Step Into Fall in Grand Rapids with Free Admission to Blandford Nature Center This September
There is nothing quite like autumn in West Michigan. The muggy summer heat finally backs off, the air gets that crisp edge, and the leaves start turning those brilliant reds and oranges. If you are looking for a reason to get outside and soak up the seasonal shift, you don't have to spend a dime to do it this month.
Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids is offering free admission for the entire month of September, thanks to Meijer.
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Explore 264 Acres of Fall Trails
So it's a great time to explore their 264 acres of forests, meadows, and seasonal wetlands. Hit their 8 miles of trails to watch West Michigan transition into fall.
Keep an eye out for migrating songbirds passing through, turtles soaking up the last bits of warm sunlight, and woodland critters like chipmunks and squirrels frantically caching acorns before winter sets in.
Meet the Wildlife Ambassadors
Beyond the scenic trails, Blandford Nature Center plays a vital role in local conservation and community education. It features two outdoor playscapes, the Blandford Farm and Children’s Garden, and a Wildlife Education Center home to over 40 rehabilitated Wildlife Ambassadors.
These permanent resident animals, including hawks, falcons, owls, porcupines, and opossums, were rescued and cannot return to the wild, giving visitors a unique, close-up look at local wildlife.
Free Community Events in September
On top of free general admission, there are two specific free events happening at the center this month:
- Butterfly Big Day (Saturday, Sept. 12): This is a self-guided citizen science event running from dawn to dusk. Download the free iNaturalist app on your phone, head out on the trails, and snap photos of any wild butterflies you spot to help researchers track local pollinator populations.
- Native Plant Exchange (Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.): Co-hosted by the Wild Ones River City Chapter in the Schoolyard area.f you have extra native plants in your garden, drop them off between 10:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. If you just want to add native plants to your yard, show up at 10:45 a.m. for guidelines before the exchange runs. You do not need to bring plants to take some home, but do bring a cardboard box to carry them.
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Note: While standard admission and select events are free this month, specialized programs and workshops like Wild Food Foraging, Create Your Own Farm Flower Bouquet, and Yoga at Blandford still carry standard registration fees. You can view their full event calendar and sign up online.
Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW in Grand Rapids.
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