Learn from nature.
We invite adults and children alike to enjoy, explore, and learn in nature. Below you’ll find details about our Wildlife Care Experiences which you can participate in at Blandford Nature Center and our Blandford on the Road program where we take nature off-site to wherever we’re needed for wildlife education.
Let Blandford bring the excitement of nature to you!
We offer 30 to 60 minute long live wildlife presentations that help students discover who they share this great, big planet with. All of the programs are designed to integrate science standards while engaging students’ natural sense of inquiry. Program curriculum can be customized for groups and are taught by our knowledgeable, experienced educators.
Programming Options
Blandford’s Wildlife (all ages)
Learn why our Wildlife Ambassadors were brought to Blandford and why they can no longer survive in the wild. This general presentation includes a variety of animals: turtles, a rabbit, a falcon, and an owl.
Story Time With The Animals (PreK-Kindergarten)
Listen to a few stories with the accompanying animal, along with their natural artifacts. A turtle, a rabbit, and an owl will be present.
Birds of a Feather (Grades 1-3)
Students investigate the characteristics of birds including feathers, nests, beaks, feet, and songs to better understand these unique flying vertebrates. A variety of live birds are included in the presentation.
Wildlife with a Backbone (Grades 2-6)
Learn about vertebrate groups, their unique qualities and their habitats. Hands on props highlight adaptations the different vertebrates use for protection, warmth, and food gathering. Live examples of a reptile, bird, and mammal will be included in the presentation.
All About Owls (Grades 4-6)
Meet live owls, handle natural artifacts and learn why they make such great predators! Dissection of owl pellets can be added at an additional $1 per pellet.
Slimy Skins & Scales (Grades Kindergarten-5)
Learn about the special characteristics that differentiate reptiles from amphibians while discovering the adaptations that assist herptiles in surviving the winter in addition to the ways humans impact wild herptiles.
Request a Program
To register for a program, please email our Registrar at registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org or 616-735-6240 ext. 101 with following information:
- Please state you wish to book a Blandford on the Road (BOR)
- School/Organization name
- School/Organization Address
- 1st Choice Date & Time
- 2nd Choice Date & Time
- Name of Contact Person
- Phone Number
- Group size (30 max)
- Requested Program
Group size is limited to 30 students or less. We are able to work with you to schedule multiple days or multiple trips in one day if needed for larger group sizes.
Program Cost
- $125 for any 30-60 minute presentation for up to 30 people
- $65 for any additional, consecutive presentation. Groups larger than 30 people require special arrangements.
- Travel Cost includes 20 miles round-trip. An additional $1 per mile rate applies to locations outside of a 20 mile range.
Covid-19 Information: Beginning Monday, March 14th, masks will no longer be required while participating in programs indoors or outdoors. We will continue to monitor local COVID rates and may reinstate masking requirements for staff, general visitors, and program participants of all ages, regardless of vaccination status, when community health concerns arise. Please refer to our Covid-19 Policies & Procedures for more information.
For the curious child or adult in your life!
Wildlife Care Experiences are a fun, hands-on way to explore the world of wildlife care! Participants will get a chance to assist with the daily tasks of a Blandford wildlife technician. This experience is geared for ages 4 and up. The majority of your fee will go towards the care of Blandford’s Wildlife Ambassadors, helping to provide them with vet care, food, and housing.
Please contact the Registrar at registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org or call 616-735-6240 ext. 101 to schedule a Wildlife Care Experience.
2 Hour Option:
Cost:
- $100 base program fee for members
- $120 base program fee for non-members
- $50 for each additional person joining but not participating (excluding one supervising guardian), this person will not receive a shirt or sticker
- $100 for each additional person joining and participating, this person will receive a shirt & sticker
- This option is limited to 2 participating people
What’s Included:
- Two hours filled with hands-on experience
- A behind the scenes tour of the Wildlife Department
- Participation in the feeding of the animals
- A screen-printed Blandford shirt
- A photo opportunity with a wildlife ambassador of your choice
- Blandford vintage vinyl logo sticker
1 Hour Option:
Cost:
- $50 base program fee for members
- $60 base program fee for non-members
- $25 for each additional person joining but not participating (excluding one supervising guardian), this person will not receive a sticker
- This option is for 1 participating person only
What’s Included:
- One hour filled with hands-on experience
- A behind the scenes tour of the Wildlife Department
- Participation in the feeding of some of the animals
- A photo opportunity with a wildlife ambassador of your choice
- A Blandford vintage vinyl logo sticker
Covid-19 Information: Beginning Monday, March 14th, masks will no longer be required while participating in programs indoors or outdoors. We will continue to monitor local COVID rates and may reinstate masking requirements for staff, general visitors, and program participants of all ages, regardless of vaccination status, when community health concerns arise. Please refer to our Covid-19 Policies & Procedures for more information.
