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 introduce students to the animals with whom they share this planet. All of our 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 experienced educators.
Program Topics
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 $1.25 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.
Cost
Daytime Programs (starting any time before 5:00 pm):
- $135 for any 30-60 minute presentation for up to 30 people
- $85 for any additional, consecutive presentation. Groups larger than 30 people require special arrangements.
- A Travel Fee is applied to all programs at $1 per mile, round trip.
Evening Programs (starting at 5 pm or later):
- $235 for any 30-60 minute presentation for up to 30 people
- $100 for any additional, consecutive presentation. Groups larger than 30 people require special arrangements.
- A Travel Fee is applied to all programs at $1 per mile, round trip.
Request a Program
To request a Blandford on the Road program, please click the button below to access the Request Form. We strive to answer all requests within 1 week. The form will ask you for the following information to start the booking process:
- Contact name
- School/Organization name
- School/Organization address
- Phone number and email
- Group size (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.)
- Requested program topic
- 1st Choice Date & Time
- 2nd Choice Date & Time
- Details about arrival and check-in at your building
Questions?
Have questions about our Blandford on the Road programs? Email registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org and we’ll get back to you!
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 specialist. This experience is for ages 4 and up. Fees for this program support the care of Blandford’s Wildlife Ambassadors, including vet care, food, and housing.
2-Hour Option:
Cost:
- This option is available for 1 or 2 participating people
- Base fee for 1 adult –OR– 1 child with supervising adult is $150
- If the participant is 1 adult, you may add…
- 1 additional adult participant for $120 –OR– 1 observing adult for $50
- If the participant is 1 child with supervising adult, you may add…
- 1 additional child participant for $120 –OR– 1 observing adult for $50
- Observers do not receive a t-shirt or sticker
What’s Included for Participants:
- 2-hour behind-the-scenes tour and hands-on experience in the Wildife Department
- Participation in the feeding of 1 or more resident animals
- A photo opportunity with a wildlife ambassador of your choice
- A screen-printed Blandford t-shirt
- Blandford vintage vinyl logo sticker
1-Hour Option:
Cost:
- This option is for 1 participating person only
- Base fee for 1 participant (adult or child) is $75
- If the participant is a child…
- 1 observing adult is required to be present at no extra fee
- 1 additional observing adult is $25
- Maximum of 2 adults allowed in attendance with a child
- If the participant is an adult…
- Max of 1 additional observing adult permitted for $50 fee
- Observers do not receive a sticker
What’s Included for Participants:
- 1-hour behind-the-scenes tour and hands-on experience in the Wildife Department
- Participation in the feeding of 1 or more resident animals
- A photo opportunity with a wildlife ambassador of your choice
- A Blandford vintage vinyl logo sticker
Request a Program
To request a Wildlife Care Experience, please click the button below to access the Request Form. We strive to answer all requests within 1 week. The form will ask you for your contact information and information about the person/people for whom you are requesting the experience.
Questions?
Have questions about our Wildlife Care Experiences? Email registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org and we’ll get back to you!
