Event Calendar

Join the Grand Rapids Audubon Club and Audubon Society of Kalamazoo on May 9 for a morning of birding at Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids. With over 260 acres of preserved land and nearly eight miles of trails, Blandford offers a landscape shaped by glacial terrain. Blandford Nature Center includes mature hardwood forest, pine stands, wetlands, ponds, and streams, along with historic buildings and a working farm that reflect the area’s connection to the land. The trail system moves between these habitats and there is plenty to discover.

Early May is one of the most active times to visit because the diversity of habitats supports a wide range of species. Warblers, vireos, orioles, grosbeaks, thrushes, and flycatchers are all commonly reported this time of year, often moving through in mixed flocks. As we make our way toward the Highlands, the landscape opens into meadow and grassland. The Highlands, once a golf course and now restored into a natural area, offers excellent habitat for species like Eastern Bluebird and Field Sparrow. There is a fully paved ADA-accessible trail that connects the Highlands parking area and the main Visitor Center at Blandford. Whether you’re joining for the birds, the scenery, or the community, this outing is open to all!

Beyond birding, Blandford has plenty to explore. Visitors can stop into the Visitor Center to see live animal ambassadors such as birds of prey and reptiles, walk through the heritage village area, or visit the working farm with seasonal animals and gardens. Daily admission and more information can be found here. The trails themselves are free and open to the public.

Meet at the main parking lot by the Visitor Center at Blandford Nature Center. We’ll start near the pond loop before heading out on the trails.

✅ASK participants and guests, please meet at the Oakland Drive/I-94 park & ride at 7:45am to join the caravan, or at Blandford Nature Center at 9am.