Field Experiences for Schools

Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center, both owned and operated by Bloomfield Hills Schools, extend learning beyond the classroom. Their diverse habitats support a variety of native plants and wildlife, livestock and crops. From stepping into the historical buildings and back in time, to digging deep into the soil and imagining a more sustainable future, these unique sites offer dynamic educational experiences to serve the needs of today’s students.

School Programs

Give your classroom a unique learning experience at the nature center in the outdoors and surrounded by nature. Programs at the nature center, on-site, provide the best way to immerse your students in the natural outdoors with hands-on learning. Online registration is available for classrooms of all sizes. Off-site availability is limited and determined on a need basis.

Click here for school groups at the nature center

Click here for off-site programs at your location

School Programs at the Nature Center

Programs available:

  • Pre-K to K ♦ 2 hours

    Explore our forests, prairie, pond and trails, detective-style. Come along with us as nature detectives to solve a seasonally-based mystery! Engage the senses, play as animals and join in song or story. We’ll embark on a guided hike with time for self-discovery and play-based provocations.

  • K-12 ♦ 2 hours

    Step back into the 1800s into our log cabin to immerse into the daily chores and routines of the time period. How is life different today than in the past? What other people have stories to tell on the Land? Engage in bread dough preparation for baking, churn butter, wash clothes and more while enjoying the tales of hunting and fishing.

    Add-on fee: $2 per student/participant for making bread and butter (min. 10 person)

  • Grade 3-12 ♦ 2 hours

    Join the flock and help the nature center with a bird census while you learn about bird ecology, conservation, biology, behavior, and environmental needs. Like any good ornithologist, we’ll learn through hands-on (and wings-on) fieldwork.

  • Grade 3-12 ♦ 2 hours

    Investigate what life was like in the 1800s by engaging in activities such as historical games and safe tool usage along with baking cookies (optional add-on). Explore the sweet history of the sugar maple grove and peek into the future of sugaring. Discover the joys and science of maple-tree tapping, sap collecting and syrup tasting.

    March dates only

    Add-on fee: $2 per person (min. 10 person)
Three children holding binoculars.

Program Fees 

  • $168 fee per program slot for a maximum of  14 students.  Register for multiple slots for larger groups.  

  • A $80 non-refundable deposit per program slot is required to hold the date.

  • Programs are 1.5 - 2 hours.

  • One teacher is required and free. Teachers and support staff needed for student success are free.

  • At the discretion of the teacher, a maximum of 14 adult chaperones per group may attend, not to exceed 1:1 ratio with students, at a fee of $14/person pre-paid during registration.

  • Additional adults and/or siblings may not attend due to space constraints and program design. Infants may be brought but are asked to be in a carrier on an adult so that the adult hands are free to assist their child with activities. No strollers allowed.

  • Additional fees apply to: cookies for the Maple Sugar program, and bread dough & butter for Log Cabin Living program.

Off-Site Programs from the Nature Center

Off-site outreach programs attempt to bring nature to you, though the full experience can only happen at the nature center. There is limited availability and it does not replace the field experience programs at the nature center, encouraging you to come to the nature center for your experience if possible.

Off-site programs are approximately 1 hour and can be held indoors or outdoors per each description. Students must dress for the weather if held outdoors.

Public libraries can take advantage of special pricing on our outreach programs designed to enhance community outreach. Contact us to learn more how we can tailor our services to meet your library's specific needs.

The following is representative of the cost of Off-site programs:

  • Nature Talks: $150 plus mileage*

    • 30 minutes

    • 1-50 people

  • Nature Presentation: $200 plus mileage*

    • 45-60 minutes

    • 50-100 people

  • Nature-venture Explorer Program: $250 plus materials and mileage*

    • approximately1 hour

    • assembly style for 100+ people

*Off-site outreach programs outside of our site’s 20-mile radius will be an additional $15 for each additional 10 miles.

Please note: The Nature Center staff will need access to a presentation board and equipment based on the needs of the selected program format.

Nature Talk Topics:

  • Explore the different types of native habitats in our region, including forests, wetlands, prairies, and our unique sugarbush.

  • Learn about the native plant species that thrive in local habitats and their role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

  • Discover the diverse wildlife that depends on native habitats for food, shelter, and reproduction, from insects and birds to mammals and reptiles.

Nature-venture Explorer Topics:

  • Join us for an exciting and educational birding program designed for nature enthusiasts of all ages! Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, this program will open your eyes to the fascinating world of birds and their habitats. (Can provide binoculars for up to 30 people; an outdoor program at your site or nearby park/greenspace).

    Location: Schoolyard location only.

  • Learn about the native plant species that thrive in local habitats and their role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

    Location: classroom, schoolyard or park

  • Join us for an intriguing program that delves into the fascinating world of animal skulls, horns, and antlers. This educational and hands-on experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in wildlife and anatomy.

    Location: Classroom only.

  • Participate in guided nature walks to observe insects in their natural habitats. Use tools like magnifying glasses, insect nets, and field guides to enhance your exploration and learning experience. We’ll discuss the importance of insect conservation and the threats insects face, such as habitat loss and pollution.

    Location: Schoolyard only.

  • Embark on an exciting journey through geological time with our specimens of rocks, fossils, and minerals. This engaging and educational program brings the wonders of geology to your community, offering hands-on experiences and fascinating insights into the Earth's history.

    Location: Classroom or schoolyard.

  • Unlock the secrets of an owl’s diet and learn about the fascinating world of birds of prey with our Owl Pellet Dissection Outreach Program! Participate in the hands-on dissection of owl pellets to uncover the bones, fur, and other remains of their prey. This engaging and educational experience is perfect for students, families, and nature enthusiasts who want to delve into the science of owl biology and ecology.

    Location: Classroom only.

    Add-on fees for materials required.

BHS Toolkit

What you need to know…

Developmental Kindergarten

Our BHS Developmental Kindergarten classes alternate visits between Bowers School Farm & Johnson Nature Center to integrate agricultural experiences and nature-based learning into the curriculum, sparking discovery and joy for exploration and learning in the outdoors. These experiences will provide a strong foundation for future learning.