School Field Experiences

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.

  • We aim to strengthen classroom teaching and learning by engaging teachers and students in authentic, meaningful experiences that enrich their identities and expand their skills, knowledge and perspectives.

    Together we will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other and the world around us through inquiry-based, developmentally appropriate practices that promote joy and discovery.

    We will build connections within our local community in order to spark action and service. We hope to leverage this action to work toward a healthier community and environment.

  • We are committed to designing educational experiences utilizing research-based learning objectives, frameworks and strategies to guide learners in achieving valuable academic and social-emotional outcomes. We will promote the appreciation and value of outdoor experiences for all in order to reach those outcomes by teaching and valuing the whole person.

  • We believe in a place-based educational approach that embraces deep learning and high impacts by immersing learners in the natural world, land heritage and local food systems. We encourage students to make connections by contributing and applying their own unique knowledge, strengths and interests to develop a stronger sense of themselves and their role in their communities, sparking learning that is cross-cultural and centered on respect and belonging.

View our School & Group Programs Welcome Packet & FAQ to plan your visit.

Current School Field Trips Available for Registration

Friday Farm Detectives

♦ Any Ages/Grades♦ 

Explore the joys and mysteries of life on the farm in the fall! Students/Guests will be invited to become detectives on the farm to help us solve BIG questions. What do the animals on the farm need to be healthy? And how can we, as farmers, help care for the animals? Farm staff will kick off your experience and introduce our detective storyline. Groups are then invited to explore the farm at their own pace. A recommended map and station guide will be available for teachers. Farm staff will be stationed throughout the farm to provide interactive activities and to help your group solve our BIG questions. 

What’s included in your field experience?

  • Experienced and knowledgeable staff will be available at stations to guide your students/group's inquiry and interest. 

  • Flexible timing. Stay as long (or as little) as your students/group needs after your start time to make their experience successful. We are open 9 am-3 pm. 

  • Each paid admission ticket receives a free pie-sized pumpkin. 

  • Wagon ride to our U-Pick Pumpkin Patch. (Depending on group size, groups may need to take more than one wagon to the patch or share a wagon with another group.) 

  • Activities may include goat milking, pony grooming, chicken experience, chore support, bunny grooming, egg collecting/washing, and more! Activities are subject to change and are based on the time of day and animal needs. 

Cider, donuts, and additional pumpkins are available for purchase. Our Farm Kitchen & Store will be open during your visit.

Have a larger group than 50? Please contact misabell@bloomfield.org to help organize your visit.

Fall: October ($14 with pumpkin)

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.