Beginning fall of 2023, we regret to inform you that we will not be able to offer any field trips due to our current staff capacity. However, we are hopeful that we will be able to resume field trips during the spring of 2024. If you are interested in participating in our spring field trips, kindly fill out the following form to be added to our waitlist.
“…the most fun lies in seeing and studying the unknown.”
― Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There, 2nd Edition
Explore. Learn. Discover.
Featuring stunning beauty and unique habitats, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve offers a wide range of educational programs that stimulate a student’s mind and invigorate their senses. For participants, the opportunity for discovery is virtually limitless within the Preserve’s 466-acres.
Every year we host thousands of students from all over the region in a wide range of studies in science, history, and social sciences that meet STEM and the Alabama State Department of Education College and Career-Ready Standards.
General Program Information:
- Our programs have been developed for participants ranging in age from 3rd grade through high school. Some programs are developmentally-appropriate for specific age ranges.
- All programs take approximately 2.5 hours each. Programs are offered anytime between 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
- We can accept up to three classes at a time, with a maximum of 60 students per day. Smaller groups are preferred.
- To explore detailed information for each program, click each option below:
Life of a Creek – Aquatic Ecology
Land Stewards 101 – Forest Management and Biodiversity
Earth Cache – Geocaching, orienteering, and history
Program Fees:
- Our programs are $10/per participant
- We do not charge for teachers, but we do ask that all non-teacher chaperones/parents contribute as participants
- There is a $250 minimum per program
- All fees are due within 48 hours of the program
Cancellation Policy:
- Please provide a 48-hour notice prior to cancellation
- All programs cancelled with less than 48 hour notice or without rescheduling will be charged a $200 cancellation fee
- Program coordinators will monitor the weather closely, and notify your group the day prior in the event of a necessary rescheduling due to inclement weather.
How To Reserve A Program:
Please complete the following form and email any questions to stella@ruffnermountain.org.
If you cannot arrange for a trip to Turkey Creek, we can come to you! For information about how we can visit your classroom, please email our Wildlife Care Naturalist at emily@ruffnermountain.org or call 205.833.8284 ex: 16