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.
All Trails Closed Through November
As hunting season has reached Barry County, our trails will remain closed for the remainder of November.
Out of respect for our neighbors and the safety of our hikers, all our trails will be closed from November 15 – 30. There is no hunting occurring on PCCI property this year. Please be aware of the trail closure signs, and let us know if you have any questions.
Holiday Building Closures
Our Visitor Center and Education Building will be closed on the following dates for the holidays:
- Thursday, November 27
- Friday, November 28
- Wednesday, December 24
- Thursday, December 25
- Wednesday, December 31
- Thursday, January 1
Starting December 1, our trails will reopen to regular operating hours.
Trails are free to hike and open from dawn to dusk. Bathrooms and drinking fountains are available at the south end of the Visitor Center during the same hours.
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
All Trails Closed Through November
Just a reminder that, as hunting season has reached Barry County, our trails will remain closed for the remainder of November.
Out of respect for our neighbors and the safety of our hikers, all our trails will be closed from November 15 – 30. There is no hunting occurring on PCCI property this year. Please be aware of the trail closure signs, and let us know if you have any questions.
Check Out Our Winter Upcoming Events Flyer
Winter Upcoming Events Flyer
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
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
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
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 11:00 am - January 26, 2026 4:00 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
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
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)
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.