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What is a Biological Field Station
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s biological field station comes alive each summer as a vibrant hub of research, land and lake management activities, and creativity. Biological field stations, such as this one, are outdoor-based centers for research, education, creative expression, and conservation efforts. Undergraduate and graduate students immerse themselves in studying our natural world, while artists and writers find inspiration on our 850 acres in Barry County, Michigan. Think of it like a learning "summer camp" for college and university students!
Our biological field station works with a consortium of member colleges and universities from Michigan and Indiana. Each summer, faculty and students from our consortium institutions are eligible to participate in a growing number of paid research grants and fellowship learning opportunities:
· Environmental Research Grants
· Natural Resource
· STEAM Education Fellowships
· Creative Art Fellowships
Faculty from member institutions also comprise an Advisory Board that helps oversee and evaluate field station programs.
Current PCCI member institutions include:
· Calvin University
· Central Michigan University
· Cornerstone University
· Grand Rapids Community College
· Grand Valley State University
· Hope College
· Kalamazoo College
· Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University
· Valparaiso University
· Western Michigan University
If you do not see your college or university listed among our member institutions, encourage them to become a member.
If you represent a college of university that is interested in becoming a member institution, please contact: Ellen Holste, Research and Community Engagement Manager, eholste@cedarcreekinstitute.org
Conducting Research and Field-based Education at PCCI
Set on 850 acres near Hastings, Michigan, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) provides a unique ecosystem of wetlands, forests, streams, lakes, and prairies. This diversity of ecosystems makes it an ideal location for research and environmental education. We encourage visiting scholars, scientists, and educators from institutions both within and outside our consortium.
Research Projects
Researchers interested in conducting experiments at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute do not need to be a part of our consortium of member colleges and universities. The first step in conducting research at PCCI is to contact the Research and Community Engagement Manager. The second step is to submit a Research Application at least one month before the project's start date. The request will typically be reviewed within 2 weeks of submission. All researchers at PCCI are expected to adhere to PCCI regulations regarding research conduct and safety.
Each researcher is required to submit a brief report annually. We maintain records of research performed at PCCI to report to funding agencies. We also keep records of sampling and experiment location to inform future researchers.
All publications from research conducted at PCCI should acknowledge PCCI support. Researchers should also inform the Research and Community Engagement Manager of the publication and provide a copy for our records.
Field-based Education and Facilities
At PCCI, we truly believe in the power of place-based education. We welcome requests to use our facilities for field-based coursework, strategic planning retreats, or departmental meetings. It is a great way to get away and take advantage of PCCI’s natural surroundings and beautiful facilities.
PCCI facilities include three classroom spaces, an auditorium, housing for 44, a dining room and kitchen service, and laboratory space. Field station facilities and natural areas are available for short- and long-term research projects, as well as for afternoon or multi-day field trips with overnight accommodations, to both consortium members and other organizations.
Grants and Fellowship Opportunities
Applications for grant and fellowship funding are released annually in October and are due in early January or February. For more information about the grants and fellowships, scroll down below.
Deadlines for the 2026 Biological Field Station:
· Research pre-proposals are due January 12, 2026. Full research proposals are due February 2, 2026
· Natural Resources and STEAM Education Fellowship applications are due February 2, 2026.
· Creative Art Fellowships are due February 27, 2026.
· The 2026 Field Station season will begin May 18, 2026.
Grants and fellowships are only available to undergraduate college students attending one of the member colleges or universities of the Pierce Cedar Creek Consortium (see list: What is a Biological Field Station?) Recent graduates are eligible to participate, provided they graduate within six months of the program's start. Living on-site is not required, but it is strongly encouraged. One of the benefits of a Field Station is the opportunity to create a community, build connections, and learn from one another.
Curious about what life at a Biological Field Station looks like? Check out biological field station students in action, from their own words
Creative Arts Mentor Applications:
We are looking for a Creative Arts Writing Mentor for 2026! We recognize that students will reach their full potential by having an experienced mentor work with them throughout the program. Mentors will have diverse experiences in creative work and mentoring students. The Creative Writing mentor position for the Creative Arts Fellowships program is available to faculty attending one of the member colleges or universities of the Pierce Cedar Creek Consortium (see list: What is a Biological Field Station?)
Questions? Contact:
Ellen Holste
Research and Community Engagement Manager
Phone: 269-721-4170 or email eholste@cedarcreekinstitute.org
Environmental Research Grants
Environmental Research Grants
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s Environment Research Grants (ERG) focus on environmental monitoring of critical species and ecosystems, as well as the improvement of land management tools to support ecosystem functioning. The Environment Research Grant program funds student and faculty researchers from consortium member institutions in natural areas management, biodiversity, and environmental monitoring research. This work takes place at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and/or other regional sites. PCCI is specifically interested in funding projects that involve the following:
- Conservation of threatened and endangered species
- Water quality monitoring and management (e.g., E.coli, harmful algal blooms, shoreline health)
- Invasive species monitoring and management
- Environmental issues impacting human health
- Species and habitat resiliency to climate change
- Species inventories in West Michigan, especially lesser-known species
- Metadata or comparison studies using past research at PCCI
- Data archiving of past research or collections
- Social science of environmental best management practices implementation and climate change communication
Questions? Contact Ellen Holste at eholste@cedarcreekinstitute.org or 269-721-4170.
Natural Resource and STEAM Education Fellowships
Natural Resource and STEAM Education Fellowships offer a summer work experience for students interested in careers in natural resources, wildlife, and aquatic resource management, or STEAM education. Students collaborate with PCCI staff and researchers to undertake a range of projects throughout the summer.
Questions? Contact Ellen Holste at eholste@cedarcreekinstitute.org or 269-721-4170.
Creative Art Fellowships
Creative Arts Fellowships aim to foster the creative development of undergraduate artists and writers inspired by and influenced by the natural world. This six-week residency program combines field experiences, service opportunities, and community immersion, creating art inspired by these experiences. The program culminates in a public event where artworks are shared. Art and writing mentors work with fellows to foster growth and development. Students may apply to 1) create their own artwork or 2) a client-based experience, working on a project based on PCCI staff needs.
Questions? Contact Ellen Holste at eholste@cedarcreekinstitute.org or 269-721-4170.
Curious about what life at a Biological Field Station looks like? Check out biological field station students in action, from their own words.
Past Research and Art Projects
The Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s biological field station was established in 2005, bringing together 12 colleges and universities to form a consortium of institutions focused on enhancing undergraduate research opportunities and field-based learning experiences. Since that time, over 200 projects and 300 students have been involved with the field station. The following links contain the titles and/or abstracts of projects completed at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute since 2005. Each title includes the students' and faculty's last names, project title, year, and the institution.
Full research reports are available by contacting Ellen Holste, Research and Community Engagement Manager at eholste@cedarcreekinstitute.org.