In 1988, Bill and Jessie Pierce formed The Willard G. Pierce and Jessie M. Pierce Foundation as a way to give back to the people and community that meant so much to them. The Foundation has given numerous grants to the Hastings Area School District, the First Presbyterian Church, Love Inc., and Charlton Park, as well as nearly twenty other Barry County non-profit organizations. Bill and Jessie passed away in 1998, but just prior to their deaths, the idea of building an environmental education center was conceived while visiting a friend's house and enjoying the natural beauty of Barry County.

The Pierce Foundation is overseen by group of dedicated individuals committed to seeing Bill and Jessie’s dream come to fruition.

President
Carl Schoessel, Consultant

Vice President 
Jeff Garrison, First Presbyterian Church of Hastings

Treasurer
Jim Toburen, Retired

Trustees
Joe Pierce, Retired
Hilary Snell, Varnum LLP