| has gloss | eng: Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is a nature preserve located in the eastern portions of Jefferson County, Alabama near Birminghams suburb, Irondale. The preserve includes a visitor center containing native Alabama animals including raptors, snakes, turtles and owls. The Ruffner Mountain area was home to iron ore mines and stone quarries, supplying the areas steel mills. When the mines played out in the 1950s, nature reclaimed the area. The Trust for Public Land added over 500 acres to the park from 1983-1985, and an additional 400 acres in 2000. |
