Reviewed by: Pat Byington
How to help grow 60K native plants for East Side Park’s massive transformation
Reading time: 3 minutes
Jefferson County Greenways is starting an effort to bring native plants to East Side Park as it undergoes revitalization — and they need Birmingham’s help to turn it “into a living showcase of Alabama’s natural ecosystems.”
The new Community Growing Program serves as a call-to-action for local gardeners to help source 60,000 native plants for the park.
A park for everyone
Located in the Roebuck Springs area, the 6.5-acre East Side Park is unlike many parks that are being retrofit for accessibility. This park is being built ground up to ensure everyone regardless of age or ability can immerse themselves in Alabama’s biodiversity.
“I’m excited that East Side Park — which has been vacant and dilapidated — will now be able to be an ADA accessible area of Ruffner Mountain. I’m excited. I think it will not only transform the Roebuck Springs neighborhood but really be an asset for the entire east side.”
Hunter Williams, Birmingham City Councilor, in Nov. 2023
The plan, which was presented the Award of Excellence from the American Society of Landscape Artists last year, includes over 5,000 feet of wheelchair-accessible trails winding through five distinct habitats:
- Wet meadow
- Prairie
- Savannah
- Woodlands
- Mixed hardwood-pine forest
60,000 plants locked and loaded
Each of five “ecoregions” will have its own native Alabama plants, supporting pollinators and other local wildlife. About 60,000 plants of 200 different species are needed for the park.
The total cost for plants and installation is estimated at more than $1 million. While the pros at Jefferson County Greenways are already busy propagating around 40% of the needs in-house, they’ve hit their limit on space and time.
That’s where the green thumbs of Birmingham come in.
How you can get involved
The Community Growing Program is looking for “pass-along” plants. If you have a backyard garden, you might already have exactly what they need:
- Divide and conquer: Have native ferns, sedges or perennial flowers that have outgrown their spot? You can divide them and donate the extras.
- Sow some seeds: If you’re a pro at starting seeds in pots, you can grow specific species requested for the park.
- Get ready to learn: If you aren’t an expert yet, the program offers propagation support and guidance to everyone who joins.
Ready to dig in?
- Sign up: Fill out the Community Growing Program interest form to let them know what you can share.
- Shop the sale: If you need to stock up on your own native plants first, the Spring Native Plant Sale at Ruffner Mountain kicks off every Saturday in April (10AM–2PM). Follow the link to view the plants that will be available for sale.
- Stay updated: Follow along with Jefferson County Greenways online for the latest on the East Side Park opening, currently aimed for December 2026.
What native plants are you currently growing in your backyard garden? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!
