Homeschool Series at Blandford

Hands-on, outdoor learning in our beautiful forests and meadows!

Homeschool field trips at Blandford immerse students in nature while engaging their curiosity and connection to the natural world. All of our programs are taught by our highly experienced and educated staff and are designed with modern science education standards in mind.

This program is available for children ages 5-12. After registration, we will divide students into small groups based on age. You will receive information about your child's group approximately 1 week prior to the first program of the season. This is a drop-off program where you are not required to stay with your child. However, we welcome and need parent chaperones for each small group in order to assist our Educators to make this program successful, especailly for our youngest children who may need a little extra assistance. Chaperones will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to chaperone, you must also register yourself for the program, but there is no additional fee. For parents with multiple children, we cannot guarantee your children will be in the same small group since we make up groups based on age, and if you wish to chaperone, we will likely place you with your youngest child. If you wish for your child to be placed in the same group as a friend, please email us at registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org after registration to arrange this.  We cannot guarantee that friends will be placed together, but if they are close in age, this is usually possible. 

Each registration is sold as a package of three programs on the dates and times below.

Program Dates and Topics:

• March 18 | Sugarbush - Experience the science of maple syrup production in the heart of Blandford’s sugarbush! Identify maple trees and learn the history of maple syrup production through the centuries. Students will experience various methods of tapping, collecting, and boiling using real tools and will taste the sweet results of all of this hard work!

• April 15 | Whooo is an Owl? - Meet Blandford’s owls and learn about these amazing birds of prey and what makes them great night hunters. Students will explore the outdoor habitats of owls, dissect owl pellets, and explore the adaptations that help them survive here in Michigan.

• May 20 | Decomposers - What happens to plants and animals when they are no longer living? Decomposers take over! These are nature's recyclers - helping to return energy and nutrients to the soil to fuel new growth on earth. We will take to the forest to discover organisms big and small - from beetles to birds - that play an important part in recycling nutrients in nature.

All programs are scheduled from 1:00-2:30pm. Check-in takes place 10 minutes before the program starts in the Environmental Education Center on the main campus at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

Registration Information:

Registration is $40/student for Non-Members and $32/student (20% discount) for Members and includes all three programs for the dates listed. Because children may be dropped off for this program, health information must be submitted during registration. Missed sessions will not be refunded. Sessions cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled if possible or a partial refund will be issued. You are not required to chaperone, but adult chaperones are welcome! Chaperones who register are asked to attend all three session dates. Registration for the Spring 2026 Homeschool series begins January 5th for both Members and Non-Members and will close on March 11th. A minimum capacity (including minimum number of chaperones) must be reached for Homeschool programs to proceed. Follow the links below to register for this year's homeschool series.

Please Note: This program will take place mainly outdoors, even in rain and snow, but may also include indoor components.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests received at least 7 days before the scheduled program are eligible for a 50% refund of the total registration cost, not including the credit card processing fee. Due to administration costs, full refunds are not available. Cancellation requests received within 7 days of a program are not eligible for a refund.