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.

Join our Corporate Partners Program

Interested in sponsoring an event or program at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute?

Click here to learn more!
Experiences
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Events
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News and Announcements

New Pierce Pickup Items are Available!

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!  Chef Dan and the Institute's kitchen staff have new Pierce Pickup menu items for January, February, and the Super Bowl!

Order today!

January Pierce Pickups

Super Bowl Pierce Pickups

February Pierce Pickups

Welcome Party for New Executive Director, Virginia Bolshakova is Thursday, December 19.

The  Welcome Party for Incoming Executive Director Virginia Bolshakova is Thursday, December 19 from 6-8 pm in the Visitor Center.

If you made reservations to attend the December 5 party, we will hold your reservation for the new date.  However, if you’re unable to attend on the new date, please contact us at info@cedarcreekinstitute.org or (269) 721-4190.

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.

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.

Continue reading here.

Register 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/

Click here to learn more.

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?
Dive into the Fun: Explore Our Calendar to See All of Featured Programs and Events!

Current Month

01jan8:00 am31(jan 31)8:00 pmJanuary Storybook Walk: Bird Count by Susan Edwards Richmond; Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer ColemanJoin a mother and daughter as they participate in the Christmas Bird Count. What kinds of birds will they find? After your storybook adventure, stop by the southside of the Visitor Center to pick up your own bird count activity. Free (Self-guided on Black Walnut Trail)8:00 am - 8:00 pm (31)(GMT-05:00) No registration needed.

01jan8:00 am31(jan 31)8:00 pmBackyard Bird WalkWhat kinds of birds might live in your backyard? Follow the self-guided trail to find out. Afterward, visit the southside of the Visitor Center for a bird count activity and additional information on the Great Backyard Bird Count.8:00 am - 8:00 pm (31)(GMT-05:00) Free and self-guided on the Lupine Trail

21jan10:00 am12:00 pmCedar Creek Book Club - You Are Here Poetry in the Natural World, Edited and Introduced by Ada Limón.With a mix of fiction and non-fiction biographies, this book club is for readers who share an avid concern and interest in the natural world.10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now! Registration for spring is coming soon!

24jan10:00 am11:00 amScience Storytime at Hastings Public Library-Snow ScienceLearn about science through the power of books! Join Hastings Public Library and the Institute as they share their favorite books, activities, and crafts with little learners.10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-05:00) No Registration Needed!

01febAll DayBarry County Water Quality Monitoring Program Informational Session(All Day: Saturday)(GMT-05:00) Register Here!

01feb8:00 am28(feb 28)8:00 pmFebruary Storybook Walk: Winter Trees by Carole Gerber: Illustrated by Leslie EvansJoin a mother and daughter as they participate in the Christmas Bird Count. What kinds of birds will they find? After your storybook adventure, stop by the southside of the Visitor Center to pick up your own bird count activity. Free (Self-guided on Black Walnut Trail)8:00 am - 8:00 pm (28)(GMT-05:00) No registration needed.

01feb8:00 am28(feb 28)8:00 pmA Frosty Mystery GameSolve the mystery! Follow clues on each sign to solve the mystery of who stole our Rose Hips! 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (28)(GMT-05:00) Free and self-guided on the Lupine Trail

06feb10:00 am11:00 amNature Playdates in the Play Space- The February 6 theme is Snow Science!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.10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-05:00) Register Now!

08feb6:30 pm8:30 pmA Winter Walk on Candlelight Trails Take an evening to enjoy the quiet, peaceful sounds and sights of winter under the February “Snow Moon.” 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now!

13feb5:00 pm7:30 pmDive-In Movie-Postponed until SpringDo you LOVE to swim? Join us for a family friendly Valentine’s day movie in the pool. Take a break from the pool to explore hands-on activities, books, and snacks. This event is hosted by the Hastings Community Education & Recreation Center, Barry County Great Start Collaborative, and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Doors open at 5 pm. Movie starts at 5:30 pm. 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Keep checking for more information.

14feb6:00 pm7:00 pmSpecialty Dinner-Valentine's DayDoors open at 5:30 pm. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic four course dinner for two. Make reservations early because seating is limited. Select from prime rib, chicken Parmesan or a plant-based meal when registering. 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now!

18feb10:00 am12:00 pmCedar Creek Book Club - Serviceberry by Robin Wall KimmererWith a mix of fiction and non-fiction biographies, this book club is for readers who share an avid concern and interest in the natural world. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Now! Registration for spring is coming soon!

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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.