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.
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.
News and Announcements

Gala in the Garden Tickets Are On Sale!
Gala in the Garden will be held on Saturday, July 19 from 6 – 9 pm. Join us for a night of great food, live music, and great company!
Sign up here today!
June and July Pierce Pickups Are Now Available!
Looking for an easy and delicious meal or dessert? Pierce Pickups have you coverd!
Click here to order your homemade meals today!
Check Out our Summer Upcoming Events Flyer
Click here to check out our upcoming events this summer at PCCI!
What's Happening at the Institute?
Event Details
Saturday, April 12 – Wednesday, October 1 Hike the trails to earn your stripes! Complete our 2025 trail blazers bingo card and
Event Details
Saturday, April 12 – Wednesday, October 1
Hike the trails to earn your stripes! Complete our 2025 trail blazers bingo card and collect your prize! All prizes will be available for pick-up at the visitor center front desk beginning Friday, August 1. Join the challenge and see if you have what it takes to be a Trail Master!
Free (self-guided on Pierce Cedar Creek Institute trails)
more
Time
April 12, 2025 12:01 am - October 1, 2025 11:59 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
junNature Paintings Exhibit by Al WhiteMonth Long Event (June)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Al’s paintings will be on display and for sale in the Institute’s Visitor Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, June 1 through September 30, 2025.
Event Details
Al’s paintings will be on display and for sale in the Institute’s Visitor Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, June 1 through September 30, 2025.
25% of sales will be donated to the Institute to further our mission: To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment.
This season’s art exhibit showcases stunning wildlife paintings by the very talented Al White! Visit the Institute Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, to enjoy his beautiful artwork displayed throughout the Visitor Center.
more
Time
Month Long Event (June)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
The Rainbow Huntersby Andrea Farotto; illustrated by Martina Tonello Join Bill and his friends as they look
Event Details
The Rainbow Hunters
by Andrea Farotto; illustrated by Martina Tonello
Join Bill and his friends as they look for a rainbow! This epic adventure leads them all over their neighborhood. Will they find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Hike our trail to find out!
Free (self-guided on the purple and green trails)
more
Time
Month Long Event (June)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
02jun(jun 2)12:01 am30(jun 30)11:59 pmHike the News12:01 am - 11:59 pm (30)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Monday, June 2 – Monday, June 30 Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Hike and get the latest inside
Event Details
Monday, June 2 – Monday, June 30
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Hike and get the latest inside news on insects. What is an insect, and why are they so important to us?
Free (self-guided on the green trail)
more
Time
June 2, 2025 12:01 am - June 30, 2025 11:59 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Wednesdays, June 11 – August 6 10 am – Noon Join the Stewardship staff in caring for plants,
Event Details
Wednesdays, June 11 – August 6
10 am – Noon
Join the Stewardship staff in caring for plants, seed spreading, or removing invasive plants. Participants will learn about plant identification, plant communities, and ecology. Please register online. Further details will be sent before the event.
more
Time
June 11, 2025 10:00 am - August 6, 2025 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
19jun6:00 pm8:00 pmSocial Hikes6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views! Each month, we offer a Thursday morning hike, a Thursday evening hike, and a Saturday hike. Check out the schedule, and register to hike with us!
All hikes are FREE. (Water is required to hike. This is a safety precaution to prevent dehydration on the trail.)
This is a 1.4-mile hike open to all.
more
Time
June 19, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
20jun10:00 am12:00 pmFun Fridays10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Family FriendlyFridays during summer 10 am – NoonFriday, June 20Friday, June 27Friday, July 11Friday, July 25Friday, August 1It’s
Event Details
Family Friendly
Fridays during summer 10 am – Noon
Friday, June 20
Friday, June 27
Friday, July 11
Friday, July 25
Friday, August 1
It’s a Fun Friday at the Institute! Join us for hands-on activities, special guests, games, and crafts centered around a new theme each week! This is a come-and-go event, and all caregivers must remain with their children during this event. Explore and play alongside your children. Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!
Free (please register online)
more
Time
June 20, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
21jun9:00 am12:00 pmMUCC On-The-Ground9:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Saturday, June 21 9 am – Noon Join Michigan United Conservation Club (MUCC) at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for a
Event Details
Saturday, June 21
9 am – Noon
Join Michigan United Conservation Club (MUCC) at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for a morning of planting in a newly restored prairie. Participants will learn about prairie restoration and native plants. Lunch provided. Please register online, and further details will be sent before the event. Register at
www.mucc.org/on-the-ground
Free
more
Time
June 21, 2025 9:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)Thursday, June 26 Program 11 am – Noon Lunch Noon – 1 pmWe are excited
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)
Thursday, June 26
Program 11 am – Noon Lunch Noon – 1 pm
We are excited to welcome the Barry-Eaton County Health Department for an engaging hour on E. coli! This bacteria is the culprit of many closed beaches in Barry County, and is dangerous to the health of humans and our waterways. Join Environmental Health Supervisor David Cormeau as he discusses where this bacteria comes from, how the health department works to keep swimmers safe during the summer, and exciting developments in Microbial Source Tracking!
Program and Lunch: Members $15 | Non-Members $21
Program only: Members Free | Non-Members $8
Please register by Thursday, June 19, to reserve lunch.
more
Time
June 26, 2025 11:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
27jun10:00 am12:00 pmFun Fridays10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Family FriendlyFridays during summer 10 am – NoonFriday, June 27Friday, July 11Friday, July 25Friday, August 1It’s a Fun Friday
Event Details
Family Friendly
Fridays during summer 10 am – Noon
Friday, June 27
Friday, July 11
Friday, July 25
Friday, August 1
It’s a Fun Friday at the Institute! Join us for hands-on activities, special guests, games, and crafts centered around a new theme each week! This is a come-and-go event, and all caregivers must remain with their children during this event. Explore and play alongside your children. Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!
Free (please register online)
more
Time
June 27, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Event Details
Saturday, April 12 – Wednesday, October 1 Hike the trails to earn your stripes! Complete our 2025 trail blazers bingo card and
Event Details
Saturday, April 12 – Wednesday, October 1
Hike the trails to earn your stripes! Complete our 2025 trail blazers bingo card and collect your prize! All prizes will be available for pick-up at the visitor center front desk beginning Friday, August 1. Join the challenge and see if you have what it takes to be a Trail Master!
Free (self-guided on Pierce Cedar Creek Institute trails)
more
Time
April 12, 2025 12:01 am - October 1, 2025 11:59 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
junNature Paintings Exhibit by Al WhiteMonth Long Event (June)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Al’s paintings will be on display and for sale in the Institute’s Visitor Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, June 1 through September 30, 2025.
Event Details
Al’s paintings will be on display and for sale in the Institute’s Visitor Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, June 1 through September 30, 2025.
25% of sales will be donated to the Institute to further our mission: To inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment.
This season’s art exhibit showcases stunning wildlife paintings by the very talented Al White! Visit the Institute Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, to enjoy his beautiful artwork displayed throughout the Visitor Center.
more
Time
Month Long Event (June)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Wednesdays, June 11 – August 6 10 am – Noon Join the Stewardship staff in caring for plants,
Event Details
Wednesdays, June 11 – August 6
10 am – Noon
Join the Stewardship staff in caring for plants, seed spreading, or removing invasive plants. Participants will learn about plant identification, plant communities, and ecology. Please register online. Further details will be sent before the event.
more
Time
June 11, 2025 10:00 am - August 6, 2025 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
julSummer Wildflower TrailMonth Long Event (July)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Tuesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 31 Did you miss our spring wildflower walk? Don’t worry, summer brings even more native wildflowers!
Event Details
Tuesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 31
Did you miss our spring wildflower walk? Don’t worry, summer brings even more native wildflowers! Follow the trail and enjoy the bright blooms of summer.
Free (self-guided on the green trail)
Check out our interactive trail map here:
http://bit.ly/4hNpP18
more
Time
Month Long Event (July)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
julJuly Storybook WalkMonth Long Event (July)(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Emile and the FieldBy Kevin Young; illustrated by Chioma EbinamaYoung Emile loves the field close to his home. He loves the trees, the
Event Details
Emile and the Field
By Kevin Young; illustrated by Chioma Ebinama
Young Emile loves the field close to his home. He loves the trees, the flowers, the grass. But he doesn’t love sharing this field with the other children who come to sled during winter. Can Emile learn to share his beloved field?
Free (self-guided on the purple and green trails)
more
Time
Month Long Event (July)(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
01jul10:00 am11:00 amTrekkin' with TotsPlant Parade10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Get your littlest ones excited about hiking! Each hike will include a destination, adventure, or other program designed to keep your kids hiking and happy!
Event Details
Get your littlest ones excited about hiking! Each hike will include a destination, adventure, or other program designed to keep your kids hiking and happy! Older siblings are welcome, too.
July 1— Plant Parade
July 15th— Bird Brigade
more
Time
July 1, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
03jul10:00 am12:00 pmSocial Hikes10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views! Each month, we offer a Thursday morning hike, a Thursday evening hike, and a Saturday hike. Check out the schedule, and register to hike with us!
All hikes are FREE. (Water is required to hike. This is a safety precaution to prevent dehydration on the trail.)
This is a 1.2 mile hike open to all.
more
Time
July 3, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
(Ages 15+, Under 18 with Adult) Thursday, July 10 Program: 11 am – Noon
Event Details
(Ages 15+, Under 18 with Adult)
Thursday, July 10 Program: 11 am – Noon Lunch: Noon – 1 pm
Optional Afternoon Field Trips: 1 – 3 pm
Learn about the exciting “on the ground” conservation at the Institute’s Field Station this summer. Participants will be able to visit researchers and fellows in the field and discuss the research questions they are exploring, the art they are creating, and the stewardship work they are learning and doing. This program will only be presented in-person.
Program Only: Members Free; Non-Members $8
Program and Lunch: Members $15 | Non-Members $21
Please register by Wednesday, July 2, to reserve lunch.
more
Time
July 10, 2025 11:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
11jul10:00 am12:00 pmFun Fridays10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Family FriendlyFridays during summer 10 am – NoonFriday, July 11Friday, July 25Friday, August 1It’s a Fun Friday at the Institute!
Event Details
Family Friendly
Fridays during summer 10 am – Noon
Friday, July 11
Friday, July 25
Friday, August 1
It’s a Fun Friday at the Institute! Join us for hands-on activities, special guests, games, and crafts centered around a new theme each week! This is a come-and-go event, and all caregivers must remain with their children during this event. Explore and play alongside your children. Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!
Free (please register online)
more
Time
July 11, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
12jul10:00 am12:00 pmSocial Hikes10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views! Each month, we offer a Thursday morning hike, a Thursday evening hike, and a Saturday hike. Check out the schedule, and register to hike with us!
All hikes are FREE. (Water is required to hike. This is a safety precaution to prevent dehydration on the trail.)
This is a 1.9 mile hike open to all.
more
Time
July 12, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)Second Monday of the Month NEW TIME! 8:30 – 10:30 amMonday, July 14
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)
Second Monday of the Month NEW TIME! 8:30 – 10:30 am
Monday, July 14
No August Bird Club
Join Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and the Barry County Bird Club 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! Please be prepared to hike up to one mile on uneven trails. We will have a limited number of binoculars to borrow. This program will occur rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, we will offer a shorter informational session on birding topics.
Free (please register online)
more
Time
July 14, 2025 8:30 am - 10:30 am(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
15jul10:00 am11:00 amTrekkin' with TotsBird Brigade10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Get your littlest ones excited about hiking! Each hike will include a destination, adventure, or other program designed to keep your kids hiking and happy!
Event Details
Get your littlest ones excited about hiking! Each hike will include a destination, adventure, or other program designed to keep your kids hiking and happy! Older siblings are welcome, too.
July 15th— Bird Brigade
Time
July 15, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
17jul6:00 pm8:00 pmSocial Hikes6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views! Each month, we offer a Thursday morning hike, a Thursday evening hike, and a Saturday hike. Check out the schedule, and register to hike with us!
All hikes are FREE. (Water is required to hike. This is a safety precaution to prevent dehydration on the trail.)
This is a 1.9 mile hike open to all.
more
Time
July 17, 2025 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Event Details
Save the Date: Gala in the Garden 2025Presented by the Douglas and Margaret DeCamp Foundation Join us for Pierce Cedar
Event Details
Save the Date: Gala in the Garden 2025
Presented by the Douglas and Margaret DeCamp Foundation
Join us for Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s signature event, Gala in the Garden 2025, a celebration of nature, community, and conservation. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable evening filled with delicious food and stunning garden views—all supporting our mission to inspire environmental appreciation and stewardship.
Date: July 19, 2025
Tickets: Order tickets here or call us at 269-721-4190
Don’t miss this unique outdoor gala experience in the heart of Michigan’s nature.
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors





more
Time
July 19, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
24jul6:30 pm8:00 pmShinrin-Yoku Experience6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult) 4th Thursday of the Month 6:30 – 8 pm July 24
Event Details
(Ages 15+, under 18 with an adult)
4th Thursday of the Month 6:30 – 8 pm
July 24
August 28 (Accessible program)
September 25 (Sunset program)
Join Certified Forest Therapy Guide Katie Venechuk as she introduces the practice of Shinrin-Yoku (also known as “forest bathing”)! This restorative series will help you experience nature in a new way—encouraging you to slow down, notice new things in the world around you, and enjoy the peace of nature. At the beginning of each program, you’ll learn about the history of forest bathing, the science behind the health benefits, and how it differs from a hike in the forest. Then, you’ll experience guided forest bathing firsthand! Each program in this three-part series is different. Participants can register for one or all three sessions to deepen their practice and personal connection to nature over time. The Institute has partnered with In Your Element Wellness to offer a special, discounted rate for this series.
Member $18 | Non-Member $23 (per session)
Register for all three program dates and receive 15% off your total!
Programs will include a small snack. Please list any allergies when registering.
more
Time
July 24, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
25jul10:00 am12:00 pmFun Fridays10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Family FriendlyFridays during summer 10 am – NoonFriday, July 25Friday, August 1It’s a Fun Friday at the Institute! Join us for
Event Details
Family Friendly
Fridays during summer 10 am – Noon
Friday, July 25
Friday, August 1
It’s a Fun Friday at the Institute! Join us for hands-on activities, special guests, games, and crafts centered around a new theme each week! This is a come-and-go event, and all caregivers must remain with their children during this event. Explore and play alongside your children. Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!
Free (please register online)
more
Time
July 25, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
31jul10:00 am12:00 pmSocial Hikes10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views!
Event Details
Join us for a social hiking experience. Bring a friend, or make a new one! Trails will have rocks, uneven terrain, mud, and great views! Each month, we offer a Thursday morning hike, a Thursday evening hike, and a Saturday hike. Check out the schedule, and register to hike with us!
All hikes are FREE. (Water is required to hike. This is a safety precaution to prevent dehydration on the trail.)
This is a 2.2 mile hike open to all.
more
Time
July 31, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 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.