Not many people can say that they work in the middle of the woods, but I can proudly claim that statement.  This is my fifth year of exploring the beautiful acreage around Blandford Nature Center.  Discovering the wonders of the outdoors culminates my many years as a country girl, farm wife and mother, and as an elementary teacher at St. Michael’s school in Coopersville.  Retirement from the four walls of the classroom led to my employment at Howard Christensen Nature Center, Kent City, as an interpretative teacher and eventually here at Blandford as an outdoor educator. My favorite time of the year is winter, when I can snowshoe on frigid days and find interesting animal tracks.  During any season, though, you’ll find me planning lessons, studying, and leading hands-on tours.  Whether it be a third, sixth or ninth grader learning their science and social studies curriculum in a fun manner or the sparkling enthusiasm of the Home School students, I am here in the woods having rewarding fun.  I invite you to visit our wetlands, meadow and forest at Blandford Nature Center and discover the intriguing sights and sounds overhead and under your feet.  You just may see a frog, dragonfly or my favorite bird, the chickadee feeding.