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Upcoming events

  • Recycled Crafts

    • 09 Feb 2012
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Auditorium or Schoolhouse
    Join Blandford Nature Center as we make art from common disposable items. Three craft projects will be available along new ideas to try at home. Family program for ages 7+. Limit of 30 participants. $10 Members, $12 Non-Members.  Please RSVP (616)735-6240
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  • Family Snowshoe Hike

    • 11 Feb 2012
    • 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Auditorium and Trails
    Bring your friends and family out for a fun hike in the wintery woods to show ow much you care. learn basic snowshoeing techniques while enjoying the wildlife of winter. This easy paced hike is for all experience and fitness levels.Family program for ages 7+. Members: $10 with snowshoe rental, $5 without. Non-Members: $12 with snowshoe rental, $6 without. Limit to the number of snowshoes available. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Cardio Snowshoe Hike

    • 11 Feb 2012
    • 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
    • Auditorium and Trails
    Are you tired of being inside this winter? Are you itching to get outdoors and shake off those winter blues? Come out to Blandford for a fast paced snowshoe adventure. This will be a medium to fast-paced hike for adults and teens only. Members: $10 with snowshoe rental, $5 without. Non-Members: $12 with snowshoe rental, $6 without. Limited to the number of snowshoes available. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Adults Only Snowshoe Hike

    • 11 Feb 2012
    • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Auditorium and Trails
    Take a fun night hike through the snowy woods of Michigan. Listen to the crunch of snow and the hoot of owls while experiencing the magic of winter. This easy paced hike is for all experience and fitness levels. Adults only program. Members: $10 with snowshoe rental, $5 without. Non-Members: $12 with snowshoe rental, $6 without. Limited to the number of snowshoes available.  Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • An Introduction to Organic Gardening

    • 18 Feb 2012
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Auditorium
    Have you heard the term organic gardening and are not sure what all of the hype is about? Come out to learn more about organic gardening and discover some of the benefits! Limit to 60 people. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.$5 Members, $6 Non-Members. Adults and youth 12+ are welcome.
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  • Nature Spy

    • 23 Feb 2012
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Auditorium
    Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray presents Nature Spy. Join us as we listen to the humorous and informative account of this naturalist's long career working with wildlife and people. $5 Members, $6 Non-Members. Adult Program. Limit to 45 people.  Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Bluebird Program with Peggy Falk

    • 25 Feb 2012
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Auditorium
    Peggy Falk is a member of the Michigan Bluebird Society and is very passionate about improving the nesting success of Eastern Bluebirds. Eastern Bluebirds are native to Michigan and flourished with the expansion of open farmland. The introduction of the house sparrow and the starling coupled with the expansion of urban areas and introduced pesticides threatened the existence of these beautiful and beneficial birds. Come out to Blandford Nature Center to learn more about these amazing birds and learn how you can help. Family program for ages 7+. Limit to 45 participants. $5 Members, $6 Non-members.  Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Backyard Maple Sugaring

    • 01 Mar 2012
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Auditorium and on Trails
    Have you ever wanted to tap into that large sugar maple in your backyard and make some maple syrup? Then this is the class for you. Join us for this sweet evening and discover the wonderful world of maple sugaring. This demonstration will walk participants through the maple syrup process from beginning to end, including tree measurements, tapping and hanging buckets, filtering, cooking and syrup finishing. Adult program. Limit to 30 participants.$10 Members, $12 Non-members.  Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Mary Jane Dockeray Birthday Openhouse

    • 03 Mar 2012
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Auditorium
    What better way to kick off the Sugarbush season that with a birthday celebration?! Come celebrate the life and career of Mary Jane Dockeray- naturalist, wildlife enthusiast and a very important part of Blandford Nature Center. We will be showcasing a documentary featuring Mary Jane at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm. This is a free event and there is no need to RSVP. We hope to see you there!
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  • 3 Season Gardening

    • 15 Mar 2012
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Auditorium
    Get the most out of your garden this summer by planting for all three seasons. Discussions include crop rotations, cold weather crops, hot weather crops and companion planting. Adults- youth age 12+ are welcome. Limit to 60 participants. $5 Members, $6 Non-Members.  Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Blacksmith Workshop 101

    • 07 Apr 2012
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Visitor's Center to Check In- Blacksmith's Shop later
    Do you like to play with fire, beat things up and make art all at the same time?! In this workshop you will be introduced to all the basic components and techniques that comprise the art of blacksmithing.Topics that will be covered are building and maintaining a fire in the coal forge, drawing and tapor skills, hammer skills and much more. The course will be taught by Gary Snow and Frank Phillips and will include six hours of instruction and lunch. Participants will have an opportunity to put their new skills to use and bring home what they've made.Graduates of the 101 class are eligible for the apprentice level class on April 28th. Limit to 4 participants, so call to RSVP soon. An overflow date is possible for April 14th if there is a strong demand. Call (616)735-6240. Cost is $100 for Members and $120 for Non-Members. 
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  • Backyard Animals in Spring

    • 07 Apr 2012
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Visitor's Center
    Spring is a time of rebirth in the woods and there are lots of baby birds, squirrels and rabbits around. Learn what you should ( and SHOULD NOT) do when you come across baby animals in your backyard... Includes a presentation with live animals! Family program for ages 7+. Limit to 45 participants. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Make a Recycled Journal!

    • 12 Apr 2012
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Auditorium
    Are you a creative environmentalist? Then this is the workshop for you. We will be making 100% post-consumer, up-cycled journals out of junk mail, scrap paper and old office paper. No two journals will be the same! Family program for ages 7+. Limit to 30 participants. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • The Art of Journaling in Nature

    • 14 Apr 2012
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Trails
    Recording what you see in nature and how you respond to it can be as simple as a squiggly line or as complex as a detailed watercolor painting. Either way, this type of journaling has helped people grow within their own personal spirit and to get connected to nature on a deeper level for centuries. Come to Blandford to discover the diverse Art of Journaling. Limit to 30 participants. Family program for ages 7+. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Mushroom Log Workshop

    • 21 Apr 2012
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Schoolhouse
    During this hands-on workshop, you will learn to inoculate a log with shitake and other gourmet mushrooms to grow in your own backyard. Participants will take home a log of their own! $30 per log. Limit two people per log. Adults and teens only. Limit to 20 logs. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Evening Frog Adventure

    • 26 Apr 2012
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Trails
    Discover what all the ruckus is about as we go into the wetlands of Blandford to find those amphibious harbingers of spring- FROGS! Be prepared for soggy conditions, frogs love it when it rains. Family friendly program. Limit to 60 people. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Blacksmith Workshop 201

    • 28 Apr 2012
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Blacksmith's Studio
    The prerequisite for this class is the Blacksmith 101 being held on April 7th and 14th. Take your skills further with intermediate blacksmith instruction, building upon the foundation you will have gotten in the 101 class. Tuition is the same $100 for Members, $120 for Non-Members.Lunch is included.  Limit to 4 participants. Call (616)735-6240 today to RSVP!
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  • Salamander Rain

    • 28 Apr 2012
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Trails
    Join Blandford staff as we read the book, Salamander Rain. After the reading we will take a hike through the forest and look for these elusive creatures. Family program geared for little ones birth to 7 years. Limit to 30 people. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Invasive Species Volunteer Day: Garlic Mustard Removal

    • 05 May 2012
    • 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Trails
    Have you ever wanted to volunteer at Blandford Nature Center? Come out for this educational volunteer opportunity as we aim to eradicate the invasive garlic mustard from the property. All ages welcome- the more, the merrier! FREE volunteer event. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jessie Schulte at jschulte@blandfordnaturecenter.org.
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  • Wild Foraging in May

    • 10 May 2012
    • 5:00 PM - 6:30 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 spring. Adult program for ages 12+. Limit to 30 people. $10 Members, $12 Non-Members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Mother's Day Wildflower walk with Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray

    • 12 May 2012
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Trails
    Bring your mom out to the lovely spring woods for a bloomin' good walk with Mary Jane Dockeray. Get caught up in Dr. Dockeray's enthusiasm for all things natural and discover the beautiful wildflowers of Michigan. Tea and cookies will be on hand for refreshment. Family program for ages 7+. Limit to 30 people. $10 Members, $12 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Bird of Prey Photography

    • 19 May 2012
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Auditorium and Trails
    Capturing the magic of the elusive owl on film can be difficult. This unique opportunity allows photographers of all abilities to get up close shots of Blandford's resident owls during the day. Adult program for ages 12+. Limit to 15 people. $10 Members, $12 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Opossum and the Peeper: Story Time Hike

    • 24 May 2012
    • 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Auditorium and Trails
    Join a Blandford naturalist as we read this story about Opossum and his friends as they investigate the noises of spring. Family program geared toward little ones birth to 7 years. Limit to 30 people. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Marsh Madness

    • 26 May 2012
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Trails
    The marsh is a habitat haven for many different creatures at the nature center and as the sun goes down, they come alive. We will dip for some of the smaller creatures living in the water and visit the Timpson Tower to get a bird's-eye view. Family program for ages 7+. Limit to 30 people. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Lost in the Woods: Story Time Hike

    • 14 Jun 2012
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Trails
    Join a Blandford Naturalist as we read this story about a young fawn who gets lost in the woods. Later, we just might meet some of his forest friends on our own adventure in the woods.Family program for little ones birth to 7 years. Limit to 30 people. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Field of Green Festival

    • 16 Jun 2012
    • 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Visitor's Center and School yard
    Music, games, green vendors and nature themed crafts!! Fun for the whole family! $5/person. Everyone welcome!
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  • Wild Foraging

    • 28 Jun 2012
    • 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. Adult program for ages 12+. Limit to 30 people. $10 Members, $12 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Meet the Blandford Animals

    • 12 Jul 2012
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Visitor's Center
    Blandford Nature Center is the permanent home to many injured animals that depend on our Wildlife staff for their survival. Come and listen to their stories and get an up close look at many amazing Michigan native animals. All ages. Limit to 30 people. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Stewardship Volunteer Day

    • 21 Jul 2012
    • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Trails
    Give back to the land by volunteering your time to remove invasive species and other land stewardship projects! Free volunteer event. Everyone welcome. No need to RSVP. If interested or wanting more information, please contact Jessie Schulte at jschulte@blandfordnaturecenter.org.
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  • Over in the Meadow: Story Time Hike

    • 09 Aug 2012
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Auditorium and Meadow
    Join a Blandford Naturalist as we read a story about a beautiful meadow. After the story, we will discover treasures in the Blandford meadow equipped with binoculars, magnifying boxes and other discovery tools. All ages. Limit 45 people. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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  • Blandford Bioblitz

    • 17 Aug 2012
    • 5:00 PM
    • 18 Aug 2012
    • 5:00 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Trails
    BNC teams up with scientists from the greater Grand Rapids area along with interested citizens, school groups, scout groups, service clubs or any other interested party with the intent of recording as many plant and animal species as possible on BNC grounds in a 24 hour period. A Bioblitz gives citizen scientists the chance to have real conversations with professional scientists and the opportunity to work together to identify both common and threatened species. This is a fun event where everyone's help is needed and encouraged. Family program for ages 7+. The more the merrier. FREE event.
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  • Butterflies at Blandford

    • 23 Aug 2012
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Visitor's Center and Trails
    Join Dr. Matt Douglas and Blandford Nature Center as we discuss the wonders of butterflies. Dr. Matt is the co-author of Butterflies of the Great Lakes and is considered the area expert on butterflies. He is also the author of The Lives of Butterflies. Family program for ages 7+. Limit to 45 people. $5 Members, $6 Non-members. Please RSVP (616)735-6240.
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