Hike at Ruffner Mountain

Gall found in parking lot

Today we visited the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve located a few minutes away from school. At the beginning of our trip we searched for insects in the parking lot located near the "Back Porch" at Ruffner Mountain. We found many different insect life: galls of different sorts, crickets, and ants. We found three or four different types of galls and it was very interesting to see how different types of galls are implemented by different insects. I also learned that depending on the insect there can be one specimen per gall, or sometimes multiple specimen inside each gall. We also encountered a bird's nest that we though was a wasp nest.

Overlooking the Overlook

The next part of our trip we spent hiking up the mountain. The hike went rather fast due to the time constraints we had; we were not able to stop and thoroughly look for insect life, but we did stumble upon tree limbs where beetles had laid their eggs inside, chewed the twig to where it was almost unattached from the tree until it had fallen to the ground. As Dr. Van Zandt was explaining the process to us I found it to be rather interesting and actually pretty cool that a beetle could do all of that. 

Cave we explored 

We continued to climb up the mountain enjoying each others' company until we came to the quarry that the trail leads to. The quarry was very interesting and pretty. However, the Overlook was the most beautiful sight on the hike. Vulcan and the skyline (though small) of Birmingham were visible. The view definitely made the hike worth it at the end. After we found the Overlook we ventured into a small cave hoping to encounter insect activity inside. Unfortunately, no insects were to be found today. I did however learn that limestone is soluble with rainwater and ultimately breaks apart due to the rains we experience. I also learned that the cave remains a constant temperature all year around, summer or winter.

Though we did not find all of the insect life we were hoping for I greatly enjoyed the trip to Ruffner Mountain. I really needed the sunshine and air that I received  while hiking. I greatly approve of this location and feel that it is a better choice for this class than a trip to Turkey Creek.