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!
Creative Retreats at Batts Cottage
Apply for the 2026 Season! We are now accepting applications for the 2026 season.
Inside the Biological Field Station
Fellowships and Grants Closing Soon: Steeby Natural Resource Fellowships & Environmental Research Grants: February 2 | Creative Arts Fellowships: February 27
Winter Festival February 21
Embrace winter together at PCCI’s FREE Winter Festival with outdoor fun, community connection, and a taste of honey sensory science.
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, nature center, and biological field station. PCCI offers visitors opportunities for education, recreation, research, and exposure to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, marshes, streams, lakes, and prairies.
News and Announcements
March 8 - Spring Brunches Return to the Institute
Spring Brunches Return to the Institute
Tasting the Landscape: An Introduction to Honey Sensory Analysis Workshop
Check Out Our Spring Calendar of Events 2026
Spring Calendar of Events
What's Happening at the Institute?
25sep01aprChelsea Bivens' Art Exhibit(September 25) 9:00 am - (April 1) 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Chelsea Bivens is a local artist whose work is heavily influenced by her experiences living in this community. “Nature continuously fuels my creativity. I love
Event Details
Chelsea Bivens is a local artist whose work is heavily influenced by her experiences living in this community. “Nature continuously fuels my creativity. I love hiking the trails at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and the North Country Trail in the Yankee Springs area. I often come out of the woods with a sense of clarity, renewed inspiration, and an eagerness to get to my easel. I believe that every connection with nature is genuine and sacred. My work explores many different interactions with nature, hoping viewers find a piece that resonates with their own unique relationship with the natural world.”
“25% of sales will be donated to the Institute to further our mission: To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment.
Time
September 25, 2025 9:00 am - April 1, 2026 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
By Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by Jamey Christoph Take a journey through the Great Lakes, tracing a drop of
Event Details
By Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by Jamey Christoph
Take a journey through the Great Lakes, tracing a drop of water down rivers, over falls, and through unique Great Lakes environments on its way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Free (self-guided on the purple and green trails)
Time
Month Long Event (January)(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
janWinter BirdsMonth Long Event (January)(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
Friday, January 2 through Saturday, February 28 Learn about the common backyard birds you’ll see during the winter here in Michigan.
Event Details
Friday, January 2 through Saturday, February 28
Learn about the common backyard birds you’ll see during the winter here in Michigan.
Free (self-guided on the green trail)
Time
Month Long Event (January)(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Friday, February 27 6:30 – 8:30 pm Join local conservation-minded individuals to enjoy snacks and drinks while learning about
Event Details
Friday, February 27
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join local conservation-minded individuals to enjoy snacks and drinks while learning about local conservation efforts. The annual local conservation awards for professionals, organizations, and volunteers will be awarded at this event.
$20 per person (pre-registration required)
Register here: https://www.barrycd.org/events
Time
February 27, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
25sep01aprChelsea Bivens' Art Exhibit(September 25) 9:00 am - (April 1) 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Chelsea Bivens is a local artist whose work is heavily influenced by her experiences living in this community. “Nature continuously fuels my creativity. I love
Event Details
Chelsea Bivens is a local artist whose work is heavily influenced by her experiences living in this community. “Nature continuously fuels my creativity. I love hiking the trails at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and the North Country Trail in the Yankee Springs area. I often come out of the woods with a sense of clarity, renewed inspiration, and an eagerness to get to my easel. I believe that every connection with nature is genuine and sacred. My work explores many different interactions with nature, hoping viewers find a piece that resonates with their own unique relationship with the natural world.”
“25% of sales will be donated to the Institute to further our mission: To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment.
Time
September 25, 2025 9:00 am - April 1, 2026 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
marMarch and April Storybook Hike: She Heard the BirdsMonth Long Event (March)(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
By Andrea D’Aquino Follow the journey of pioneering naturalist Florence Merriam Baley, who loved birds and became an
Event Details
By Andrea D’Aquino
Follow the journey of pioneering naturalist Florence Merriam Baley, who loved birds and became an activist to protect them.
Free (self-guided on the purple and green trails)
Time
Month Long Event (March)(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
marPoetry on the TrailsMonth Long Event (March)(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
Read poetry written by former creative arts fellows as well as Institute volunteers. Free (self-guided on the green trail)
Event Details
Read poetry written by former creative arts fellows as well as Institute volunteers.
Free (self-guided on the green trail)
Time
Month Long Event (March)(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
03mar1:00 pm2:30 pmWinter Shrub Removal1:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Event Details
1st and 3rd Tuesday, January through March 1 – 2:30 pm Tuesday, January 6 and 20
Event Details
1st and 3rd Tuesday, January through March
1 – 2:30 pm
Tuesday, January 6 and 20
Tuesday, February 3 and 17
Tuesday, March 3 and 17
Join the team of hardcore winter stewards in removing invasive shrubs in the Institute’s prairies and woodlands. This group meets at 1 pm at the Maintenance Building.
Free – Sign up for this and other Stewardship Volunteer opportunities here.
Time
March 3, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
04mar4:00 pm5:00 pmSTEAM at the Library4:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-05:00) FREE - Register Now!
Event Details
1st Wednesday of each month at Hastings Public Library 4 – 5 pm Wednesday, January 7
Event Details
1st Wednesday of each month at Hastings Public Library
4 – 5 pm
Wednesday, January 7
Wednesday, February 4
Wednesday, March 4
Wednesday, April 1
Learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math! Join Hastings Public Library’s youth librarian, MSU Extension, and Institute employees as they share their favorite books, activities, and crafts with young scientists in grades one through five.
Free (please register online)
Time
March 4, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-05:00)
Location
Hastings Public Library
227 E State St, Hastings, MI 49058
05mar10:00 am11:00 amPlaydates in the Playspace 10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-05:00) FREE - Register Here!
Event Details
(Ages 6 and under with an adult) Thursday, March 5 from 10 – 11 am Every season is outdoor
Event Details
(Ages 6 and under with an adult)
Thursday, March 5 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 below)
Time
March 5, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-05:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
08mar11:15 am2:00 pmMarch Brunch & Bees!11:15 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Now!
Event Details
Sunday, March 8 Brunch Seating at 11:15 am & 1:00 pmProgram from 12:15 to 1:00 pm Brunches are back in
Event Details
Sunday, March 8
Brunch Seating at 11:15 am & 1:00 pm
Program from 12:15 to 1:00 pm
Brunches are back in full swing this spring!
Join us for a delightful seasonal brunch and a special program celebrating the season featuring Institute Executive Director Virginia Bolshakova, who will explore the intimate relationship between humans and bees.
Guests are also welcome to explore the Institute and view the current art exhibit by Chelsea Bivens.
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
Time
March 8, 2026 11:15 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Program: 11:00 am to NoonLunch: Noon to 1:00 pm Names shape how we understand the natural world — but they’re not as
Event Details
Program: 11:00 am to Noon
Lunch: Noon to 1:00 pm
Names shape how we understand the natural world — but they’re not as fixed as they seem, as recently seen with changes to bird names. Discover how and why scientific names change, from long-standing traditions in taxonomy to modern efforts to rename species. Through stories of discovery, debate, and evolving language, join Dr. Ellen Holste of EnviroSpeak and see how renaming nature reveals not only new science but also a changing society.
Program and Lunch: Members $15 | Non-Members $21
Program only: Members Free | Non-Members $8
Please register by Friday, March 6 to reserve lunch.
Time
March 13, 2026 11:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
10 am at Delton District Library1 pm at Hastings Public Library Join us as author Alison Wintermute reads a
Event Details
10 am at Delton District Library
1 pm at Hastings Public Library
Join us as author Alison Wintermute reads a portion of her book, Unlocking More, and then enjoy a hands-on activity encouraging natural free play.
This is a free event taking place in two different locations on the same day, pick the time and location that works best for you!
Time
March 14, 2026 10:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Monday, March 16 at 9:00 am Join Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and your guides, Anne and Doug Klein, for a social birding morning. Enjoy
Event Details
Monday, March 16 at 9:00 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!
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
Time
March 16, 2026 9:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
17mar10:00 am12:00 pmNature Book Club10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) FREE - Register Now!
Event Details
Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult 10 am – Noon Tuesday, March 17 –Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All
Event Details
Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult
10 am – Noon
Tuesday, March 17 –Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All Life – by Jason Roberts
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)
Time
March 17, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
17mar1:00 pm2:30 pmWinter Shrub Removal1:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
1st and 3rd Tuesday, January through March 1 – 2:30 pm Tuesday, January 6 and 20
Event Details
1st and 3rd Tuesday, January through March
1 – 2:30 pm
Tuesday, January 6 and 20
Tuesday, February 3 and 17
Tuesday, March 3 and 17
Join the team of hardcore winter stewards in removing invasive shrubs in the Institute’s prairies and woodlands. This group meets at 1 pm at the Maintenance Building.
Free – Sign up for this and other Stewardship Volunteer opportunities here.
Time
March 17, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
21mar9:00 am3:00 pmIntroduction to Honey Sensory Analysis9:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Now!
Event Details
Saturday, March 219:00 am – 3:00 pm Spend a day exploring the flavor, science, and story of honey in
Event Details
Saturday, March 21
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Spend a day exploring the flavor, science, and story of honey in this immersive sensory workshop at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Led by Executive Director and longtime beekeeper Virginia Bolshakova, participants will learn how to taste and evaluate varietal honeys from around the world while gaining insight into crystallization and natural honey defects. The course also explores how local terroir and the stewardship of biodiversity across the landscape translate directly into the remarkable diversity of flavor found in honey.
The day includes tea service and a honey-inspired lunch, offering a welcoming and hands-on introduction to honey’s connection to land and place.
Event is open to ages 15+ and those under 18 will need an adult with them.
Space is limited so register while you still can!
Member Adults $90 | Non-Member Adults $110
Time
March 21, 2026 9:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek 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.