Ruffner Mountain unveils updated Nature Center + 3 new wildlife ambassadors

After being closed to the public for almost half a year, the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center has reopened to the public with upgrades for visitors. Plus, Alabamians have a chance to meet the new scaled and feathered friends at Ruffner to learn more about native wildlife.

Read on to learn more about the updates to the Nature Center, upcoming events and more.

Nature Center once again open to the public

The Nature Center, which was closed between September 2025 and February 2026 for construction, now has a refurbished treetop patio.

The patio had been closed to visitors since 2018, according to the Jefferson County Greenways Commission, due to wear over time from weather and design defects. Thanks to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that were distributed back during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruffner Mountain finally had the money necessary to reconstruct it.

The Nature Center features several amenities that improve the park experience for visitors, including:

• An exhibit hall to meet some of Ruffner’s Wildlife Ambassadors
• Educational opportunities to learn about the surrounding landscape and the grassroots efforts to protect it
• Informational fliers and pamphlets for hikers
• Water fountains

“The Ruffner Mountain Nature Center has stood as a testament to to environmental education for over 15 years, and we look forward to remaining a place where children, families and adults can explore the natural world around them.”

Hunter Meadows, Jefferson County Greenways Teaching Naturalist

The center is open every day except Monday from 9AM-5PM. On the first and third Sundays of the month, the opening time is pushed to 1PM.

New Wildlife Ambassadors teach visitors about the Alabama outdoors

While the center was closed for renovations, three new animals were added to the educational collection:

• Pharaoh, an Eastern Kingsnake, was introduced to teach visitors about the importance of kingsnakes in balancing the ecosystem by preying on venomous snakes. Kingsnake populations are decreasing in Alabama due to intentional harm from humans.
• Grits, a Corn Snake, is a colorful snake used to educate the public on misidentification — they are often mistaken for copperheads and killed by humans — and their role in pest control.
• Kittyhawk is a Red-Tailed Hawk and a former falconer’s bird that was injured in a car strike. She now resides outside next to the resident Barred Owl, Beaux, and serves as an ambassador for raptor protection.

Zea, a Corn Snake who was at the Nature Center for eight years, passed from colon cancer in October 2025 at about 18 years old. She educated thousands of visitors and had a dedicated fanbase who came to the Nature Center regularly to visit her.

Events coming up at Ruffner

As the temperatures rise and flora begins blooming, Ruffner Mountain is planning some exciting programs and events for folks of all ages:

• Native plant sale: Held every Saturday in April from 10AM to 2PM at the Ruffner Mountain Greenhouse. A member presale is scheduled for April 4.
• Junior Naturalist Academy: This annual summer camp returns in June for children ages 7–12. It runs Tuesday to Friday each week and will feature opportunities to interact with the new wildlife ambassadors.
• Field trips: The center is now accepting bookings for school groups to visit the exhibit hall and participate in educational programming.

Events fill up fast, so be sure to register if you or your family are interested.

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