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!

 

2025 Holiday Gift Show Applications are Live!

Apply for the Institute's 2025 Holiday Gift Show!

Submit your application using this link.

We Are Hiring!

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is looking for a new Finance Director. Check out our Career's page for more information!

Click here to learn more!

News and Announcements

Looking for a night off from cooking? Pierce Pickups has got you covered!

Pierce Pickups makes it easy to enjoy delicious, chef-prepared meals from Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, with the convenience of advance ordering and multiple pickup locations. Whether you're looking for a healthy lunch, a family dinner, or a special treat, our meal pickup service ensures fresh, high-quality food is ready when you need it.

How It Works

  1. Order in Advance – Choose from a rotating menu of seasonal, locally inspired meals.
  2. Select Your Pickup Location – Pick up your order at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute or Anne’s Health Foods in Hastings.
  3. Enjoy – Take home a freshly prepared meal that supports sustainability and local ingredients.

By ordering through Pierce Pickups, you’re not only getting a convenient, nutritious meal but also supporting the Institute’s mission of environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Click Here to Order!

Check Out our Spring Newsletter

Click the picture below to peak inside our newsletter and see the upcoming events at the Institute!

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.

Current Month

marMystery Hike: A Sticky SituationMystery Hike: Free (self-guided on the Lupine Trail)Month Long Event (March)(GMT-05:00) No Registration Required

marMarch Storybook Walk: Hello, Puddle!March Storybook Walk: Free (Self-guided on the Black Walnut trail)Month Long Event (March)(GMT-05:00) No Registration Required

27mar6:00 pm7:00 pmNative Plant Gardening Workshop: On the RoadThursday, March 27  6–7 pm at Dowling Public Library. Come learn about native plant gardening at your local library6:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-04:00) No Registration Required

28mar10:30 am11:15 amScience Storytime at Hastings Public LibraryStorytime at Hastings Public Library: Signs of Spring10:30 am - 11:15 am(GMT-04:00)

29mar9:00 am10:00 amNative Plant Gardening Workshop: On the RoadSaturday, March 29, 9-10 am at Vermontville Library. Come learn about native plant gardening at your local library9:00 am - 10:00 am(GMT-04:00) No Registration Required

29mar12:00 pm2:30 pmPine Needle Basket Workshop (THIS EVENT IS FULL)Learn to weave pine needles into coiled baskets! (THIS EVENT IS FULL)12:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

31mar2:00 pm3:00 pmNative Plant Gardening Workshop: On the RoadMonday, March 31, 2–3 pm at Hastings Public Library. Come learn about native plant gardening at your local library2:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00) No Registration Required

aprApril Storybook Walk: Frog vs. ToadApril's Storybook Walk: Frog vs. ToadMonth Long Event (April)(GMT-04:00) No Registration Required

aprMichigan Frogs and ToadsFree self-guided hike on the Lupine TrailMonth Long Event (April)(GMT-04:00) No Registration Required

01apr6:30 pm8:00 pmPlan, Plant, and Grow! A Native Plant Gardening Workshop Join us for an informational program on native plant selection and garden planning, planting, and maintenance.6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

03apr10:00 am11:00 amNature Playdates in the PlayspaceSigns of Spring10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

04apr5:00 pm7:00 pmSpecialty Dinner - Pancake Supper5:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Now!

07apr6:00 pm7:00 pmNative Plant Gardening Workshop: On the RoadMonday, April 7, 6–7 pm at Freeport Library. Come learn about native plant gardening at your local library6:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-04:00) No Registration Required

10apr11:00 am1:00 pmHealthy Planet, Healthy People: Citizen ScienceCitizen Science11:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

12apr10:00 am12:00 pmTrail Kick-Off HikeJoin us for our first social hike of the year, as we officially unveil our redesigned trail map!10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

Show More Events

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.