Travelling or Onsite Programs
These programs can travel to your school or they can be presented at the visitor center for groups.
These programs are approximately 45 minutes each. The cost is $80 for the first class and $75 for each additional class.
Fur, Feathers, Scales – Alabama Style
Using their powers of observation and deduction, students will meet and explore the unique adaptations of some native AL animals. Students will have a chance to get an up-close view of a mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian.
We highly recommend that you limit the number of students for this program to 35 students. The animals we bring for programs are small and we would like to make sure that everyone gets a chance to see them.
Crazy for Creepy Crawlies
Students will enter the strange and unique world of insects. Students will learn about native insects and have an opportunity to see some of these creepy crawlies up-close. As well as learning about some of the unusual survival methods of different insect species, students will also learn the defining characteristics of insects and what they have in common. This program combines story-telling and singing in order to connect students with the fascinating world of insects.
Onsite Programs
Pre-K – 2nd
Sense it!
Approx 1.5 hr. $4.50/student
Students discover the forest up-close by engaging different senses. Activities teach students that the natural world can be discovered and experienced with all five senses. Students go on a hike through the forest and participate in a range of activities that utilize and emphasize the different senses.
Habitat Explorers
Approx 1.5 hr. $4.50/student
What makes a good habitat? Students will explore the answer to this and other questions as they explore the mountain in search of plant and animal habitats. Students will take a short hike to learn about the sources of food, water, and shelter.
Roots, Stems, and Leaves, OH MY!
Approx 1.5 hr. $4.50/student
Enter the forest to see and experience first-hand the parts of a tree. Students learn how the different parts of a tree work together to keep it alive and reproduce. Students will think creatively as they dramatize the function of the tree’s roots, stems, leaves, and seeds.
Wetland Exploration
Approx 1.5 hr. $4.50/student
Students will hike to the new wetlands on the Irondale side of Ruffner. Once there students take a moment to observe life both in and out of the wetland before getting muddy and wet. Students use dip-nets in order to inspect and identify creatures living in the wetlands.
Grades 3rd-8th
Wetland Exploration
Approx. 1.5 hr. $4.50/student
Students will hike to the new wetlands on the Irondale side of Ruffner. Once there students take a moment to observe life both in and out of the wetland before getting muddy and wet. Students use dip-nets in order to inspect and identify creatures living in the wetlands.
Communities
Approx. 2 hr. $4.50/student
Hike the trails while learning about natural systems and cycles. This interactive class has students walking, writing, dancing, singing, drawing, and playing through the cycles of nature. Students will also learn how each member and cycle in the ecological community work together through team building activities.
Eco-Awareness
Approx 3 hr. $6.50/student
From the dry hillsides to the lush ravines of Ruffner Mountain, students will encounter the amazing diversity of the forest ecosystem. This program will explore the interdependence of the environment, plants, and animals on a 3 mile hike. Students will also participate in an environmentally focused role play activity deciding the fate of Ruffner Mountain from different points of view.
Roots to Shoots
Approx 3 hr. $6.50/student
The basis for animal existence is undoubtedly the production of glucose by plants. In this program students will learn the functionality of plant structures. Students will also learn about photosynthesis and discuss the interdependence of plants and animals. This program may be modified to focus on a particular group of plants, like trees.
Prehistoric Fossil Find
Approx 3 hr. $6.50/student
Experience the Earth’s geological history first-hand by investigating the remains of ancient sea life in authentic limestone quarries. Along the way, students will see iron ore mining sites and learn how Ruffner Mountain’s geology helped fuel Birmingham’s industries.
Journaling Biomes
Approx. 2 hr. $4.50/student
Students will accompany a naturalist on a short hike that highlights the major biomes and their changes over time. Students will then learn how to keep and begin their own nature journal that documents these changes. This program enhances artistic, observational, and writing skills.
Students will accompany a naturalist on a short hike that highlights the major biomes and their changes over time. Students will then learn how to keep and begin their own nature journal that documents these changes. This program enhances artistic, observational, and writing skills.
Industrial Archeology
Approx. 1.5 hr. $4.50/student
Come and put your inquiry skills to the test. As students hike to the remote areas on the mountain, they will have the opportunity to explore mining artifacts from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Students will search for clues to figure out what made Ruffner Mountain so special and what was going on here almost 100 years ago. Students will work in small groups to piece together the past using the clues from what was left behind.
Come and put your inquiry skills to the test. As students hike to the remote areas on the mountain, they will have the opportunity to explore mining artifacts from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Students will search for clues to figure out what made Ruffner Mountain so special and what was going on here almost 100 years ago. Students will work in small groups to piece together the past using the clues from what was left behind.
Grades 9th-12th
Roots to Shoots
Approx 3 hr. $6.50/student
The basis for animal existence is undoubtedly the production of glucose by plants. In this program students will learn the functionality of plant structures. Students will also learn about photosynthesis and discuss the interdependence of plants and animals. This program may be modified to focus on a particular group of plants, like trees.
Prehistoric Fossil Find
Approx 3 hr. $6.50/student
Experience the Earth’s geological history first-hand by investigating the remains of ancient sea life in authentic limestone quarries. Along the way, students will see iron ore mining sites and learn how Ruffner Mountain’s geology helped fuel Birmingham’s industries.
Wetland Exploration
Approx. 2 hr. $4.50/student
Students will hike to the new wetlands on the Irondale side of Ruffner. Once there students take a moment to observe life both in and out of the wetland before getting muddy and wet. Students use dip-nets in order to inspect and identify creatures living in the wetlands. The high school program includes hiking to the red lakes to allow students to compare two wetland ecosystems.
Students will hike to the new wetlands on the Irondale side of Ruffner. Once there students take a moment to observe life both in and out of the wetland before getting muddy and wet. Students use dip-nets in order to inspect and identify creatures living in the wetlands. The high school program includes hiking to the red lakes to allow students to compare two wetland ecosystems.
Journaling Biomes
Approx. 2 hr. $4.50/student
Students will accompany a naturalist on a short hike that highlights the major biomes and their changes over time. Students will then learn how to keep and begin their own nature journal that documents these changes. This program enhances artistic, observational, and writing skills.
Students will accompany a naturalist on a short hike that highlights the major biomes and their changes over time. Students will then learn how to keep and begin their own nature journal that documents these changes. This program enhances artistic, observational, and writing skills.
Industrial Archeology
Approx. 1.5 hr. $4.50/student
Come and put your inquiry skills to the test. As students hike to the remote areas on the mountain, they will have the opportunity to explore mining artifacts from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Students will search for clues to figure out what made Ruffner Mountain so special and what was going on here almost 100 years ago. Students will work in small groups to piece together the past using the clues from what was left behind.
Customized Program Opportunities
Our staff would be happy to discuss specialty classes for middle and high school groups. We will customize programs to fit your academic needs. Please call (205) 833-8264 ext. 13 or email
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for more information or to discuss further possibilities.
