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.
NOTICE: Bloomfield Hills Schools has entered into a new partnership with Oakland County Parks regarding Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center to support operations, enhance programming, and ensure the long-term sustainability of both sites. As part of this transition, we have been intentional about maintaining the high-quality field trip experiences that local districts value. We anticipate continuing to offer field trip opportunities for the 2026–27 school year, and you can plan accordingly for your students. Details about the partnership can be found here.
School Programs
Our Goals, Commitment, & Approach | Benefits of Outdoor Learning | Meet the Team (coming soon…)
Welcome Packet & FAQ | Suggested Gear List
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.
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: $3 per person (min. 10 person)
Spring 2026 schedule is FULL. If you have any questions, please email us to inquire HERE.
If you are interested in being contacted for next school year, please submit your information below. Scheduling will not begin until later August - September.
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 and tasting for the Maple Sugar program, and bread dough & butter for Log Cabin Living program.
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.