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

October 1-November 15: Archery season.  All trails are open.

November 15-30: All trails will be closed for deer firearm season.

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.

Holiday Gift Show and Lunches

The Holiday Gift Show is Sunday, November 10, 2024

11 am–3 pm

More than 35 artists will have a range of items for sale, and Institute members will receive 15% off their purchases in the gift shop.  For the first time, vendors will be in the Visitor Center and the Education Building.

Holiday Gift Show and Lunches

The Holiday Gift Show is Sunday, November 10, 2024

11 am–3 pm

More than 35 artists will have a range of items for sale, and Institute members will receive 15% off their purchases in the gift shop.  For the first time, vendors will be in the Visitor Center and the Education Building.

News and Announcements

Institute Announces New Executive Director, Virginia Bolshakova!

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. Join us on Thursday, December 5 for an open house welcoming Virginia.

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 for the open house. 

Join Us on Thursday, November 21 for Michelle's Retirement Party

The open house will honor Executive Director Michelle Skedgell upon her retirement after 23 years of service to the Institute.

Continue reading here.

Register here for the open house.

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 November meals here. 

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.

01nov8:00 am30(nov 30)8:00 pmNovember 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 (30)(GMT-04:00) Free-Self-guided on the Black Walnut Trail

15nov11:00 am1:30 pmConservation in a Changing World Lecture Series-Noise in the Anthropocene (Human Era): Soundscapes, Songs, and Silent Pauses (Ages 15+, Under 18 with Adult)Learn how humans are impacting nature’s soundscapes.11:00 am - 1:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Lunch registration is closed. Program registration is available.

19nov10:30 am12:00 pm2024 Nature Book ClubWith a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and biographies, this book club is for readers who share a concern and interest in the natural world. 10:30 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now!

19nov7:00 pm8:30 pm2024 Nature Book ClubWith a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and biographies, this book club is for readers who share a concern and interest in the natural world. 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now!

21nov6:00 pm8:00 pmMichelle's Retirement PartyJoin us for an open house to honor Executive Director Michelle Skedgell. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now!

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

08dec11:15 am2:00 pmHoliday Brunch, Music, and Art!11:15 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now and Event Details!

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. More information and pickup locations will be listed on the web site. (December 20) 8:00 am - (January 5) 8:00 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.