Ruffner Mountain will receive $255,000 annually over the next three years from the city of Birmingham, thanks to a resolution passed by the Birmingham City Council authorizing the mayor to carry out the agreement between the city and Ruffner Mountain.

Support Ruffner Mountain – 1038-acre nature preserve

The funding will enable Ruffner Mountain—the nonprofit that manages the 1038-acre preserve—to carry out its land stewardship, trails, environmental education and security duties.

“Ruffner is essential to the east side of Birmingham in terms of stability for a lot of neighborhoods, but specifically South East Lake and Roebuck Springs,” Birmingham City Councilor Hunter Williams told Bham Now.

“I’m really glad we could get a three year contract because now there’s no uncertainty for Ruffner.”

$30,000 annual boost for Ruffner

In addition to the multi-year commitment, Ruffner Mountain is also receiving a $30,000 annual increase in funding from $225,000 to $255,000.

Williams also praised Ruffner Mountain, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Red Mountain Park for joining forces to find ways to become more sustainable financially.

One way they have done that is through the recent passage in the Alabama Legislature a measure creating the Jefferson County Greenway Commission.

“Ruffner Mountain, Red Mountain Park and Turkey Creek—all three of them are moving forward in a way to find long term funding solutions, explained Williams. “I really credit all three of them for doing that. Now we’re looking at them long term—not just scraping by on a day to day basis or a year to year basis.”

Support for the arts and education

Along with their commitment to the region’s “destination parks and preserves” the Council at their August 22nd meeting also passed resolutions funding the arts and educational institutions, including: