Behind the Trails: BPL to Host August 16 Discussion Future of Our Greenspaces in Jefferson County
Birmingham, Ala. - Three of Jefferson County’s beloved greenspaces - Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve - didn’t appear overnight. They exist thanks to decades of community action, vision, and now, dedicated county support.
On Saturday, August 16, from 11 a.m. to noon, join the Birmingham Public Library’s Department of Archives and Manuscripts and the Jefferson County Greenways Commission for “A History of Our Greenspaces in Jefferson County.” The free program will be held in the Arrington Auditorium at the downtown Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place.
Hear from a dynamic panel of local experts and greenspaces leaders, including:
🌿 Mark Kelly, author chronicling Ruffner Mountain’s journey from quarry to sanctuary
🌱 Thomas Spencer, historian and Greenways Commission member
🌳 Janet Simpson, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director of Jefferson County Greenways
💧 Leah Davis, External Affairs Director, Jefferson County Greenways
🛤 Charles Yeager, Land and Water Conservation Director at Ruffner Mountain
🌱 Thomas Spencer, historian and Greenways Commission member
🌳 Janet Simpson, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director of Jefferson County Greenways
💧 Leah Davis, External Affairs Director, Jefferson County Greenways
🛤 Charles Yeager, Land and Water Conservation Director at Ruffner Mountain
These speakers will explore the stories behind the creation of these greenspaces, the funding challenges they’ve faced, and what the Jefferson County Greenways Commission, created by House Bill 336 in 2023, means for their future growth and protection.
Why it matters:
For years, Red Mountain, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek relied on unstable funding despite serving thousands of residents and visitors. Thanks to county leaders and passionate advocates, the new Greenways Commission now provides sustainable investment so these greenspaces can flourish for future generations.
For years, Red Mountain, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek relied on unstable funding despite serving thousands of residents and visitors. Thanks to county leaders and passionate advocates, the new Greenways Commission now provides sustainable investment so these greenspaces can flourish for future generations.
Whether you’re a frequent hiker or simply curious about local history, you’ll leave inspired by the stories and the people behind Jefferson County’s most beautiful places.
Event details at a glance:
🗓️ Saturday, August 16, 2025
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Arrington Auditorium, 4th Floor, Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place
✅ Free and open to the public
🗓️ Saturday, August 16, 2025
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Arrington Auditorium, 4th Floor, Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place
✅ Free and open to the public
Questions?
Contact Catherine Oseas, Head of BPL Archives Department
📞 205-226-3630 | ✉️ catherine.oseas@cobpl.org
Contact Catherine Oseas, Head of BPL Archives Department
📞 205-226-3630 | ✉️ catherine.oseas@cobpl.org
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