September is “prime time” for nature events and benefits in Birmingham.  We discovered 9 can’t miss events from book-signings to farm to table dinners to place on your calendar this month.

Here is our September listing:

Back to Nature: History of Birmingham’s Ruffner Mountain – September 4 & 19

Author Mark Kelly has written the definitive book about the history of Ruffner Mountain and Birmingham’s mining history. Along with Kelly’s in-depth and memorable  stories the book contains beautiful and stunning photography by  photographer Bob Farley.

There are two lectures and book signings beginning at 5:00pm on September 4 at Alabama Booksmith & September 19 at Ruffner Mountain.

Alabama Outdoors Party on the Porch – September 6

Each month, Alabama Outdoors holds a “Party on the Porch” supporting a local conservation organization.  This month’s recipient is the Black Warrior Riverkeeper.  As always, there will be a food trucks, music and beer flowing. Don’t miss the event held at the Homewood Alabama Outdoors store between 6-8pm

5th Annual Graze: Birmingham – September 8

Don’t miss Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network’s annual farm-to-fork picnic fundraiser celebrating the best in Birmingham food on September 8, 5-8pm at Avondale Brewing Company! Over 15 farmer-chef pairs collaborate each on a single dish, which they serve in sample sizes to picnickers as they graze from booth to booth in the grassy backyard at Avondale Brewing Company.

Read Bham Now’s feature story on this event – and plan on getting your tickets today!

Southern Exposure Premiere Screening – September 12

Join the Alabama Rivers Alliance at The Altamont School for the free to the public premiere screening of the Southern Exposure Film Fellowship 2019 films.

The event begins at 5:30 with light snacks and lemonade and mix and mingling with our partner groups. filmmakers, and friends. The screening starts at 6:00, followed immediately with a panel discussion and audience Q&A with filmmakers and experts from across the state. After the screening, Rojo Birmingham will be holding an after party to celebrate!

11th Annual Land-Aid Supporting the Freshwater Land Trust – September 13

Join Freshwater Land Trust for their 11th annual Land Aid, presented by Brasfield & Gorrie, featuring Birmingham’s very own The Brummies with special guests Funk You! The doors open – 6:00pm at Avondale Brewery

Get your tickets today – HERE

Darter Dash at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve – September 14

Birmingham Ultra Trail Society (BUTS) and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve are teaming up to host the Darter Dash 5K/10k on Saturday, September 14 at Forever Wild’s Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. A trail which includes some moderate elevation, you get to run along the creek that preserves the Vermilion Darter one of the rarest fish on planet Earth! A truly a unique and beautiful place. All proceeds raised go to fund educational programs at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.

Also, back by popular demand, there will be an optional finish tubing down the waterfall “slide” straight into the creek!  Sign up  for the race  – HERE

Cheers to the Coosa – September 19

Come out and support the Coosa Riverkeeper on Southside Birmingham at the annual Cheers for the Coosa benefit on September 19, 6:00 to 9:00 at The Clubhouse on Highland (2908 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205).

The celebration includes a special farm to table meal prepared by Chef Miguel Figueroa, beer & wine (plus a fun seasonal cocktail!), a rockin’ silent auction AND the opportunity to share stories about the Coosa. Tickets are limited. Purchase  – HERE

Autumnal Airwave Riverkeeper Benefit at Avondale – September 27

We all love Airwave in the Spring and now finally they are holding the day-long event in the Fall at Avondale Brewery on September 27, beginning at 4:00pm. The state’s largest clean water benefit, the festival supports Birmingham’s Riverkeeper organizations.

The musical lineup is about to be announced in early September, and see how you can support Airwave either as a volunteer or sponsor.

Birmingham Audubon Fall Bird Count and Bird-a-thon – September 28

Since 1946, seasonal bird counts have been a central part of Birmingham Audubon’s work. This year, they are continuing that tradition with four great counts, beginning with our fifty-fifth annual Fall Bird Count and Bird-a-thon on September 28, 7:00-8:00pm.

Get all the detail on how YOU can participate at https://birminghamaudubon.org/event/2019-09-28/

All participants in the count must RSVP for protocols and instructions by Friday, 20 September.

We look forward to seeing you on the trail and at concerts!  Let us know if we missed an event, so we can update this post.