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.
News and Announcements
Celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute! Enjoy delicious food, a live poetry reading by author Barbara Vandyken, and explore nature through literature. Barbara’s books will be available for purchase, benefiting ScienceStrong. The reading is free, and you do not have to attend brunch to enjoy it. Our 1 pm seating is now full. There is still seating available for our 11:15 am seating.
Member Adults $24; Children $14
Non-Member Adults $30; Children $18
Children ages 5-12; 4 and under are free (plus tax)
Pre-ordering is live! This year, we are selling mixes during the pre-order, with individual plants available during our in-person sale May 31. Purchase your plants by clicking this link.
Check Out our Spring Newsletter
Click the picture below to peak inside our newsletter and see the upcoming events at the Institute!
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?
Event Details
Can you hear a “peeper?” Michigan is full of interesting frogs and toads. “Jump” into a hike and learn about these unique species!
Event Details
Can you hear a “peeper?” Michigan is full of interesting frogs and toads. “Jump” into a hike and learn about these unique species!
Free (Self-guided on the Lupine Trail)
Time
Month Long Event (April)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
April Storybook Walk: Frog vs. Toad by Ben MantleFrog and Toad want to eat the same fly! Soon, their constant arguing wakes a hungry
Event Details
April Storybook Walk: Frog vs. Toad by Ben Mantle
Frog and Toad want to eat the same fly! Soon, their constant arguing wakes a hungry alligator. Follow the trail to find out where this surprising story ends. After your storybook adventure, stop by the Visitor Center to pick up an activity sheet.
Free (Self-guided on the Black Walnut trail)
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Time
Month Long Event (April)(GMT-04:00)
25aprAll Day28City Nature Challenge(All Day)(GMT-04:00) No Registration Required
Event Details
Be part of a nationwide nature scavenger hunt! Taking part is as simple as 1,2,3. First, find any “wild” plant or animal. Second, take a
Event Details
Be part of a nationwide nature scavenger hunt! Taking part is as simple as 1,2,3. First, find any “wild” plant or animal. Second, take a picture of what you find. Third, share your observations! Visit the Institute this weekend to participate in this community science project and learn about how to get involved in our other projects. Information will be available by the Visitor Center’s southside entrance.
Free (Self-guided on the trails)
Learn more about the City Nature Challenge Here: https://www.citynaturechallenge.org/
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Time
April 25, 2025 - April 28, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Join artist Kristina Spritzner of Redbriar Studio for a morning of art and observation. This class will introduce you to the creative practice of capturing
Event Details
Join artist Kristina Spritzner of Redbriar Studio for a morning of art and observation. This class will introduce you to the creative practice of capturing observations of the natural world through drawing, writing, or painting! Kristina will guide you through the complete process, from crafting a sketchbook to capturing observations “in the field.” No experience is necessary, and all participants will take home a small journal and pen to continue their work.
Member $38 | Non-Member $48
Learn more about Redbirar Studios here: https://kristinaspitzner.com/blog/2015/12/4/redbriar-studio
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Time
April 26, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Join us on “Save the Frogs Day” for a new primitive trail dedication on the Institute’s Frog Home parcel, gifted to the Institute in 2021
Event Details
Join us on “Save the Frogs Day” for a new primitive trail dedication on the Institute’s Frog Home parcel, gifted to the Institute in 2021 by Mary Pierce in memory of her late husband and first Institute Director, Dr. Gary Pierce. The trail highlights a mosaic of natural communities, including high-quality swamps and forests that border Cedar Creek, and is home to many amphibians and reptiles. The new trail is located at the southern edge of the property. Please be prepared to walk approximately two miles round trip.
Free (please register online)
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Time
April 28, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
(Ages 6 and under with adult) First Thursday of the Month 10 – 11 am Thursday, March 6 Bird Bonanza
Event Details
(Ages 6 and under with adult)
First Thursday of the Month 10 – 11 am
Thursday, March 6 Bird Bonanza
Thursday, April 3 Signs of Spring
Thursday, May 1 Monarch Migration
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)
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Time
Month Long Event (May)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
May Storybook Walk: Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin; Illustrated by Harry BlissEach day is a new adventure for a fly! Follow fly’s
Event Details
May Storybook Walk: Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin; Illustrated by Harry Bliss
Each day is a new adventure for a fly! Follow fly’s journey through her first day of school, and all the things she learns about herself. Did you know flies eat regurgitated food? Follow along to watch fly learn how special she is! After your storybook adventure, stop by the Visitor Center to pick up an activity sheet.
Free (Self-guided on the Black Walnut trail)
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Time
Month Long Event (May)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Michigan has many ephemeral (short-lived) wildflowers. Learn about many of these spring beauties and celebrate National Wildflower Week with this “wild” hike!Free (Self-guided on
Event Details
Michigan has many ephemeral (short-lived) wildflowers. Learn about many of these spring beauties and celebrate National Wildflower Week with this “wild” hike!
Free (Self-guided on the Lupine trail)
Time
Month Long Event (May)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
You are invited to celebrate the return of our monarch butterflies this spring. Explore what makes monarchs unique, visit their habitat, and learn how you
Event Details
You are invited to celebrate the return of our monarch butterflies this spring. Explore what makes monarchs unique, visit their habitat, and learn how you can get involved in helping and protecting them. Discover how to tell monarchs apart from look-alike butterflies with a creative painting activity led by Institute volunteer and artist Al White, and take home your very own monarch butterfly artwork. You will receive native plant seeds to invite monarch butterflies to your backyard.
Members $7 | Non-Members $10
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Time
May 3, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Monday, May 5 2pm – 4pmTuesday, May 6 2pm – 4pmWednesday,
Event Details
Monday, May 5 2pm – 4pm
Tuesday, May 6 2pm – 4pm
Wednesday, May 7, 2pm – 4pm
Tour the Institute’s main property in a motorized, all-terrain vehicle while learning about the many ephemeral flowers that carpet our forest floors. Halfway through the tour, enjoy a relaxing “tea time” on the trail. This tour is extremely limited (maximum five per tour), so please reserve your spot early.
Members $7 | Non-Members $10
more
Time
May 5, 2025 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Tuesday, May 6 2pm – 4pmWednesday, May 7, 2pm – 4pmTour the Institute’s main
Event Details
Tuesday, May 6 2pm – 4pm
Wednesday, May 7, 2pm – 4pm
Tour the Institute’s main property in a motorized, all-terrain vehicle while learning about the many ephemeral flowers that carpet our forest floors. Halfway through the tour, enjoy a relaxing “tea time” on the trail. This tour is extremely limited (maximum five per tour), so please reserve your spot early.
Members $7 | Non-Members $10
more
Time
May 6, 2025 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Wednesday, May 7, 2pm – 4pmTour the Institute’s main property in a motorized, all-terrain vehicle while learning about the many
Event Details
Wednesday, May 7, 2pm – 4pm
Tour the Institute’s main property in a motorized, all-terrain vehicle while learning about the many ephemeral flowers that carpet our forest floors. Halfway through the tour, enjoy a relaxing “tea time” on the trail. This tour is extremely limited (maximum five per tour), so please reserve your spot early.
Members $7 | Non-Members $10
more
Time
May 7, 2025 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
10 –11:30 amCelebrate the coming of spring by joining us for a hike through the institute’s Little Grand Canyon property.
Event Details
10 –11:30 am
Celebrate the coming of spring by joining us for a hike through the institute’s Little Grand Canyon property. This hike will highlight Michigan’s ephemeral spring wildflowers. This 1.5-mile trail descends down into 60-foot glacial gorge on a narrow trail with uneven terrain and stairs. We will meet at the Visitor Center and carpool to the Little Grand Canyon property.
Members $7 | Non-Members $10
more
Time
May 10, 2025 10:00 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
1- 2:30 pmCelebrate the coming of spring by joining us for a hike through the institute’s Little Grand Canyon property.
Event Details
1- 2:30 pm
Celebrate the coming of spring by joining us for a hike through the institute’s Little Grand Canyon property. This hike will highlight Michigan’s ephemeral spring wildflowers. This 1.5-mile trail descends down into 60-foot glacial gorge on a narrow trail with uneven terrain and stairs. We will meet at the Visitor Center and carpool to the Little Grand Canyon property.
Members $7 | Non-Members $10
more
Time
May 10, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Please be aware that our 1 pm seating is now full. Celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch at
Event Details
Please be aware that our 1 pm seating is now full.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute!
Enjoy great food, a live poetry reading by author Barbara Vandyken, and
explore nature through literature. Barbara’s books will be available for
purchase, benefiting ScienceStrong. The reading is free, and you do not
have to attend brunch to enjoy it.
Barbara’s poetry reading will start at 12:15 pm and end before the 1:00 pm seating.
Member Adults $24; Children $14 | Non-Member Adults $30; Children $18
Children ages 5–12; 4 and under are Free (plus tax)
Click “Register Here” and choose your preferred seating time.
Menu:
v=vegan, vgt=vegetarian, gf=gluten free
Attention guests with food allergies: Please be aware our food may contain or come into contact with common allergens such as dairy, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame. If you have concerns about a food allergy item, please ask us to clarify further. Common allergens in menu items are listed in parentheses.
Omelet Station : vgt, gf
Omelet made to order with selected ingredients.
(dairy, egg)
Breakfast Station
Hash Browns vgt, v, gf
Bacon
Berry French Toast Casserole vgt
(eggs, wheat, dairy, nuts)
Hot Station
Beef Brisket with Assorted BBQ Sauces
Baked Lemon-Butter Chicken Thighs, gf
(dairy)
Vegan Lemon Chicken, vgt, v,
(Soy, Wheat)
Roasted Rainbow Carrots vgt, v,gf
Lemony Herbed Rice vgt, v, gf
Cold Station
Marinated Summer Slaw, vgt, v, gf
Pecan Spinach Salad, vgt, v, gf
(nuts, dairy)
Dessert Station
Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes w/ Chocolate Mousse Topping, vgt, v,gf
(soy)
Lemon Lush, vgt,
(dairy, egg, soy, wheat)
Bodacious Chocolate Brownies, vgt
(eggs, wheat, dairy)
Drinks
Orange Juice
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Time
May 11, 2025 11:15 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Inviting bird enthusiasts of all ages! Join Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and the Barry County Bird Club for a social birding hour. Enjoy a warm
Event Details
Inviting bird enthusiasts of all ages! Join Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and the Barry County Bird Club for a social birding hour. Enjoy a warm beverage and chat with new and experienced birders. Then, hit the trails to look for some of Barry County’s very best birds! Please be prepared to walk up to one mile on uneven trails. We will have a limited number of binoculars to borrow. This program will run rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, we will offer an informational session on birding topics.
Free (please register online)
Monday, May 12
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Time
May 12, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
With a solid mix of fiction and non-fiction biographies, this book club is for readers who share an avid concern and
Event Details
With a solid mix of fiction and non-fiction biographies, this book club is for readers who share an avid concern and 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). This club will be led by Institute staff and volunteers.
Free (Participants are required to obtain the books themselves. Many local libraries and bookstores carry these titles. If you can’t find a book, contact the institute for assistance!)
Tuesday, May 20 — A Friend of the Earth T. Coraghessan Boyle (copies available to borrow at the Institute)
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Time
May 20, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Get Michigan native grasses, wildflowers, and plant mixes grown by theInstitute. Pre-orders are open! Pickup will be on May 31, with additional plants available
Event Details
Get Michigan native grasses, wildflowers, and plant mixes grown by the
Institute. Pre-orders are open! Pickup will be on May 31, with additional plants available for in-person purchases.
You can purchase your plants here: www.CedarCreekInstitutePlants.com
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Time
May 31, 2025 9:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Lunch Noon – 1 pm Program 1 pm – 2 pmJoin Sr. Damien Marie Savino, Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist and scientist-engineer, as she
Event Details
Lunch Noon – 1 pm Program 1 pm – 2 pm
Join Sr. Damien Marie Savino, Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist and scientist-engineer, as she discusses the Pope’s encyclical on integral ecology. Discover how this important concept promotes solutions that benefit the health of our natural and human communities. This program will be in-person only. All registrants will receive a link to view a video recording of the program via email.
Program and Lunch: Members $15 | Non-Members $21
Program only: Members Free | Non-Members $8
Please register by Friday, May 23 to reserve a lunch
This event is brought to you in part by:
The Douglas and Margaret DeCamp Foundation
Hastings Insurance Company
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Time
May 31, 2025 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
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.