Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for Environmental Education
Set on 850 acres in rural Barry County, Michigan, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute serves as an environmental education center, biological field station, and nature preserve. PCCI offers visitors opportunities for education, recreation, research, and exposure to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, prairies, and agriculture.
Sunday Brunch: BFS Alumni Celebration | September 13th
Program: 12:15–1 pm | Brunch Seatings: 11:15 am & 1 pm
Join us as we celebrate the remarkable community of Biological Field Station Alumni at our September Brunch! While we gather to recognize the contributions of our alumni, members, friends, and the entire community are warmly invited to join the celebration.
Enjoy a seasonal brunch followed by a presentation exploring the fascinating world of reptiles. BFS alumni and researchers Dr. Jenn Moore and Faith Kuzma will share stories from years of field research, highlighting the important role reptiles play in healthy ecosystems. Dr. Moore has monitored snake populations in Barry County for the past 15 years, while Faith began her reptile research at PCCI as a BFS Fellow in 2019 and continues to build on that work today.
Member: Adults $24 | Children (Ages 6 - 12) $14
Non-Member: Adults $30 | Children (Ages 6 - 12) $18
Children 5 and under are free
Naturally Speaking Newsletter September - November 2026
The Institute’s newsletter is BACK!
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary year, we invite you to explore the latest edition filled with exciting updates, upcoming programs, and stories from across the Institute. You’ll also discover highlights from our history and the people, moments, and milestones that have shaped the Institute over the past 25 years.
We hope you enjoy looking back while celebrating all that’s still to come!
Over the Creek and Through the Woods Trail Run: 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run | October 10 | Register Now
Lace up your running shoes and join us for the annual Over the Creek and Through the Woods Trail Run! In partnership with Burnham & Company, Lansing Sanitary Supply, and The South Jefferson Street General Store, we are so exicited to invite runners and walkers alike to experience this long-standing Pierce Cedar Creek Institute tradition. Enjoy the beauty of autumn while winding through scenic forests, down the boardwalk, and along the prairie. New this year, our 5K course is permanently marked, allowing participants to train and practice on the course throughout the season. On race day, volunteers will also be stationed at key trail intersections to help guide participants.
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Registration: 8:00 a.m.
Fun Run (All Ages): 9:00 a.m. (Free)
Trail Run: 9:30 a.m.
Register by September 15th to recieve the Early Bird Discount and a race t-shirt!
What's Happening at the Institute?
At Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, there’s always something new to discover. Our event calendar is filled with daily, weekly, and monthly experiences designed to connect people of all ages with nature, learning, and community.
From guided nature walks and family-friendly storybook hours to hands-on classes, special workshops, seasonal celebrations, brunch events, and unique dining experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
Be sure to visit our event calendar often and see what adventures, programs, and memorable moments are happening next 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.