Come out and enjoy an early morning of birding, bagels, and coffee in this monthly warm weather series! Grand Rapids Audubon Club member Alex Field will guide this hike to introduce the birds that call Blandford home in the summer. You’ll develop skills for recognizing calls and identifying the field marks of wetland, meadow, and forest dwellers, such as the quirky Pileated Woodpecker and the Belted Kingfisher. Head out on the trail with binoculars (bring your own or borrow from us) and see how many feathered friends you can find!

About the instructor: My name is Alex Field. I fell in love with birding three years ago and haven’t looked back. I have enjoyed traveling to festivals and different areas around the state to find new birds with my wife and friends! It is so amazing how birding brings people together, and I am very excited to lead this event!

Pre-registration is required to attend this program. Registration closes the day before the event at 12:00pm. If this program is sold out, please complete online registration to be added to the waitlist. You will not be charged to be added to the waitlist. We will contact you if spots become available.

Price:
Adult/Child Member: $15
Adult/Child Non-Member: $20
2 and Under: Free

This program is recommended for ages 14 and up. Younger children are welcome if supervised by an adult. An adult chaperone is required to register and attend with any registered child.

Accessibility Information:

The accessible trail:  The hike will take place on Blandford’s 1-mile accessible trail, which takes you through the woods of Blandford and over into the Highlands! The accessible trail is completely paved and can easily accommodate all wheelchairs. Benches are also available along the length of the trail if rest breaks are needed throughout the hike.

Parking: There are eight accessible parking spaces, two of which can accommodate vans. The parking lot is a well maintained, paved surface with minimal cracks and bumps. Curb cuts are present to provide access from the parking lot to the sidewalk.

Entrance: The main entrance to the Visitor Center has a push button automatic door entry with a 0.5-inch metal slope threshold. Entryways have been measured to ensure mobility devices can easily fit through them.

Bathroom: There is one accessible stall in both the men’s and women’s restrooms inside the Visitor Center. Stall size, toilet and sink heights, and entryway widths have all been measured to ensure ease of access for visitors. All-gender bathrooms are not provided at this location. There is one accessible portable toilet in the parking lot of the Highlands if needed.

Loaner equipment: We have equipment that can be checked out on a first-come, first-served basis for free.
The following items are included:

• 2 walkers
• 1 electric mobility scooter
• 1 adult wheelchair
• 1 children’s all-terrain wheelchair (GRIT)
  • Purchased thanks to a generous grant from Mary Free Bed Guild!

The process to check an item out is as follows:

1. Blandford staff will explain some basic elements of the equipment and provide a “Quick Start Guide” to the borrower.
2. Borrowers must give a set of keys to staff to hold for the duration of equipment use. The keys will be placed in an envelope with the borrower’s name and held in the safe.
3. As the borrower, you must review and sign the Release Agreement prior to leaving the Visitor Center. Please note that if the person using the equipment is under the age of 18 or not their own guardian, the signature of either a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18 is required.

Please Note: This program will take place outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be canceled, and participants will be notified of their refund options.

Blandford Nature Center partners with groups like the Grand Rapids Audubon Club to support our mission to engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature. We are aware of the broader conversations about the impact of John James Audubon’s legacy on today’s diverse birding community and are committed to ensuring an inclusive and welcoming experience for all program participants.