Month of April | Self-guided Activities at the Sanctuary

Enjoy some outdoor time at the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary this April, taking part in self-guided activities and a monthlong membership exchange program.

Poetry on the Trail

Celebrate National Poetry Month with a visit to the Sanctuary in April, and check out the self-guided Poetry on the Trail. Visitors can read poems as they walk along the Paved Path and create their own nature-inspired poetry using poetry prompts, available at the Sanctuary’s Resource Center. Poetry on the Trail is open to all during normal operating hours with the cost of admission (free to members).

Works featured on the trail will include poetry:

• by Robert F. Mainone, formerly of KBS, who worked with various education programs, hosted school groups, teachers biological science classes, and directed summer camp at the Sanctuary.
• by Kadeem Gilbert, assistant professor of plant biology at KBS and Michigan State University, who creates place-based haiku drawn from inspiration gained in a certain space and moment in time.
• selected in remembrance of Judy Gary, longtime KBS volunteer.

In addition to the trail poetry, a Haiku Corner will be set up in the Overlook building. Paper and writing utensils will also be provided so anyone can try their hand at writing a poem.

MSU Science Festival BioBlitz

The Sanctuary also is participating in the MSU Science Festival BioBlitz. a community-led biodiversity survey. Sanctuary visitors can add their observations by exploring the surrounding nature and wildlife, taking photos of any living organism, and adding them to the iNaturalist app. Observations will be counted all month at locations throughout the state.

Membership exchange program

Sanctuary members have the opportunity to visit the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum free of charge during April, as part of a membership exchange. GRCM members are invited to enjoy an admission-free day at the Sanctuary. Interested in joining the flock? Create or renew a Sanctuary membership online.

The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, located at 12685 East C Ave., in Augusta, Michigan, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free for members and $6/adults, $5/seniors and students, and $4/children ages 2-17 for non-members.

Questions? Contact the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2510.