Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Will Forever Wild save one of Birmingham’s most breathtaking overlooks? A new coalition hopes so.
Reading time: 4 minutes
A diverse coalition is asking Forever Wild to help save one of the Magic City’s most breathtaking overlooks.
The beautiful 18-acre property adjacent to the former Tip Top Grill on Shades Mountain has been nominated by the Friends of Shades Mountain and is on Forever Wild’s shortlist for acquisition consideration.
Forever Wild Meeting in Jacksonville
On Thursday, May 2nd, the Forever Wild Board will hear public comments from local groups about the coalition’s vision at the upcoming Forever Wild meeting in Jacksonville, Alabama.
Established in 1992, by a constitutional amendment, Forever Wild is one of the state of Alabama’s most successful conservation programs. In its 32-year history, the land trust has preserved over 300,000+ acres statewide.
“The Hale Springs property is the linchpin of our proposed Bluff Park Preserve, which is a stretch of mostly forested and rocky areas on Shades Crest Road. The proposed preserve and Hale Springs have historical value going back 200 years and it’s got the recreational potential for hiking down to the springs and beyond to Shades Creek — from crest to creek.”
Larry Rodick, President of Friends of Shades Mountain
Widespread support for the Bluff Park Preserve
Several advocates for the Bluff Park Preserve proposal are planning to address the Forever Wild Board, including Marjorie White with the Birmingham Historical Society, Naturalist and author Ken Wills and a representative from the City of Hoover.
Groups supporting the initiative and are expected to attend are:
Boy Scout Troop 21
Southeastern Climbers Coalition
9 reasons why this potential Forever Wild project matters
The coalition has listed several reasons why Forever Wild should buy the 18 acres.
- It is the original source of drinking water for Bluff Park, including two springs thought to contain medicinal water that brought tourists and others to this resort site in years past.
- It provides gorgeous sunsets looking northwest toward Shades Valley and Red Mountain.
- It is the largest remaining open space on the bluff side atop Shades Mountain.
- It is a venue for a trail to the springs and for more trails from the crest to the creek.
- It will provide a site to build a replica of the old Crawford fire tower for visitors to enjoy sweeping views.
- It provides critical habitat for flora and fauna on Shades Mountain, including the rare scarlet tanager.
- In a survey in 1901, the original owners dedicated this tract as a park, to be called “Bluff Park.”
- Its forest cover helps protect Shades Creek, by filtering rainfall.
- Its forest cover helps keep the air clean and cool, inviting those from the city to come for relief from the heat in the summertime.
This past February, the City of Hoover also included the Bluff Park Preserve in the city’s Parks, Public Spaces & Recreation Plan.
Follow Friends of Shades Mountain to learn more
Interested in preserving forever the best overlook view, Bluff Park, Birmingham and Hoover history and the potential for a dynamic recreation area? Follow the Friends of Shades Mountain and the steps they are taking to garner Forever Wild’s support.
Have you ever seen the sunset near the former Tip Top Grill? Describe the view on social media by tagging us on Instagram at @bhamnow!
