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Sept. 28 @ 5:30 pm - Full Harvest Moon Hike, $5/ $7 (non-member)

We will meet at the Ruffner Road gate on the Irondale side of the mountain.  We will hike to the wetlands to enjoy the glow of the moon and light refreshments.  Leashed dogs welcome. Moderate Hike.  2 Miles total.  Reservations required.    

Sept. 29, 9 am - 2 PM - Flutter and Flight Fest, FREE

Many fall migrating butterflies pass through Alabama in September. Come explore and celebrate the beauty and wonder of butterflies, as well as birds with the dedication of Ruffner as an Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail Site.  Crafts, games, and educational activities will take place throughout the day, as well as butterfly and bird hikes.  Check Ruffner's website for a detailed schedule of the day. Fun for the whole family.  In partnership with Birmingham Audubon Society.       

Sept. 29 @ 5 pm - Wine and Cheese $10/ $15 (non-member)

Join us for wine, cheese and a wonderful view of the city. We will hike to Hawk's View Overlook and watch the sun set over Birmingham. Moderate Hike.  Approximately 3 miles total.  Reservations required.   

Sept. 29 @ 7 pm - Mothing, FREE

Participants will head outside to a moth trapping station and observe the moths that are attracted to the light. Join Dr. Grant Gentry to learn about and identify moths. 

Oct. 4, 6 - 10 pm - Beer on the Backporch FUNdraiser

Oct. 6 @ 10 am - Story Time, FREE

Nature inspires creativity in children by engaging a full range of the senses. Each family will receive a copy of the book read thanks to Target.      

Oct. 13 @ 8 am - Crusher Ridge Trail Run

A genuinely formidable trail race experience, enticing runners to sign up and see if they have what it takes to conquer the mountain.  Sponsored by Fagan Sports Medicine and Mountain High Outfitters.  Reservations required.  $40/ participant.  Reserve your spot at raceit.com.    

Oct. 14 @ 1 pm - Fall Wildflower Hike, $5/ $7 (non-member)

While Fall seems to be the season of yellows and purple wildflowers, there are plenty of white, blue, and pink flowers as well, blooming at the limestone Rock quarry. Moderate Hike.  Approximately 3 miles total.  Reservations required.  

Oct. 20 @ 10 am - Mine History Hike Celebrating the lands of Forever Wild, $5/ $7 (non-member)

Join Vulcan volunteer and mining history buff Gary Bostany for a hike to Crusher #2.  Crusher #2 is located on land preserved by Forever Wild. Visit alabamaforeverwild.com to learn more.  Reservations required.  Moderately hard hike.  Approximately 3 miles total.     

Oct. 20 @ 1 pm - Nature Cartooning at the Treehouse, $4/ $6 (non-member)

Join Ruffner's resident artist, Gary Huntley, for the chance to combine a love of nature with cartooning.   Fun for the whole family.  Reservations required.  Materials provided.      

Oct. 21 @ 1 pm - Walk, Read, and Sip, $5/ $7 (non-member)

Nature is nothing, if not inspiring.  Join us for a short walk in the woods to get your creativity flowing, followed by a poetry reading.  You may bring your favorite poems inspired by nature, either written by another author, you or feel free to write something on the walk to share.  You are also welcome to just sit back and enjoy the readings of others - all while sipping on coffee or hot chocolate.  Reservations required.    

Oct. 25, 3 - 5:00 pm, Pumpkin Carving Party

Let your creativity run wild as you create your very own Jack-O-Lantern.  You may either bring your own and carve it for free, or purchase one from Ruffner (price depends on size).  Take your pumpkin home with you, or leave it at Ruffner to display for Faces in the Forest. 

Oct. 25, Oct. 26, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Faces in the Forest, $5/ $7 (non-member)*

Visit Ruffner for a truly spooktacular evening.  Walk along the forest trail with only the guidance from glowing Jack-O-Lanterns to lead the way.   Costumes encouraged.  Fun for the whole family.  Please arrive within the thirty minute time frame you selected.  *These price reflects a $1 discount for reserving your spot online.  Please note that tickets might not be available at the door on the days of the event if event is sold out.  We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets online to guarantee a spot and save money.     

Oct. 27, 9 am - 12 pm - Faces in the Forest Jack o' Lantern Sale

Saw a Jack o' Lantern from Faces in the Forest that you would love to have decorate your porch for Halloween night?  Swing by Ruffner and buy it at a great price!