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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
What's Happening at the 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.