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.
Program Cost
Daytime Programs (starting before 6 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 6 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 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 to schedule a Wildlife Care Experience. For any questions please call 616-735-6240.
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.