October from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ruffner Mountain. JCG members can shop early on Oct. 3 at 8 a.m.

Michael Jordan and a basketball. Batman and some prep-time. Peanut butter and Jelly. King Arthur and Excalibur. Jefferson County Greenways (JCG) and non-native, invasive plant removal.

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 mist 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.