Blandford Nature Center

10/06/2026

We will temporarily close portions of our Woodlands Campus, including the Visitor Center and Historic Village, on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 to provide land and privacy for a cultural gathering held in partnership with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP).

The gathering, Kë Bodwémen (Fire Keepers Workshop), will take place from 8 a.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday and is focused on keeping traditional fire-keeping responsibilities thriving.

For BNC, making the land available for this gathering reflects the Nature Center's commitment to meaningful relationships with Indigenous partners and recognition that Indigenous people have cared for and maintained relationships with this land since long before BNC existed.

While the Woodlands Campus will be closed, many of the Nature Center's trails will remain open to members and day pass guests, including the Farmlands and Wildlands trails. Parking, spaces, and some trails near the Visitor Center will be temporarily unavailable to ensure privacy for participants.

BNC asks all visitors to observe posted closures and signage and to remain outside designated gathering areas throughout the weekend. The gathering is private and is not open for public viewing or participation.

Regular access to the Woodlands Campus, Visitor Center, Historic Village, and surrounding areas will resume following the gathering.

🔥 Kë Bodwémen {Fire Keepers Workshop}

⚠️ Neshnabék Community Gathering — Not Open to the General Public
This is a private Neshnabék community cultural gathering. The workshop and ceremonial fire are not open to the general public. Neshnabék community members are warmly invited to visit the fire and take part in this cultural gathering.

🪶The ceremonial fire will remain open for visitation throughout the workshop, from 8 a.m. Saturday, October 10, through 12 p.m. Sunday, October 11.

Whether you stay for a few moments or several hours, you are welcome to spend time at the fire, visit with others, observe, ask questions and learn more about traditional fire keeping in a respectful environment.

No registration is required. Come as you are and spend as much time as you are able.

10/06/2026

It’s the natural choice for your corporate retreat or event. Book your next meeting with us to enjoy 264 acres of natural wonder, spectacular views and lessons in adaptation and observation.

Find out more https://blandfordnaturecenter.org/experiences/private-rentals/
or link in our bio

10/06/2026

🎨🍂 Join us at Blandford Nature Center for our annual Fall Nature Makers Market! This market features gifts and goods inspired by nature and created with natural materials. Over 30 artisans will be selling a variety of handcrafted goods including jewelry, textiles, prints and illustrations, natural skincare, stained glass, ceramics, and more.

Admission to the Nature Makers Market is FREE and open to all ages, no registration required! Shopping includes the Blandford Nature Center gift shop. Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee of Kentwood will be on site selling coffee and other treats.

Saturday, November 14th / 9:00am - 3:00pm

Find out more: https://conta.cc/4y1rWq8
or Link in bio

10/05/2026

🛝BNC members can visit GRCM for FREE during the month of October with their BNC membership card.

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (GRCM) is two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and daily drop-in programs that inspire learning through play. GRCM has been a playful destination in downtown Grand Rapids, MI for over 28 years and 4 million guests!


Plan your visit at grcm.org.

10/05/2026

🌳Want to know more about nature? Join us on a walk with a member of our Land Stewardship team to learn more about Michigan flora and fauna in this last week of summer. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the season, get to know Blandford better and nerd out on nature! We’ll hike on trails ranging from pavement to dirt to mulch, so wear appropriate footwear. Bring binoculars if you have them, or borrow some of ours!

Monday, October 12th / 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Register today: https://conta.cc/4jku34I
or Link in bio

10/04/2026

🦉🍻 Whooo says that kids get to have all the fun in October? Come out to Blandford and meet some of our owl ambassadors while sippin’ on a cool beverage and listening to a presentation with our Wildlife Education Specialist! One drink and one donut are included in each ticket.

Wednesday, October 17th / 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Register today: https://conta.cc/4hUBPB9
or Link in bio

10/02/2026

🦆 Grab your camera and join us for this rare opportunity to capture the magic of our resident wildlife in natural outdoor settings! This unique event allows photographers of all abilities to get close-up photographs of Blandford’s wildlife ambassadors against the backdrop of Blandford’s beautiful fall foliage. The program will include a selection of herptiles (weather permitting), birds of prey, and mammals.

Friday, October 9th / 10:00am - 12:00pm

Register today: https://conta.cc/4iHz4UT
or Link in bio

10/02/2026

🎃 Halloween is in the air! Grab your loved one or a couple of friends and join us for an outdoor evening of Halloween spirit and craft beverages. Carve your own jack-o-lantern, take a lantern-lit stroll on the trails, visit the Wildlife Center to see our nocturnal residents, and cozy up next to the campfire with a beverage. Registration includes a pumpkin and one craft b**r or non-alcoholic drink per person. Additional beverages will be available for purchase. Wednesday, October 16th / 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Register today: https://conta.cc/4zb3WlI or Link in bio

10/01/2026

Buddy the Red-Tailed Hawk was found early this morning by staff, passed away in his enclosure. He came here in September of 2011, and grew in his red tail feathers in the spring of 2012. In the 15 years that he was with us, he taught many about Michigan native species in classrooms, community centers, retirement homes, and along our wildlife trail. He will be missed.