"Through educational programs, community events and 143 acres of nature, Blandford Nature Center hopes to further develop and strengthen innovative approaches to delivering outdoor educational programming in our distinct urban setting in Grand Rapids." - from the Blandford Nature Center website
History
Blandford Nature Center began as a portion of a family farm that was donated to the Grand Rapids Public Museum in 1949, and curated over time to 143 acres. In 2003 the museum cut Blandford from its organization, and Blandford spent several years under the management of the Grand Rapids Public Schools, and in affiliation with Mixed Greens. Neither partnership was a long term solution, but in 2009 the Wege Foundation provided five years of funding for an exectutive director for the Nature Center. Blandford Nature Center is now a charitable, independent nonprofit.
See also: Blandford Community Garden
Contact
Location: 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Admission: $3 per person during business hours; members are free
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 12 - 5pm
