Why become a member?
The Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition, which supports Ruffner Mountain and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, and the Red Mountain Park Foundation are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations founded by the community and supported by our community members through memberships and donations. If you are a regular visitor of either Red Mountain, Ruffner Mountain, or Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, the best way you can give back to offset your use of each space is through membership.
Membership covers the cost for everything you access at each space. At Red Mountain, this includes 16 miles of hiking and biking trails with two city overlooks, three treehouses, and the 6-acre off-leash Remy’s Dog Park. Ruffner Mountain provides 14 miles of hiking trails, public restrooms, parking, the Pavilion, and the Nature Center. Turkey Creek features 7.7 miles of hiking and biking trails, parking, and crystal clear waters with a natural waterslide and beautiful cascades.
How do I join?
You can view all of our membership options and sign up on our membership page.
What are the benefits of membership?
As a member, you will receive:
- A member parking permit for free parking at Ruffner Mountain
- The number of permits you receive depends on your membership level
- Red Mountain, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek decals
- Exclusive member parking at Ruffner Mountain
- Member exclusive programs
- Early registration and/or discounts to select programs
- Discounts on merchandise and at our native plant sales
- Quarterly email newsletter
- Monthly email of program offerings and volunteer opportunities
When is my membership active and when will I receive my member parking permit(s)?
Memberships are immediately active upon purchase. You will receive your member parking permit(s), decals, and a welcome letter in the mail within two weeks. You may visit Red Mountain, Ruffner Mountain, or Turkey Creek before permit(s) are received (see your confirmation email for instructions on parking at Ruffner Mountain). If you do not receive your membership welcome letter with your permit(s) and decals within two weeks, please contact membership@jeffcogreenways.org.
How long is my membership active?
Supporting memberships renew automatically until canceled. Payments recur monthly or annually based on your selection. Memberships through the Nature for All program are active for one year from the sign-up date, after which you can sign up again to renew. If you need to cancel your membership or update your information, please contact membership@jeffcogreenways.org.
Do you offer discounted membership?
Yes! If you receive government assistance, are a college or university student, or reside within Birmingham, Irondale, or Pinson city limits, you are eligible for free membership through our Nature for All program. We are able to provide free membership to residents of Birmingham, Irondale, or Pinson residents thanks to financial support from these cities. However, as we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and financially rely on memberships and donations, we encourage those who can comfortably afford it to support us through paid membership.
Does you offer gift memberships?
Yes! You can gift a membership here.
Do I need to hang my member parking permit to park?
A parking permit is required to park at Ruffner Mountain at all three trailheads. Member parking permits must be visible with the vehicle’s license plate number written legibly. Ruffner Mountain staff monitors the parking lots and keeps track of valid memberships. A parking permit is not required to park at Red Mountain or Turkey Creek, but a membership or donation is appreciated to support the green spaces.
Why do I need to include my license plate number on my member parking permit?
The Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition is a non-profit organization that relies on membership dues and parking fees to support the work we do. Membership is intended for designated individuals and households, and we allow parking at Ruffner Mountain for the vehicle listed on the member parking permits.
How do I renew my membership?
Thank you for your ongoing support! Your membership will renew automatically unless you cancel. If your supporting membership expires or you experience an unsuccessful payment, you can renew or update your membership using our membership renewal form. To renew your Nature for All membership, you can sign up for a new membership annually.
How do I replace a lost or damaged member permit? Can I get an extra permit?
If you have lost or damaged your member parking permit, contact membership@jeffcogreenways.org. Your membership level determines the number of parking permits you receive. To receive additional permits, you can upgrade your membership level by contacting membership@jeffcogreenways.org or use the membership renewal form.
Is my membership tax-deductible?
Your membership dues are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information, please contact your tax advisor.
How do I update my contact information?
You can update any information on your account using the account update form.
Membership Policies
- All sales are final. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Do not share your member parking permit. Member parking permits are intended for member use only.
- Member parking permits are valid for the entire calendar year as long your membership is active. A new permit will be mailed to you at the end of the year.
- Member Privacy. The privacy of our members is important to us. The Ruffner Mountain Nature Coalition and Red Mountain Park Foundation do NOT share, sell, or trade your name, address, phone number, email address, or giving history with any person or business.
- Right to Revoke. Red Mountain, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek are committed to respecting our environment and one another. If we find that a member does not respect our environment, our rules, or others, then we reserve the right to revoke their membership without a refund.