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!

Become A Member

Apply for the 2025 Season!

The Creative Retreats at Batts Cottage are now closed for the 2024 season. The Retreats will be available starting April 2025.

We are taking applications for the 2025 season.

Submit Your Application Here!

 

Trail Closure Notice

December 1-January 1: Trails north of Cloverdale Rd will be closed. Trails south of Cloverdale Rd are open.

For your safety, please be aware of trail closure signs.

News and Announcements

Welcome Party for New Executive Director, Virginia Bolshakova Cancelled Due Inclement Weather.

Due to inclement weather, we’ve rescheduled Virginia Bolshakova’s Welcome Party, from December 5 to Thursday, December 19.

It will be held from 6 – 8 pm at the Institute’s Visitor Center, as was originally planned.

If you made reservations to attend the December 5 party, we will hold your reservation for the new date.  However, if you’re unable to attend on the new date, please contact us at info@cedarcreekinstitute.org or (269) 721-4190.

After 23 years of service as Executive Director of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Michelle Skedgell announced her plans to retire from the Institute as of December 31, 2024. Following an extensive search, the Institute’s Board of Directors announces the hiring of a new Executive Director, Virginia Bolshakova.

Bolshakova is very dedicated to environmental stewardship and community engagement. She has extensive experience in scientific research and leadership roles. From 2016-2024, she was Executive Director for Purdue University’s Indiana GEAR UP program, where she oversaw the largest grant ($34.9 million) ever awarded to Purdue’s College of Education. The Indiana GEAR UP program focuses on low-income, first-generation students, helping to close the education gap and ensuring underserved communities have access to postsecondary education and career opportunities.

Continue reading here.

Register here!

Pierce Pickups

Order your Pierce Pickups by Thursday of each week and pickup the following Friday at the Institute Visitor Center from Noon- 2 pm or at Anne's Health Food Store in Hastings during normal business hours

Order your December meals here. 

Order your Holiday Pierce Pickup meals here.

The 2025 Field Station applications are now live!

Pre-proposals are due January 6, 2025. Research and Natural Resources Fellowship applications are due January 30, 2025. Creative Art Fellowships are due February 23, 2025.The 2025 Field Station season will begin May 12, 2025.

Apply here! https://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/research/

Click here to learn more.

Questions? Contact:
Ellen Holste
Research and Community Engagement Manager
Phone: 269-721-4170 or email eholste@cedarcreekinstitute.org.

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, for Environmental Education

Set on 850 acres in rural Barry County, Michigan, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, a mix between an environmental education center, nature center and biological field station, provides visitors opportunities for education, recreation, research and exposure to a blend of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, marshes, streams, lakes, and prairies.

01dec8:00 am31(dec 31)8:00 pmDecember Storybook Walk-Stickler Loves the WorldWander with Stickler and his best friend Crow as they discover all the amazing things nature has to offer. 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (31)(GMT-05:00) Free-Self-guided on the Black Walnut Trail

01dec8:00 am31(dec 31)8:00 pmNature's Gratitude Walk on the Lupine TrailLearn about the kaleidoscope of fall colors created by Michigan's many tree species.8:00 am - 8:00 pm (31)(GMT-05:00) No registration needed!

08dec11:15 am2:00 pmHoliday Brunch, Music, and Art!11:15 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now! The 1 pm seating is full!

19dec6:00 pm8:00 pmWelcome Party for Incoming Executive Director, Virginia Bolshakova6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Today!

20dec(dec 20)8:00 am05jan(jan 5)8:00 pmWinter Break Exploration KitsPick up a FREE kit full of fun, hands-on activities to keep kids learning and exploring during school break. Kits will be available for several age groups including birth-2 years old, preschool, early and upper elementary as well as teens. More information and pickup locations will be listed soon. Sponsored by Friends of Delton Library and Worgess.8:00 am - (January 5) 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Kits will be available at the Institute, Hastings Public Library, Delton Public Library, or Dowling Library.

20dec(dec 20)8:00 am05jan(jan 5)8:00 pmWinter Break Exploration KitsPick up a FREE kit full of fun, hands-on activities to keep kids learning and exploring during school break. Kits will be available for several age groups including birth-2 years old, preschool, early and upper elementary as well as teens. More information and pickup locations will be listed soon. Sponsored by Friends of Delton Library and Worgess.8:00 am - (January 5) 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Kits will be available at the Institute, Hastings Public Library, Delton Public Library, or Dowling Library.

01jan8:00 am31(jan 31)8:00 pmJanuary Storybook Walk: Bird Count by Susan Edwards Richmond; Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer ColemanJoin a mother and daughter as they participate in the Christmas Bird Count. What kinds of birds will they find? After your storybook adventure, stop by the southside of the Visitor Center to pick up your own bird count activity. Free (Self-guided on Black Walnut Trail)8:00 am - 8:00 pm (31)(GMT-05:00) No registration needed.

01jan8:00 am31(jan 31)8:00 pmBackyard Bird WalkWhat kinds of birds might live in your backyard? Follow the self-guided trail to find out. Afterward, visit the southside of the Visitor Center for a bird count activity and additional information on the Great Backyard Bird Count.8:00 am - 8:00 pm (31)(GMT-05:00) Free and self-guided on the Lupine Trail

02jan10:00 am11:00 amNature Playdates in the Play Space- The January 2 theme is Bird Bonanza!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.10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-05:00) Register Now!

09jan11:00 am1:00 pmHealthy Planet, Healthy People Lecture Series-Drinking Water and Forests with Dr. Emily HuffForests are critical for increasing biodiversity, storing carbon, and providing habitat for animals. 11:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now! Register for lunch by January 2.

15jan5:00 pm6:30 pmSpecialty Dinner –Swiss Steak and Chicken DinnerEnjoy this homestyle comfort food dinner with salad, sides, and dessert. Registration deadline is Wednesday, January 8.5:00 pm - 6:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now!

21jan10:00 am12:00 pmCedar Creek Book Club - You Are Here Poetry in the Natural World, Edited and Introduced by Ada Limón.With a mix of fiction and non-fiction biographies, this book club is for readers who share an avid concern and interest in the natural world.10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now! Registration for spring is coming soon!

24jan10:00 am11:00 amScience Storytime at Hastings Public Library-Snow ScienceLearn about science through the power of books! Join Hastings Public Library and the Institute as they share their favorite books, activities, and crafts with little learners.10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-05:00) No Registration Needed!

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.