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!
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.
2025 Holiday Gift Show Applications are Live!
Apply for the Institute's 2025 Holiday Gift Show!
Submit your application using this link.
Free PCCI Open House
- FREE MOO-ville Creamery Ice Cream
- FREE Hotdogs and Treats
- Yard Games and Activities
- Explore our Trails and Facilities
- See the New Art Exhibit
Sign up here!
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.
News and Announcements

Gala in the Garden Tickets Are On Sale!
Gala in the Garden will be held on Saturday, July 19 from 6 – 9 pm. Join us for a night of great food, live music, and great company!
Sign up here today!
June and July Pierce Pickups Are Now Available!
Looking for an easy and delicious meal or dessert? Pierce Pickups have you coverd!
Click here to order your homemade meals today!
Check Out our Summer Upcoming Events Flyer
Click here to check out our upcoming events this summer at PCCI!
What's Happening at the Institute?
Event Details
Saturday, April 12 – Wednesday, October 1 Hike the trails to earn your stripes! Complete our 2025 trail blazers bingo card and
Event Details
Saturday, April 12 – Wednesday, October 1
Hike the trails to earn your stripes! Complete our 2025 trail blazers bingo card and collect your prize! All prizes will be available for pick-up at the visitor center front desk beginning Friday, August 1. Join the challenge and see if you have what it takes to be a Trail Master!
Free (self-guided on Pierce Cedar Creek Institute trails)
more
Time
April 12, 2025 12:01 am - October 1, 2025 11:59 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
junNature Paintings Exhibit by Al WhiteMonth Long Event (June)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Al’s paintings will be on display and for sale in the Institute’s Visitor Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, June 1 through September 30, 2025.
Event Details
Al’s paintings will be on display and for sale in the Institute’s Visitor Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, June 1 through September 30, 2025.
25% of sales will be donated to the Institute to further our mission: To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment.
This season’s art exhibit showcases stunning wildlife paintings by the very talented Al White! Visit the Institute Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, to enjoy his beautiful artwork displayed throughout the Visitor Center.
more
Time
Month Long Event (June)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Wednesdays, June 11 – August 6 10 am – Noon Join the Stewardship staff in caring for plants,
Event Details
Wednesdays, June 11 – August 6
10 am – Noon
Join the Stewardship staff in caring for plants, seed spreading, or removing invasive plants. Participants will learn about plant identification, plant communities, and ecology. Please register online. Further details will be sent before the event.
more
Time
June 11, 2025 10:00 am - August 6, 2025 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
julJuly Storybook WalkMonth Long Event (July)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Emile and the FieldBy Kevin Young; illustrated by Chioma EbinamaYoung Emile loves the field close to his home. He loves the trees, the
Event Details
Emile and the Field
By Kevin Young; illustrated by Chioma Ebinama
Young Emile loves the field close to his home. He loves the trees, the flowers, the grass. But he doesn’t love sharing this field with the other children who come to sled during winter. Can Emile learn to share his beloved field?
Free (self-guided on the purple and green trails)
more
Time
Month Long Event (July)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
julSummer Wildflower TrailMonth Long Event (July)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Tuesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 31 Did you miss our spring wildflower walk? Don’t worry, summer brings even more native wildflowers!
Event Details
Tuesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 31
Did you miss our spring wildflower walk? Don’t worry, summer brings even more native wildflowers! Follow the trail and enjoy the bright blooms of summer.
Free (self-guided on the green trail)
Check out our interactive trail map here:
http://bit.ly/4hNpP18
more
Time
Month Long Event (July)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
15jul10:00 am11:00 amTrekkin' with TotsBird Brigade10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Get your littlest ones excited about hiking! Each hike will include a destination, adventure, or other program designed to keep your kids hiking and happy!
Event Details
Get your littlest ones excited about hiking! Each hike will include a destination, adventure, or other program designed to keep your kids hiking and happy! Older siblings are welcome, too.
July 15th— Bird Brigade
Time
July 15, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
17jul6:00 pm8:00 pmSocial Hikes6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views! Each month, we offer a Thursday morning hike, a Thursday evening hike, and a Saturday hike. Check out the schedule, and register to hike with us!
All hikes are FREE. (Water is required to hike. This is a safety precaution to prevent dehydration on the trail.)
This is a 1.9 mile hike open to all.
more
Time
July 17, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Save the Date: Gala in the Garden 2025Presented by the Douglas and Margaret DeCamp Foundation Join us for Pierce Cedar
Event Details
Save the Date: Gala in the Garden 2025
Presented by the Douglas and Margaret DeCamp Foundation
Join us for Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s signature event, Gala in the Garden 2025, a celebration of nature, community, and conservation. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable evening filled with delicious food and stunning garden views—all supporting our mission to inspire environmental appreciation and stewardship.
Date: July 19, 2025
Tickets: Order tickets here or call us at 269-721-4190
Don’t miss this unique outdoor gala experience in the heart of Michigan’s nature.
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors





more
Time
July 19, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
24jul6:30 pm8:00 pmShinrin-Yoku Experience6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult) 4th Thursday of the Month 6:30 – 8 pm July 24
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)
4th Thursday of the Month 6:30 – 8 pm
July 24
August 28 (Accessible program)
September 25 (Sunset program)
Join Certified Forest Therapy Guide Katie Venechuk as she introduces the practice of Shinrin-Yoku (also known as “forest bathing”)! This restorative series will help you experience nature in a new way—encouraging you to slow down, notice new things in the world around you, and enjoy the peace of nature. At the beginning of each program, you’ll learn about the history of forest bathing, the science behind the health benefits, and how it differs from a hike in the forest. Then, you’ll experience guided forest bathing firsthand! Each program in this three-part series is different. Participants can register for one or all three sessions to deepen their practice and personal connection to nature over time. The Institute has partnered with In Your Element Wellness to offer a special, discounted rate for this series.
Member $18 | Non-Member $23 (per session)
Register for all three program dates and receive 15% off your total!
Programs will include a small snack. Please list any allergies when registering.
more
Time
July 24, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
25jul10:00 am12:00 pmFun Fridays10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Family FriendlyFridays during summer 10 am – NoonFriday, July 25Friday, August 1It’s a Fun Friday at the Institute! Join us for
Event Details
Family Friendly
Fridays during summer 10 am – Noon
Friday, July 25
Friday, August 1
It’s a Fun Friday at the Institute! Join us for hands-on activities, special guests, games, and crafts centered around a new theme each week! This is a come-and-go event, and all caregivers must remain with their children during this event. Explore and play alongside your children. Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!
Free (please register online)
more
Time
July 25, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
31jul10:00 am12:00 pmSocial Hikes10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views! Each month, we offer a Thursday morning hike, a Thursday evening hike, and a Saturday hike. Check out the schedule, and register to hike with us!
All hikes are FREE. (Water is required to hike. This is a safety precaution to prevent dehydration on the trail.)
This is a 2.2 mile hike open to all.
more
Time
July 31, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Saturday, April 12 – Wednesday, October 1 Hike the trails to earn your stripes! Complete our 2025 trail blazers bingo card and
Event Details
Saturday, April 12 – Wednesday, October 1
Hike the trails to earn your stripes! Complete our 2025 trail blazers bingo card and collect your prize! All prizes will be available for pick-up at the visitor center front desk beginning Friday, August 1. Join the challenge and see if you have what it takes to be a Trail Master!
Free (self-guided on Pierce Cedar Creek Institute trails)
more
Time
April 12, 2025 12:01 am - October 1, 2025 11:59 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
junNature Paintings Exhibit by Al WhiteMonth Long Event (June)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Al’s paintings will be on display and for sale in the Institute’s Visitor Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, June 1 through September 30, 2025.
Event Details
Al’s paintings will be on display and for sale in the Institute’s Visitor Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, June 1 through September 30, 2025.
25% of sales will be donated to the Institute to further our mission: To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment.
This season’s art exhibit showcases stunning wildlife paintings by the very talented Al White! Visit the Institute Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, to enjoy his beautiful artwork displayed throughout the Visitor Center.
more
Time
Month Long Event (June)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Wednesdays, June 11 – August 6 10 am – Noon Join the Stewardship staff in caring for plants,
Event Details
Wednesdays, June 11 – August 6
10 am – Noon
Join the Stewardship staff in caring for plants, seed spreading, or removing invasive plants. Participants will learn about plant identification, plant communities, and ecology. Please register online. Further details will be sent before the event.
more
Time
June 11, 2025 10:00 am - August 6, 2025 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
augWalk the PlanetsMonth Long Event (August)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 31 Take a hike around our solar system! Visit each planet and discover the solar system that surrounds Earth.
Event Details
Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 31
Take a hike around our solar system! Visit each planet and discover the solar system that surrounds Earth.
Free (self-guided on the green trail)
Time
Month Long Event (August)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
augAugust Storybook WalkMonth Long Event (August)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Mnoomin maan’gowing: The Gift of Mnoomin By Brittnay Luby; illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley; translated by Mary Ann Corbiere
Event Details
Mnoomin maan’gowing: The Gift of Mnoomin
By Brittnay Luby; illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley; translated by Mary Ann Corbiere
A seed is a gift to the future and a story you can hold. Follow the journey of mnoomin, or wild rice seed, as it encounters the wetland animals that prepare its way and the people who harvest it. Hike the trail and discover the forces that keep a wetland ecosystem balanced for mnoomin.
Free (self-guided on the purple and green trails)
more
Time
Month Long Event (August)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
01aug10:00 am12:00 pmFun Fridays10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Family FriendlyFridays during summer 10 am – NoonFriday, August 1It’s a Fun Friday at the Institute! Join us for hands-on activities, special
Event Details
Family Friendly
Fridays during summer 10 am – Noon
Friday, August 1
It’s a Fun Friday at the Institute! Join us for hands-on activities, special guests, games, and crafts centered around a new theme each week! This is a come-and-go event, and all caregivers must remain with their children during this event. Explore and play alongside your children. Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!
Free (please register online)
more
Time
August 1, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Friday, August 1 Dinner: 6 – 7 pm This month’s Specialty Dinner will feature a classic fish fry with all the fixings,
Event Details
Friday, August 1 Dinner: 6 – 7 pm
This month’s Specialty Dinner will feature a classic fish fry with all the fixings, baked options, and more. For our non-fish eaters, we’re pleased to offer a choice of a Chef Salad or a Plant-Based Salad.
Important: If you would like a salad, please select either the Chef Salad or Plant-Based Salad option when registering. Salads will not be available unless chosen during registration.
Member Adults $20; Children $10 | Non-Member Adults $25; Children $15 (plus tax) Children ages 6–12; 5 and under are free
more
Time
August 1, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
05aug10:00 am12:00 pmSip and Ride Accessible Tours10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult) Tuesday, August 5 | 10 am – Noon Wednesday, August 6 |10 am –
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)
Tuesday, August 5 | 10 am – Noon
Wednesday, August 6 |10 am – Noon
Thursday, August 7 | 10 am – Noon
Interested in wild foraged drinks, but not interested in hiking the trails? This is for you! Tour and taste along the institute’s trails from the comfort of an all-terrain vehicle. Learn to ID the plants that make excellent teas, sodas, mocktails, and more!
Member $7 | Non-Member $10
more
Time
August 5, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
06aug10:00 am12:00 pmSip and Ride Accessible Tours10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult) Thursday, August 7 | 10 am – Noon Interested in wild foraged drinks, but not interested
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)
Thursday, August 7 | 10 am – Noon
Interested in wild foraged drinks, but not interested in hiking the trails? This is for you! Tour and taste along the institute’s trails from the comfort of an all-terrain vehicle. Learn to ID the plants that make excellent teas, sodas, mocktails, and more!
Member $7 | Non-Member $10
more
Time
August 6, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Wednesday, August 6 6:30 – 8:30 pm 7 pm – Writers’ Readings Join us
Event Details
Wednesday, August 6
6:30 – 8:30 pm
7 pm – Writers’ Readings
Join us for an end-of-summer celebration with the Institute’s Field Station. Don’t miss the opportunity to interact with student researchers, artists, writers, and stewardship fellows and see the results of their summer work. Explore research results in a poster walk, enjoy a gallery of student artwork, and listen to writers share pieces of the work they have been crafting all summer.
Free
more
Time
August 6, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
07aug10:00 am12:00 pmSip and Ride Accessible Tours10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult) Wednesday, August 6 |10 am – NoonThursday, August 7 | 10 am – Noon Interested
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)
Wednesday, August 6 |10 am – Noon
Thursday, August 7 | 10 am – Noon
Interested in wild foraged drinks, but not interested in hiking the trails? This is for you! Tour and taste along the institute’s trails from the comfort of an all-terrain vehicle. Learn to ID the plants that make excellent teas, sodas, mocktails, and more!
Member $7 | Non-Member $10
more
Time
August 7, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
08aug6:00 pm8:00 pmSip and Stroll6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult) Friday, August 8 6 – 8 pm Grab a friend and join
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)
Friday, August 8 6 – 8 pm
Grab a friend and join us for a foraged “happy hour.” Take a leisurely stroll through our beautiful property and sip on the flavors of summer. Along the way, we’ll learn to identify the plants that make excellent teas, sodas, mocktails, and more!
Member $5 | Non-Member $8
more
Time
August 8, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
09aug10:00 am12:00 pmSocial Hikes10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views! Each month, we offer a Thursday morning hike, a Thursday evening hike, and a Saturday hike. Check out the schedule, and register to hike with us!
All hikes are FREE. (Water is required to hike. This is a safety precaution to prevent dehydration on the trail.)
This is a 2.1 mile hike open to all.
more
Time
August 9, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Join us at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute on Saturday, August 9 from 11 am – 2 pm for a FREE Open
Event Details
Join us at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute on Saturday, August 9 from 11 am – 2 pm for a FREE Open House! Whether you’re brand new or it’s been while since your last visit, let us show you everything Pierce Cedar Creek Institute has to offer!
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled afternoon including:
- FREE MOO-ville Creamery Ice Cream
- FREE Hotdogs and Treats
- Yard Games and Activities
- Explore our Trails and Facilities
- See the New Art Exhibit
Play, learn, and connect with nature– we can’t wait to see you!
We will email out a reminder closer to the event date.
more
Time
August 9, 2025 11:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
14aug3:00 pm5:00 pmStroll and Read Foam Party3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
(Family-friendly) Thursday, August 14 3 – 5 pm Fish Hatchery Park in Hastings Join
Event Details
(Family-friendly)
Thursday, August 14
3 – 5 pm
Fish Hatchery Park in Hastings
Join us for a fun family event to close out the summer season. Bring your family out to play in foam, eat some ice cream, choose a free book, explore local preschool options, and visit with community organizations.
Free, no registration required.
more
Time
August 14, 2025 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Location
Fish Hatchery Park
1011 W Green St, Hastings, MI 49058
14aug6:00 pm8:00 pmSocial Hikes6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views! Each month, we offer a Thursday morning hike, a Thursday evening hike, and a Saturday hike. Check out the schedule, and register to hike with us!
All hikes are FREE. (Water is required to hike. This is a safety precaution to prevent dehydration on the trail.)
This is a 2.1 mile hike open to all.
more
Time
August 14, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
21aug10:00 am12:00 pmSocial Hikes10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views! Each month, we offer a Thursday morning hike, a Thursday evening hike, and a Saturday hike. Check out the schedule, and register to hike with us!
All hikes are FREE. (Water is required to hike. This is a safety precaution to prevent dehydration on the trail.)
This is a 2.3 mile hike open to all.
more
Time
August 21, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
28aug6:30 pm8:00 pmShinrin-Yoku Experience6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult) 4th Thursday of the Month 6:30 – 8 pm August 28
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)
4th Thursday of the Month
6:30 – 8 pm
August 28 (Accessible program)
September 25 (Sunset program)
Join Certified Forest Therapy Guide Katie Venechuk as she introduces the practice of Shinrin-Yoku (also known as “forest bathing”)! This restorative series will help you experience nature in a new way—encouraging you to slow down, notice new things in the world around you, and enjoy the peace of nature. At the beginning of each program, you’ll learn about the history of forest bathing, the science behind the health benefits, and how it differs from a hike in the forest. Then, you’ll experience guided forest bathing firsthand! Each program in this three-part series is different. Participants can register for one or all three sessions to deepen their practice and personal connection to nature over time. The Institute has partnered with In Your Element Wellness to offer a special, discounted rate for this series.
Member $18 | Non-Member $23 (per session)
Register for all three program dates and receive 15% off your total!
Programs will include a small snack. Please list any allergies when registering.
more
Time
August 28, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
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.