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

Celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute! Enjoy delicious food, a live poetry reading by author Barbara Vandyken, and explore nature through literature. Barbara’s books will be available for purchase, benefiting ScienceStrong. The reading is free, and you do not have to attend brunch to enjoy it. There are two brunch seatings to choose from, 11:15 am and
1:00 pm.

Member Adults $24; Children $14
Non-Member Adults $30; Children $18
Children ages 5-12; 4 and under are free (plus tax)

Sign up here!

Pre-ordering is live! This year, we are selling mixes during the pre-order, with individual plants available during our in-person sale May 31. Purchase your plants by clicking this link.

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

aprMichigan Frogs and ToadsFree self-guided hike on the Lupine TrailMonth Long Event (April)(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

24apr5:00 pm7:30 pmDive-In MovieThursday, April 24, 5 pm –7:30 pm at Hastings Community Education and Recreation Center5:00 pm - 7:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

25aprAll Day28City Nature Challenge(All Day)(GMT-04:00) No Registration Required

26apr10:00 am12:00 pmCANCELED Nature Journaling WorkshopTHIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

28apr6:30 pm8:00 pmFrog Home Trail CelebrationMonday, April 28, 6:30 – 8 pm6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

mayNature Playdates in the PlayspaceMonarch MigrationMonth Long Event (May)(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

mayMay Storybook Walk: Diary of a FlyMay Storybook Walk: Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin; Illustrated by Harry BlissMonth Long Event (May)(GMT-04:00) No Registration Required

maySpring Wildflower WalkThursday May 1– Saturday, May 31Month Long Event (May)(GMT-04:00) No Registration Required

03may10:00 am12:00 pmMonarch Butterfly PartyMonarch Butterfly Party (Ages 7+, under 18 with Adult)10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

05may2:00 pm4:00 pmSpring Wildflower Accessible TourMonday, May 5, 2-4 PM2:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

06may2:00 pm4:00 pmSpring Wildflower Accessible TourTuesday, May 6, 2-4 PM2:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

07may2:00 pm4:00 pmSpring Wildflower Accessible TourWednesday, May 7, 2-4 PM2:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

10may10:00 am11:30 amSpring Wildflower Hike at the Little Grand CanyonJoin us for a morning hike at the Little Grand Canyon!10:00 am - 11:30 am(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.