Welcome to Our Blog!
Discover stories from the woods, fields, and classrooms of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Here, we share behind-the-scenes insights, upcoming events, research highlights, and reflections on nature, sustainability, and community. Whether you're a regular visitor or just discovering us, we invite you to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world.
A Fond Farewell to Dr. Ellen Holste
After nine remarkable years at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Dr. Ellen Holste is stepping into a new chapter shaped by the passions she discovered here – public speaking, writing, and deepening connections to the natural world. From leading beloved community programs to inspiring curiosity in learners of all ages, Ellen’s impact is woven into the heart of PCCI. We are grateful for all she has brought to the Institute and excited to see where her journey leads next.
Meet Dr. Sara Parr Syswerda, Education Director at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
If you’ve ever taken part in a ScienceStrong classroom activity, attended a field trip to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, or seen a spark of wonder in a child discovering something new about…
Plein Air Painters at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute attracts a diverse range of people. This is just part of the magic of PCCI and the land we are fortunate to protect. One group that doesn’t get…
Winter Upcoming Events Flyer
| Photo by Robert Meppelink| Our Winter Upcoming Events flyer is here! Check it out and click the button below to learn more. There’s a little something for everybody at PCCI! See…
Winter Break Kits
Like most of nature, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is gearing up for the upcoming snowy season! Every winter, while the rest of the ecosystem slows down and prepares for hibernation and the…
Autumn Equinox Reflections and Photography
Taking a photograph is not a simple art. It requires a unique perspective to understand how to frame and compose a shot. Additionally, photographers must keep up with constantly changing technology and…
Feast of Home: Welcoming Robin Mather Back to Barry County
“Local eating is about more than food. It’s about community, connection, and learning to live within the gifts of the season.” – Robin Mather, The Feast Nearby What does it mean to…
Trick or Treat on the Trails Gets Spooky at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Welcome, all young ghosts and ghouls, to this year’s Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s annual Trick or Treat on the Trails! On Saturday, October 25, the trails will come alive with a mix…
Meet Jim Kolar, Education Assistant at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
At Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, we have a staff full of unique and one-of-a-kind individuals who help fulfill our mission to support the environment and inspire others to get on the trails!…
A Look Inside Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s Field Station
Take a peek inside the Biological Field Station and the lives of our summer research and creative art students! This video was created by Lucero Orduna-Rivera, a student at Grand Rapids Community…