Welcome to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Immerse Yourself in Nature
What's New at the Institute?
Membership
Of all the many things that matter at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, members matter most! Without their dedication, participation, and generosity, the Institute would not be what it is today. Nor could it be what it aspires to be in the future!
Apply for the 2026 Season!
The Creative Retreats at Batts Cottage are currently closed for the 2025 season. The Retreats will be available again starting in April 2026.
We are now accepting applications for the 2026 season.
Feast of Home Barry County
We can't wait for the next installment of Feast of Home: Barry County on Wednesday, November 19!
Our second program features a panel of grounded, thoughtful local leaders —Nick Otto, Allison Hinton, Jessica Endres, and Joshua Shultz —who bring real-world experience and practical ideas for building a more connected, resilient local food system right here in our community.
Come for the dinner, the free program following the meal, or both!
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, for Environmental Education
Set on 850 acres in rural Barry County, Michigan, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute serves as an environmental education center, nature center, and biological field station. PCCI offers visitors opportunities for education, recreation, research, and exposure to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, marshes, streams, lakes, and prairies.
News and Announcements
Feast of Home: Barry County – Growing Our Local Food Community
We’re now turning our attention to the second Feast of Home event on Wednesday, November 19, where we’ll feature Nana Otto’s famous Turkey Steak recipe as the star of the pre-Thanksgiving Harvest Supper. The program will include a panel of grounded, thoughtful local leaders: Nick Otto, Allison Hinton, Jessica Endres, and Joshua Shultz, who bring real-world experience and practical ideas for building a more connected, resilient local food system right here in our community.
Come hungry. Leave inspired. Join us at the Feast of Home!
Check Out Our Winter Upcoming Events Flyer
Winter Upcoming Events Flyer
October and November Pierce Pickups
From apple cider pork chops to southern sweet potato pie, there's a little something for everyone on this month's edition of Pierce Pickups. Order your meals today!
What's Happening at the Institute?
25sep01aprChelsea Bivens' Art Exhibit(September 25) 9:00 am - (April 1) 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Chelsea Bivens is a local artist whose work is heavily influenced by her experiences living in this community. “Nature continuously fuels my creativity. I love
Event Details
Chelsea Bivens is a local artist whose work is heavily influenced by her experiences living in this community. “Nature continuously fuels my creativity. I love hiking the trails at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and the North Country Trail in the Yankee Springs area. I often come out of the woods with a sense of clarity, renewed inspiration, and an eagerness to get to my easel. I believe that every connection with nature is genuine and sacred. My work explores many different interactions with nature, hoping viewers find a piece that resonates with their own unique relationship with the natural world.”
“25% of sales will be donated to the Institute to further our mission: To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment.
Time
September 25, 2025 9:00 am - April 1, 2026 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Many animals call the forest their home, but how do they learn to coexist? Some animals are awake during the day, and some are nocturnal.
Event Details
Many animals call the forest their home, but how do they learn to coexist? Some animals are awake during the day, and some are nocturnal. Compare these two groups of animals that live amongst the trees!
Free (self-guided on the purple and green trails)
Time
Month Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
novWhose Track is That?Month Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Check out the tracks of our most frequent visitors! Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is home to many species of mammals. Can you follow their tracks?
Event Details
Check out the tracks of our most frequent visitors! Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is home to many species of mammals. Can you follow their tracks?
Free (self-guided on the green trail)
Time
Month Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
09nov11:00 am3:00 pmHoliday Gift Show11:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
The Institute’s annual Holiday Gift Show is the perfect place to find unique gifts! More than 25 local artists will have a range of items
Event Details
The Institute’s annual Holiday Gift Show is the perfect place to find unique gifts! More than 25 local artists will have a range of items for sale, and Institute members will receive 15% off their purchases in the gift shop. The Gift Show is free and open to the public.
Admission is Free
Time
November 9, 2025 11:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Friday, November 14 Learn about science through the power of books! Join Hastings Public Library’s youth librarian and Institute employees
Event Details
Friday, November 14
Learn about science through the power of books! Join Hastings Public Library’s youth librarian and Institute employees as they share their favorite books, activities, and crafts with little learners. These programs will take place outdoors as weather permits. Please dress for the weather and the season!
FREE (no registration required)
Time
November 14, 2025 10:30 am - 11:15 am(GMT-05:00)
Location
Hastings Public Library
227 E State St, Hastings, MI 49058
Event Details
Live Owl Program with Outdoor Discovery Center 6 – 7 pm Optional Hike 7 – 8 pm
Event Details
Live Owl Program with Outdoor Discovery Center 6 – 7 pm
Optional Hike 7 – 8 pm
Join us for an owl-some evening of discovery and live owl fun! Explore the fascinating world of Michigan’s owls through an engaging program that offers close encounters with these nocturnal birds of prey. This experience will provide a unique opportunity to learn about owls’ adaptations, behaviors, and conservation, all while observing them up close.
Members $5 | Non-Members $8
Family $25 (please indicate the number of people in a family)
Time
November 14, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
18nov10:00 am12:00 pmNature Book Club10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register for Free Here!
Event Details
November focuses on Life and Death of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan. This inspiring non-fiction book talks about the importance of the Great Lakes
Event Details
November focuses on Life and Death of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan. This inspiring non-fiction book talks about the importance of the Great Lakes and the presence they bring to a hopeful future for our planet, and about the impact they have on the communities and ecosystems around them.
Feel free to join us even if you have not read the book (and be inspired to read it). This club will be led by Institute staff and volunteers.
Free (please register online)
(Participants are required to obtain the books themselves. Many local libraries and bookstores carry these titles. If you can’t find a book, contact the institute for assistance!)
Time
November 18, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Farm-to-Table Dinner Series (Ages 18+) Wednesday, November 19 – Growing Our Local Food Community
Event Details
Farm-to-Table Dinner Series (Ages 18+)
Wednesday, November 19 – Growing Our Local Food Community
Dinner 6 pm | $50
Program 7:15 – 8 pm | Free
Dessert and Conversation 8 – 8:30 pm | Free
Celebrate the flavors, farms, and food stories of Barry County! Enjoy a locally sourced farm-to-table dinner, followed by a free community program and dessert exploring why local food matters—for our economy, our environment, and our future. A true feast for both body and mind.
Time
November 19, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
6 – 6:50 pm or 7 – 7:50 pm An evening of holiday art and snack fun for families! Work on open-ended
Event Details
6 – 6:50 pm or 7 – 7:50 pm
An evening of holiday art and snack fun for families! Work on open-ended holiday art, ornaments, or gifts. Limited space available for each session. Please register for one session by Saturday, November 15 to reserve your spot!
Free (Please Register)
Time
November 21, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
25sep01aprChelsea Bivens' Art Exhibit(September 25) 9:00 am - (April 1) 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Chelsea Bivens is a local artist whose work is heavily influenced by her experiences living in this community. “Nature continuously fuels my creativity. I love
Event Details
Chelsea Bivens is a local artist whose work is heavily influenced by her experiences living in this community. “Nature continuously fuels my creativity. I love hiking the trails at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and the North Country Trail in the Yankee Springs area. I often come out of the woods with a sense of clarity, renewed inspiration, and an eagerness to get to my easel. I believe that every connection with nature is genuine and sacred. My work explores many different interactions with nature, hoping viewers find a piece that resonates with their own unique relationship with the natural world.”
“25% of sales will be donated to the Institute to further our mission: To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment.
Time
September 25, 2025 9:00 am - April 1, 2026 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Many animals call the forest their home, but how do they learn to coexist? Some animals are awake during the day, and some are nocturnal.
Event Details
Many animals call the forest their home, but how do they learn to coexist? Some animals are awake during the day, and some are nocturnal. Compare these two groups of animals that live amongst the trees!
Free (self-guided on the purple and green trails)
Time
Month Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
novWhose Track is That?Month Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Check out the tracks of our most frequent visitors! Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is home to many species of mammals. Can you follow their tracks?
Event Details
Check out the tracks of our most frequent visitors! Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is home to many species of mammals. Can you follow their tracks?
Free (self-guided on the green trail)
Time
Month Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
decGifts That Give BackMonth Long Event (December)(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
Visit our expanded Gift Shop during the holidays to discover unique, nature-inspired gifts that support the Institute’s mission: To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our
Event Details
Visit our expanded Gift Shop during the holidays to discover unique, nature-inspired gifts that support the Institute’s mission: To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment. The selection features items from local artists, students, and fair trade.
Members receive a 10% discount on their purchases every day and 25% off one item during their birthday month.
Time
Month Long Event (December)(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
01decAll Day26janSeed Cleaning Drop-in(All Day)(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
Mondays in December and January 11 am – 4 pm Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Event Details
Mondays in December and January
11 am – 4 pm
Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Monday, January 5, 12, 19, and 26
Stay warm indoors and work with your hands this winter! A seed cleaning station is set up with everything you need to get started. Tea, coffee, and snacks are free. Drop in anytime between 11 am – 4 pm in the Education Building to get started.
Free (no registration required)
Time
December 1, 2025 - January 26, 2026 (All Day)(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Join the Stewardship Team in cleaning native seeds to be used for the plant sale and seeding on the Institute’s property. Participants will learn about seed
Event Details
Join the Stewardship Team in cleaning native seeds to be used for the plant sale and seeding on the Institute’s property. Participants will learn about seed collecting, processing, and storing. Lunch is included. Please meet inside the Visitor Center.
Member $15 | Non-Member $20
Sign up for the program here:
Time
December 1, 2025 11:00 am - 12:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
04dec10:00 am11:00 amPlaydates in the Playspace 10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-05:00) Register Here!
Event Details
(Ages 6 and under with an adult) Thursday, December 4 Thursday, February 5
Event Details
(Ages 6 and under with an adult)
Thursday, December 4
Thursday, February 5
Every season is outdoor season! Bring your little ones to explore nature through free play, activities, books, and more. This program is designed for children and their accompanying caregivers. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.
Free (please register online)
Time
December 4, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
08decAll Day02febSeed Cleaning Drop-in(All Day)(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
Mondays in December and January 11 am – 4 pm Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Event Details
Mondays in December and January
11 am – 4 pm
Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Monday, January 5, 12, 19, and 26
Stay warm indoors and work with your hands this winter! A seed cleaning station is set up with everything you need to get started. Tea, coffee, and snacks are free. Drop in anytime between 11 am – 4 pm in the Education Building to get started.
Free (no registration required)
Time
December 8, 2025 - February 2, 2026 (All Day)(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Sunday, December 14 Brunch Seatings: 11:15 am and 1 pm Concert: 12:15 – 1 pm Join
Event Details
Sunday, December 14
Brunch Seatings: 11:15 am and 1 pm
Concert: 12:15 – 1 pm
Join us in celebrating the holiday season! Delight in festive menu selections and seasonal music by the Kalamazoo Concert Brass. Explore the Institute and enjoy the current exhibit by Chelsea Bivens. Chelsea will be available for conversations throughout the day.
Member Adults $24; Children $14 | Non-Member Adults $30; Children $18 (plus tax)
Children ages 6 – 12; 5 and under are free
Time
December 14, 2025 11:15 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
15decAll Day09febSeed Cleaning Drop-in(All Day)(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
Mondays in December and January 11 am – 4 pm Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Event Details
Mondays in December and January
11 am – 4 pm
Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Monday, January 5, 12, 19, and 26
Stay warm indoors and work with your hands this winter! A seed cleaning station is set up with everything you need to get started. Tea, coffee, and snacks are free. Drop in anytime between 11 am – 4 pm in the Education Building to get started.
Free (no registration required)
Time
December 15, 2025 - February 9, 2026 (All Day)(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
19dec(dec 19)9:00 am28(dec 28)5:00 pmWinter Break Kits9:00 am - 5:00 pm (28)(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
(Ages birth to 18) Friday, December 19 to Sunday, December 28 Stop by the Institute near the southside bathrooms,
Event Details
(Ages birth to 18)
Friday, December 19 to Sunday, December 28
Stop by the Institute near the southside bathrooms, Hastings Public Library, Delton District Library, or Dowling Library to pick up a free kit filled with winter fun and hands-on activities to keep learning and exploring during the break. Kits are grouped by age or grade level: birth to 2 years old, preschool, early elementary, upper elementary, and teens.
Sponsored by Bradford White.
Free
Time
December 19, 2025 9:00 am - December 28, 2025 5:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
22decAll Day16febSeed Cleaning Drop-in(All Day)(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
Mondays in December and January 11 am – 4 pm Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Event Details
Mondays in December and January
11 am – 4 pm
Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Monday, January 5, 12, 19, and 26
Stay warm indoors and work with your hands this winter! A seed cleaning station is set up with everything you need to get started. Tea, coffee, and snacks are free. Drop in anytime between 11 am – 4 pm in the Education Building to get started.
Free (no registration required)
Time
December 22, 2025 - February 16, 2026 (All Day)(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
29decAll Day23febSeed Cleaning Drop-in(All Day)(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
Mondays in December and January 11 am – 4 pm Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Event Details
Mondays in December and January
11 am – 4 pm
Monday, December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Monday, January 5, 12, 19, and 26
Stay warm indoors and work with your hands this winter! A seed cleaning station is set up with everything you need to get started. Tea, coffee, and snacks are free. Drop in anytime between 11 am – 4 pm in the Education Building to get started.
Free (no registration required)
Time
December 29, 2025 - February 23, 2026 (All Day)(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Environmental Education & Sustainable Land Management Initiatives
The Institute offers environmental education and sustainable land management programs to the community, instructing environmental stewards by communicating the core values of land conservancy, environmental responsibility and the pursuit of knowledge; provides scientific research grants and research partnerships with a consortium of area colleges and universities; and features over nine miles of hiking trails open to the public, free of charge, from dawn to dusk year-round.