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.

Friday, February 6 

10:30 – 11:15 am

Learn about science through the power of books! Join Hastings Public Library’s youth librarian and Institute employees as they share their favorite books, activities, and crafts with little learners. These programs will take place outdoors as the weather permits. Please dress for the weather and the season!
FREE (no registration required)

Saturday, February 14

6:30 – 8 pm

$100 per couple

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic four-course dinner for two. Make reservations early because seating is limited. Choose from Linguine with Shrimp, Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Eggplant Gratin when registering. 

Registration deadline: Friday, January 30

(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)

Third Tuesday of the Month   

10 am – Noon

Tuesday, January 20 –Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell – by Sy Montgomery

Tuesday, February 17 – We Loved It All: A Memory of Life – by Lydia Millet

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). This club will be led by Institute staff and volunteers.

Free (please register online) (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!)

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.

Wednesday, February 18

6 – 7:30 pm

This highly interactive event is family-friendly, features many local organizations, and explores science in a drop-in, flexible format. Be sure to mark your calendar, as this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Free (no registration required)

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.

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.

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)

(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)

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

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.