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    Upcoming events

    • Blacksmith 101

      • 25 May 2013
      • 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
      • Blacksmith's Shop- Check-in at Visitor's Center
      Have you ever wanted to play with fire, beat things up, and create art all at the same time? Come and learn from experienced blacksmiths and learn a few tricks of the trade in this introductory class. Topics that will be covered are building and maintaining a fire in the coal forge, drawing and tapor skills, hammer skills, and much more. No experience is necessary. Participants of the 101 class will create a project to bring home and are eligible for apprentice level classes.

      $100 members/$120 non members
      Snacks are provided.

      Taught by Gary Snow and Frank Philips, a dynamic duo with decades of combined blacksmithing experience.

      This is an adults-only class.
      Limit to 4 participants.
      RSVP (616)735-6240

      Class is currently full. If interested, please call and add your name to the waiting list in case of cancellations or another class opening.
      Show details

    • Anishinabek Lifeways

      • 25 May 2013
      • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
      • Learning Lab, Wigwam, Pioneer Garden
      For Native Americans in Michigan, Spring was a time to Fish. Come out to Blandford as we explore the fascinating lives of these first people. Explore traditional tools and play some games as we travel back in time to learn more about our ancestors.

      $5 members/ $6 non members   
      Family Program
      RSVP (616)735-6240
      Show details

    • 2nd Annual BioBlitz

      • 31 May 2013
      • 12:00 PM
      • 01 Jun 2013
      • 1:00 PM
      • Blandford Nature Center

      Calling Naturalists, Biologists and Nature Enthusiasts


      What is a BioBlitz

      Teams of experts and knowledgeable enthusiasts take on the challenge of identifying as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as possible in a specific natural area in 24-hrs. You can sign up for one or several shifts (see below). 

        

      The general public will be invited to watch teams at work, learn about biological diversity, and learn how Blandford Nature Center is protecting native species.    


      Why Do a BioBlitz

      Our second annual BioBlitz will give area naturalists an opportunity to support the work of Blandford Nature Center and help to continue forming the species lists for the property. BioBlitz '13 will also be an educational opportunity for the public.

      Show details

    • Feathers, Fur or Scales?

      • 06 Jun 2013
      • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
      • Visitor's Center and Trails
      Join Blandford Wildlife Staff as we examine how animal body coverings have many uses: protection, warmth, movement and camouflage. Examples of different animal skins and real live specimens allow students a multi-sensory experience.

      Family program geared for little ones birth to 7 years.

      $5 members/ $6 non- members

      Limit to 30 people

      RSVP (616)735-6240 
      Show details

    • Bog Adventure

      • 08 Jun 2013
      • 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
      • Start at Blandford, travel to bog
      Keep your eyes open for carnivorous plants, cranberries, cotton grass and bog orchids when you join Blandford Nature Center on this off site adventure. Participates will gather together at the center to learn about this highly usual, important wetland then depart for a memorable ecosystem exploration
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    • Pioneer Lifeways

      • 15 Jun 2013
      • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
      • Heritage Buildings
      Take a step back in time and learn about the first settlers. Have a chance to explore Blandfords 1800's cabin, schoolhouse, and blacksmith shop and see what life was like more than 100 years ago.
      Show details

    • Building Blocks of Grand Rapids

      • 20 Jun 2013
      • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
      • ***DOWNTOWN GR- MEET IN THE LOBBY OF THE AMWAY GRAND PLAZA
      Program by Mary Jane Dockeray, the BNC founder!

      Walking tour of downtown Grand Rapids to learn the geologic history contained in the walls of familiar landmarks. Search for fossilized snails in the floor of the Amway Grand, find rocks from around the globe in one  place and discover where the "rapids" in the Grand River ended up. Pace will be slow to moderate, comfortable walking shoes recommended.

      Family program ages 7+
      $5 Members, $6 Non-members
      Limit 30 people.

      RSVP (616)735-6240 
      Show details

    • Longest Day 5K

      • 21 Jun 2013
      • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
      • Blandford Nature Center
      Welcome Michigan summer on the beautiful trails of Blandford Nature Center!  Where anyone from competitive runners to leisurely walkers can come together to celebrate the summer solstice. Our race celebration will also include local music and feature a unique Brewery Vivant beer made from Blandford's own maple syrup!  Click here to register!
      Show details

    • Wild Foraging: Summer

      • 22 Jun 2013
      • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
      • Visitor's Center and Trails
      Join Blandford Nature Center's Wild Foraging Series. We will discuss healthy and responsible ways to harvest Nature's bounty and experience the delicious flavors of summer.

      $10 members/ $12 non- members

      Adult program for ages 12+

      Limit to 30 people
      Show details

    • Invasive Species Control- Stewardship Work Day

      • 29 Jun 2013
      • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
      • BNC Trails
      Come spend your morning volunteering at Blandford!  This is a great way to build up some volunteering hours while having a ton of fun.  You can help keep Blandford's grounds maintained and help eradicate invasive species.  Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and close-toed shoes.

      This is a free volunteer event. No need to RSVP. Please be sure to arrive before the start time, as crews will be stationed throughout property promptly at 2. The more the merrier!

      Families and Students 13+


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    • Ice Cream Social

      • 06 Jul 2013
      • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
      • Blandford Trails and Schoolyard
      Come out to Blandford to celebrate summer. Take a hike through the woods on a hunt for a declious berry that grows wild. Gather, make and sample, this homemade summer frozen treat…ICE CREAM.
      Show details

    • Creepy, Crawly, Critters?!?

      • 13 Jul 2013
      • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
      • Auditorium and Trails
      Join our day camp staff as we head out to investigate those creepy, crawly wetland and terrestrial critters. We will provide real scientific investigation tools, all you have to do is bring your curiosity.

      $5 members/ $6 non- members

      Limit to 45 participants. RSVP (616)735-6240.

      Family program ages 7+.

      RSVP (616)735-6240 
      Show details

    • Invasive Species Control

      • 20 Jul 2013
      • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
      • Trails
      Come spend your morning volunteering at Blandford! 

      This is a great way to build up some service hours while having a ton of fun. You can help keep Blandford's grounds maintained and help eradicate invasive species. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and close- toed shoes.

      This is a free volunteer event. No need to RSVP. Bring all your friends!

      Families and
      Students
      13+

      Show details

    • Nature's Temporary Art

      • 25 Jul 2013
      • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
      • Auditorium and Trails
      This program is truly inspired by Andy Goldsworthy. Participants will work together to create a temporary piece of art that uses natural materials and is inspired by what is already there.

      $5 members/ $6 non-member
      Everyone welcome

      RSVP (616)735-6240 
      Show details

    • Raptors Revealed

      • 27 Jul 2013
      • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
      • Wildlife Center and Trails
      Great predators of the sky, raptors have amazing adaptations for seeking and catching their prey. Learn about the habitats of both common and rare Michigan hawks and owls and their importance in the program ecosystem.

      This is a family program. $5 members, $6 non-members

      Limit to 30 people.

      Please call 1.616.735.6240 to RSVP
      Show details

    • Family Campfire

      • 01 Aug 2013
      • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
      • Schoolyard
      Come out to Blandford to enjoy a peaceful summer evening. Participate in roasting marshmallows over the fire and making s'mores. Have the opportunity to ask a Blandford Naturalist any questions you may have.

      $5 members/ $6 non-members

      This is a family program for all ages. We hope to see you there!

      RSVP (616)735-6240 
      Show details

     
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