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    Programs at Blandford Nature Center

    Preschool - Kindergarten

     Fall Wonders
    September - November; 1.25 - 1.5 hrs
    (option to have Blandford 6th grade student one-on-one guides)
    Explore the fall woods and fields to learn how plants and animals prepare for winter.  The changing season inspires role-playing and sensory investigation life cycles.

    Signs of Spring
    April - June; 1.25 - 1.5 hrs
    Spring is an amazing time of growth and change and the evidence is all around us.  Practice counting and color recognition by spying blooming flowers, singing birds, and buzzing insects.


    Preschool - First Grade

    Winter Explorers
    December-February; 1.25-1.5 hrs
    Discover the beauty of winter and the secrets of animal survival during this cold season.  Find out first hand why some animals have feathers or fur and others have shells, scales or slimy skin.

    Sugarbush
    March; 1.5 hrs
    (option to have Blandford 6th grade student one-on-one guides)
    A lively puppet show begins our exciting exploration of maple syrup production.  Investigate the entire sugaring process through stories, activities, and a short hike to the Sugarhouse.


    Preschool- Second Grade

    Log Cabin Traditions
    December-February; 1.5 hrs
    *limited to 30 students
    Laura Ingalls shares winter in the Big Woods and we share simple celebrations.  We will warm up by the wood stove in the log cabin and learn how rural communities came together in the one-room schoolhouse.


    First - Third Grade

    Seeds and Plants
    September-November, April-June; 1.5 hrs (option to have Blandford 6th grade student one-on-one guides in fall)
    A focus on seed movement has kids exploring fields and woods and uncovering secrets of plant and animal interdependence.

    Birds of a Feather
    April-June; 1.5 hrs
    Discover the amazing world of birds during the most active time in their lives.  As birds call for mates, build nests and raise their young, students learn how to identify distinguishing characteristics using observation and role-play.  Meet one of our resident birds of prey.


    Second - Third Grade

    Wildlife with a Backbone
    September-February, April-June; 1.5 hrs
    Learn about vertebrate groups, their unique qualities and habits.  Live animals and hands - on props highlight adaptations the different vertebrates use for protection, warmth and food gathering.
    Anishinabek Lifeways
    September-February, April-June; 1.5hrs
    The cultural heritage of the Grand River Valley is brought to life.  Traditional tools are used to act out fishing, gardening, games and home life.


    Evergreens in the Snow
    December-February; 1.5hrs
    Practice observation, deduction, and running in snow to learn about the spacial characteristics of pines, spruces and firs that allow them to stay green all winter.
    Second - Sixth Grade

    Sugarbush: Then and Now
    March; 1.5-1.75 hrs
    Experience the science and history of maple syrup.  Identify maples, witness the effects of wacky weather, and smell the sweet syrup cooking in the Sugarhouse.  Practice Native American, pioneer, and modern tapping, collecting, and boiling methods using real tools and taste the sweet results.


    Third - Fifth Grade

    Homestead Life
    September-February, April-June; 1.5 hrs
    Be immersed in the work and play of our pioneer forebearers.  Compare how the seasons, resources, and technology affected daily life 140 years ago.

    Producers, Consumers, Decomposers
    September-November, April-June; 1.5 hrs
    Everybody has to eat something and something eats every thing!  Follow the sun's energy by exploring plants, animals, fungi, and more in our hardwood forest.


    Fourth - Sixth Grade

    Custom Programming
    Custom Programs, led by education staff are available year-round and linked to your class room curriculum.  Possible themes include:
    -Ecosystems
    -Wildlife adaptations and tracking
    -Predator/Prey
    -Insects
    -Map and Compass


    All Ages

     Summer Discovery
    June-August; 1.5 hrs
    Discover the wonders of summer in Michigan.  Explore the insects in the meadow, take a scavenger hunt hike along a trail, and meet the animals in our Wildlife Education Center.

     
     
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