(Ages 6 and under with an adult)

Thursday, May 7 from 10 – 11 am 

Every season is outdoor season! Bring your little ones to explore nature through free play, activities, books, and more. This program is designed for children and their accompanying caregivers. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Free (please register online at https://bit.ly/3L2MBr5)

Sunday, May 10

Brunch Seating at 11:15 am & 1:00 pm
Program from 12:15 to 1:00 pm

Let’s celebrate the all the mothers!

Delight in seasonal menu selections and enjoy storytelling by Robin Nott. Explore the Institute and enjoy the art exhibit by Chris Cooper Thompson.

You do not need to attend brunch to enjoy the free program.

Member Adults: $24; Children ages 6 – 12: $14 (plus tax)
Non-Member Adults: $30; Children ages 6 – 12: $18 (plus tax)
Children 5 and under are free

Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult

10 am – Noon

Tuesday, May 19 – Naturalist – by Edward O. Wilson

Join us on the third Tuesday of the month for our nature book club! With a solid mix of fiction and nonfiction biographies, this book club is for readers who share a keen interest in the natural world. There is no commitment other than to enjoy reading and sharing books about nature.

Feel free to join us even if you have not read the book (and be inspired to read it). Participants are required to obtain the books themselves. Many local libraries and bookstores carry these titles.

This club will be led by institute staff and volunteers.

Free (please register online) 

Saturday, May 30
9:00 am – Noon  

Celebrate Nature in Bloom at Pierce Cedar Creek! Pre-orders for plants started January 31 and those orders will be ready for pick-up. The event is free to attend and there will be additional plants available for in-person purchase and other fun activities! The gift shop will also feature nature-themed items for purchase.

Visit: cedarcreekinstituteplants.com to pre-order your plants and come see what else we’ve got GROWING ON!

Saturday, May 30
9:00 am – Noon

Celebrate Nature in Bloom with our special artist reception celebrating the work of watercolor artist Chris Cooper Thompson. Her exhibit will be on display at the Institute from May 1 through August 31.

Chris’s artwork is inspired by nature and place, with subjects ranging from Michigan’s native birds and lake life to lighthouses, flowers, wildlife, and a touch of whimsical imagination. Her distinctive watercolor style blends traditional techniques with influences from years of oil painting.

Stop by to meet the artist, explore the exhibit, enjoy refreshments, and a relaxed morning surrounded by art and nature. This event is free and open to the public.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Free 

Saturday, May 30
Lunch Noon – 1:00 pm 
Program 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Celebrate Nature in Bloom and join us for Lunch & Learn with Brad Slaughter. Brad is a plant expert who began his journey in botany at the Institute in 1999. Brad will share stories from his years looking for and documenting rare plants.

Program: Free
Lunch: Members $15 | Non-Members $21

Please register by Friday, May 23 to reserve a lunch.

Tuesday, June 9
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Join Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and your guides, Anne and Doug Klein, for a social birding morning. Enjoy a beverage and chat with new and experienced birders. Then, hit the trails to look for some of Barry County’s very best birds!

Free, no registration required

Important Information:
– Please be prepared to hike up to one mile on uneven trails
– We will have a limited number of binoculars available to borrow
– The program will occur rain or shine
– In the event of inclement weather, we will offer a shorter information session
on birding topics
– Please meet in the Education Building

Wednesday, June 10
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Join the Stewardship Staff in caring for the land. This is an experience where participants may learn about plants, seeds, and ecology.

Please register as further details are sent before the event.

Thursdays, June 11, 18 & 25
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Join local survivalist instructor Matt Eldred, featured on the History Channel’s series Alone, for an engaging introduction to wilderness survival and bushcraft.

Whether you’re looking to build confidence for hiking in remote areas, seeking knowledge about our local flora, or simply want to be better prepared for emergencies, these classes offer practical, hands-on knowledge for all experience levels.

Sessions will cover a variety of survival topics across six Thursday evenings in June and July. To ensure a personalized and interactive experience, enrollment is limited to 15 participants. Choose one night or sign up for the entire series!  Children 5-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Be sure to register early to secure your spot!

Cost per class: Members $40 | Non-Members $45

June 11: Introduction to Weaving with Natural Materials

In this hands-on class, participants will learn how to weave using natural materials. Choose to create a simple yet functional basket or container, or craft a decorative wilderness wreath. You’ll leave with a beautiful, finished piece to display in your home or personal space.

June 18: Water Collection, Purification, and Easy Calorie Foods

In this class, participants will learn how to locate and collect water in the wild, as well as methods to make it safe for drinking. The session will also cover strategies for sourcing easy calories in nature, both essential skills for sustaining life in survival situations. Participants will also construct a wilderness figure-four trap and will leave with both their completed trap and the knowledge to use it in a natural setting. 

June 25: A Walk in the Woods

In this class, participants will learn to identify and understand common trees, plants, fungi, bushes, and briars found in our local area, many of which may already be growing in your own backyard. Have you ever been curious about the species on your property or in your neighborhood? This class is for you! We’ll explore the good, the bad, and everything in between, helping you build practical knowledge you can confidently apply to the natural environment right outside your window.

Friday, June 12
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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 during this event to explore and play alongside your children.

Enjoy the playspace and stay for a family friendly lunch prepared by our own Chef Dan!

Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!

Program: Free, but please register online

Lunch: Adults $15, Children $6

Friday, June 12
Lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Program: 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM

Join us this week for a program from the Barry Conservation District. This week’s topic is an invasive species update with Sara Rahn and April Savickas. Feed your stomach and your brain!

Program and Lunch:
Member Adults $20; Children $15
Non-Member Adults $30; Children $20 

Program Only:
Member Adults $10; Children $5
Non-Member Adults $15; Children $10

Children are ages 6 – 12; 5 and under are free

Mondays, June 1 thru August 31
9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
Join LeeAnn under the Hickory tree behind the Education Building every Monday morning throughout the summer to welcome the week with mindfulness and presence in nature. Learn techniques for managing stress and regulating your nervous system, followed by a weekly guided meditation.  Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, or a yoga mat to sit on (Or sitting in the grass is great too!). We will find an indoor location on inclement weather days.

FREE

Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Tuesday, June 16 – The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman

Join us on the third Tuesday of the month for our nature book club! With a solid mix of fiction and nonfiction biographies, this book club is for readers who share a keen interest in the natural world. There is no commitment other than to enjoy reading and sharing books about nature.

Feel free to join us even if you have not read the book (and be inspired to read it). Participants are required to obtain the books themselves. Many local libraries and bookstores carry these titles.

This club will be led by institute staff and volunteers.

Please note: July & August the book club will be on break for the summer

Free (please register online) 

Wednesday, June 17
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Join the Stewardship Staff in caring for the land. This is an experience where participants may learn about plants, seeds, and ecology.

Please register as further details are sent before the event.

Wednesday, June 17
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (tours each hour)

One hour tours available between 1–4 pm

Enjoy a guided outdoor adventure from the comfort of an all-terrain vehicle—this special opportunity is free for veterans, with pre-registration required to reserve your preferred time slot. Free tours are sponsored by the Hastings Elks Association.

Space is limited, so be sure to sign up early!

Thursdays, June 11, 18 & 25
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Join local survivalist instructor Matt Eldred, featured on the History Channel’s series Alone, for an engaging introduction to wilderness survival and bushcraft.

Whether you’re looking to build confidence for hiking in remote areas, seeking knowledge about our local flora, or simply want to be better prepared for emergencies, these classes offer practical, hands-on knowledge for all experience levels.

Sessions will cover a variety of survival topics across six Thursday evenings in June and July. To ensure a personalized and interactive experience, enrollment is limited to 15 participants. Choose one night or sign up for the entire series!  Children 5-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Be sure to register early to secure your spot!

Cost per class: Members $40 | Non-Members $45

June 11: Introduction to Weaving with Natural Materials

In this hands-on class, participants will learn how to weave using natural materials. Choose to create a simple yet functional basket or container, or craft a decorative wilderness wreath. You’ll leave with a beautiful, finished piece to display in your home or personal space.

June 18: Water Collection, Purification, and Easy Calorie Foods

In this class, participants will learn how to locate and collect water in the wild, as well as methods to make it safe for drinking. The session will also cover strategies for sourcing easy calories in nature, both essential skills for sustaining life in survival situations. Participants will also construct a wilderness figure-four trap and will leave with both their completed trap and the knowledge to use it in a natural setting. 

June 25: A Walk in the Woods

In this class, participants will learn to identify and understand common trees, plants, fungi, bushes, and briars found in our local area, many of which may already be growing in your own backyard. Have you ever been curious about the species on your property or in your neighborhood? This class is for you! We’ll explore the good, the bad, and everything in between, helping you build practical knowledge you can confidently apply to the natural environment right outside your window.

Mondays, June 1 thru August 31
9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
Join LeeAnn under the Hickory tree behind the Education Building every Monday morning throughout the summer to welcome the week with mindfulness and presence in nature. Learn techniques for managing stress and regulating your nervous system, followed by a weekly guided meditation.  Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, or a yoga mat to sit on (Or sitting in the grass is great too!). We will find an indoor location on inclement weather days.

FREE

Wednesday, June 24
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Join the Stewardship Staff in caring for the land. This is an experience where participants may learn about plants, seeds, and ecology.

Please register as further details are sent before the event.

Thursdays, June 11, 18 & 25
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Join local survivalist instructor Matt Eldred, featured on the History Channel’s series Alone, for an engaging introduction to wilderness survival and bushcraft.

Whether you’re looking to build confidence for hiking in remote areas, seeking knowledge about our local flora, or simply want to be better prepared for emergencies, these classes offer practical, hands-on knowledge for all experience levels.

Sessions will cover a variety of survival topics across six Thursday evenings in June and July. To ensure a personalized and interactive experience, enrollment is limited to 15 participants. Choose one night or sign up for the entire series!  Children 5-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Be sure to register early to secure your spot!

Cost per class: Members $40 | Non-Members $45

June 11: Introduction to Weaving with Natural Materials

In this hands-on class, participants will learn how to weave using natural materials. Choose to create a simple yet functional basket or container, or craft a decorative wilderness wreath. You’ll leave with a beautiful, finished piece to display in your home or personal space.

June 18: Water Collection, Purification, and Easy Calorie Foods

In this class, participants will learn how to locate and collect water in the wild, as well as methods to make it safe for drinking. The session will also cover strategies for sourcing easy calories in nature, both essential skills for sustaining life in survival situations. Participants will also construct a wilderness figure-four trap and will leave with both their completed trap and the knowledge to use it in a natural setting. 

June 25: A Walk in the Woods

In this class, participants will learn to identify and understand common trees, plants, fungi, bushes, and briars found in our local area, many of which may already be growing in your own backyard. Have you ever been curious about the species on your property or in your neighborhood? This class is for you! We’ll explore the good, the bad, and everything in between, helping you build practical knowledge you can confidently apply to the natural environment right outside your window.

Friday, June 26
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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 during this event to explore and play alongside your children.

Enjoy the playspace and stay for a family friendly lunch prepared by our own Chef Dan!

Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!

Program: Free, but please register online

Lunch: Adults $15, Children $6

Friday, June 26
Lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Program: 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM

Join us this week for a program from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. This week’s topic is algal blooms. Feed your stomach and your brain!

Program and Lunch:
Member Adults $20; Children $15
Non-Member Adults $30; Children $20 

Program Only:
Member Adults $10; Children $5
Non-Member Adults $15; Children $10

Children are ages 6 – 12; 5 and under are free

Mondays, June 1 thru August 31
9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
Join LeeAnn under the Hickory tree behind the Education Building every Monday morning throughout the summer to welcome the week with mindfulness and presence in nature. Learn techniques for managing stress and regulating your nervous system, followed by a weekly guided meditation.  Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, or a yoga mat to sit on (Or sitting in the grass is great too!). We will find an indoor location on inclement weather days.

FREE

Monday, June 29
10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Come learn about wild edible foods with Barry Conservation District Executive Director Danielle Zoellner. The program will include a hike and tasting experience. 

Space is limited, so be sure to sign up early!

Please register by Monday, June 22

Program and Lunch: Members $25 | Non-Members $30