Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray (March 8, 1927 - August 18, 2020) was the founder of Blandford Nature Center and who inspired thousands of children through her infectious love of nature. Dr. Dockeray was a pioneer in environmental education and was a local icon whose passion for inspiring people of all ages to fall in love with and protect nature. After graduating from Michigan State College with degrees in geology and environmental education, she worked as the Curator of Natural History at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. She visited schools, educating students about natural sciences and the environment. She authored the book "Let's Go Exploring: Suggestions for Field Trips and Associated Studies in Environmental-Conservation Education." Dockeray also wrote and produced a film titled "These Things Are Ours" viewed throughout the United States and Canada as part of lecture tours for the National Audubon Society. Dockeray will be remembered for many things, but she is perhaps best known for her classroom visits and lectures with her ancient slide projector. With this machine in hand, she brought nature to life through vivid imagery and stories that enthralled children and adults alike. She received numerous awards, including the Michigan Audubon Society Outstanding Member Award. She was also inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. Most recently, she received the inaugural Association of Nature Center Administrators' President's Award for exemplary leadership in the Nature and Environmental Learning Center Profession. The Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship fund was established at Grand Valley State University to recognize outstanding high school seniors planning on science careers.
(Source: Mlive Obituary)