Part of our mission is to engage with the local community to provide opportunities to connect with nature through hands-on experiences and place-based learning. This creates enthusiasm and appreciation for our natural resources and fosters an intrinsic value of wildlife.
Visit BULA or CMERC
The majority of our outreach occurs on-site at our two locations, and we highly encourage schools, clubs, and other organizations to contact us to arrange field trips to experience our outreach programs at these sites during our field seasons. On-site, visitors can observe scientific research and field biologists in action, as well as gain hands-on experience with the incredible diversity of birds we capture. We ask that all groups contact us at burklakebanding@gmail.com prior to your visit.
The Burke Lake Banding Station is located in Bath, Michigan and is a rustic banding site. It is available for groups under 25 students and may have slippery and uneven paths. Corey Marsh is available for groups of any size and trails are wider and clear.
Programs are available in a virtual or in-person format depending on the size of the group and current university recommendations.
| Program Length | Program Location | Student fee** |
| 2 hours | BULA* | $2.00 |
| 3 hours | BULA* | $2.50 |
| Full Morning | BULA* | $3.50 |
| 2 hours | Corey Marsh | $2.50 |
| 3 hours | Corey Marsh | $3.00 |
| Full Morning | Corey Marsh | $4.00 |
| Virtual Visit | Free! |
*only available during fall banding season
**Chaperones are free, we ask that you bring 1 chaperone per 10 students.
If your group has never visited before, we offer half off any program for your first visit!
Typical programs:
2 hours: See mist netting and bird banding, discuss migratory birds, migratory stop-over points, the research at the station, see birds up close, and learn about different migratory bird species.
3 hours: As above, plus a hands-on feather adaptation lesson or native plant berry smear and additional time seeing birds up close.
Full Morning: As above, plus a migration game, a bird diet and migration lesson, a binocular lesson, or additional time seeing and comparing birds up close.
Any educational programs at the Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center can be followed by a guided walk to the marsh. Picnic area is available for CMERC guests.
Virtual Visits – Zoom or Google Classroom program with MSBO Crew – During the banding season, virtual visitors can join our crew on a net run and observe our Bander during the entire banding process. Participants get to ask questions and meet working wildlife professionals.
In the off season, presentations are available including Migration, Bird Adaptation, Community Science, How Birds Use the Night Sky to Navigate, Native Plants for Birds and more. Please reach out if you are interested in a virtual program from the MSBO.
MSBO also conducts outreach at local schools and events!
If you would like us to visit your school, please contact us at burkelakebanding@gmail.com.
Additional outreach events include:
- Michigan State University Science Festival
- Michigan State University Autumn Fest
- Fenner Nature Center Earth Day Extravaganza
- MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Techniques
- MSU Ornithology
- Potter Park Zoo International Migratory Bird Day
- 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp
- Wild Native Plants Society
- Earth Day Extravaganza
- MSU Extension Bioblitz
- Quiet Activities Symposium
- Elementary Science Night Booth
- MSU Gifted and Talented Program Class
- MSU Girls Math and Science Day
- Park Lake Summer Fun Fest
- Classroom visits and school yard bird walks
- Assisted Living Home presentations and walks
Please check us out on Facebook to see pictures from all our outreach events!
To view our Outreach and Youth Programs Handbook, click here.
Please click on the following to download our Parent/Guardian Consent Form, Media Release Form, or Medical Release Form.
Please click on the following to download our virtual program Parent/Guardian Consent Form. This form can be emailed to burkelakebanding@gmail.com.