Blandford Nature Center will temporarily close portions of its Woodlands Campus, including the Visitor Center and Historic Village, on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 to provide land and privacy for a cultural gathering held in partnership with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.
The gathering, Kë Bodwémen (Fire Keepers Workshop), will take place from 8 a.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday and is focused on keeping traditional fire-keeping responsibilities thriving.
For BNC, making the land available for this gathering reflects the Nature Center’s commitment to meaningful relationships with Indigenous partners and recognition that Indigenous people have cared for and maintained relationships with this land since long before BNC existed.
“BNC is honored to host our partners from the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi,” said Stacy Stout, President and CEO of Blandford Nature Center. “We recognize that Indigenous people have longstanding relationships with and responsibilities to this land that extend far beyond the history of our organization. Part of BNC’s responsibility as an organization rooted in nature and land stewardship is to make space when our Tribal partners request land and privacy to gather, practice traditions, and be together in community.”
While the Woodlands Campus will be closed, many of the Nature Center’s trails will remain open to members and day pass guests, including the Farmlands and Wildlands trails. Parking, spaces, and some trails near the Visitor Center will be temporarily unavailable to ensure privacy for participants.
BNC asks all visitors to observe posted closures and signage and to remain outside designated gathering areas throughout the weekend. The gathering is private and is not open for public viewing or participation.
Regular access to the Woodlands Campus, Visitor Center, Historic Village, and surrounding areas will resume following the gathering.
