The Origins of Climate Resilient Land Management

Since Pierce Cedar Creek Institute was founded on 550 acres in Barry County in 2001, managing its land to support a healthy environment has been a top priority. Today, the Institute covers 850 acres and focuses on removing invasive species, planting native plants, and protecting sensitive areas. Over the years, these efforts have evolved with new data, research, and emerging challenges, including the undeniable impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem health.

In early 2023, local business owners approached the Institute, asking if they could offset their carbon footprint by supporting our land management work. This question inspired the Institute to define its efforts more broadly, addressing climate change's growing impact on natural areas while offering guidance for others to protect their green spaces.

What is CRLM?

Climate Resilient Land Management (CRLM) is the Institute's comprehensive plan for building long-term health and resiliency in its natural areas in response to climate change. While storing carbon in trees, plants, and soil, also known as carbon sequestration, is crucial, maintaining biodiversity is equally essential for sustaining a healthy ecosystem. CRLM combines these goals, using science-based land management techniques that enhance resilience and promote biodiversity. Each effort is carefully documented, monitored, and evaluated for effectiveness.

The Institute is committed to sharing these practices through educational programs, empowering others to take similar steps on their land. Though a long-term commitment, CRLM is at the heart of the Institute’s mission to protect and preserve our natural world.

What is Carbon Sequestration?

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere to reduce greenhouse gas levels and combat climate change. This process occurs naturally in ecosystems where plants, trees, soil, and oceans absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis and store it in biomass (like roots, stems, and leaves) or in the soil. In managed landscapes, practices such as planting trees, restoring wetlands, and improving soil health can increase carbon sequestration, making it a vital strategy for reducing atmospheric carbon and supporting a healthier environment.

What You Can Do

Anyone can contribute to carbon sequestration by adopting simple, sustainable habits that benefit the planet. Planting native trees and shrubs in your backyard or community helps capture and store carbon from the atmosphere, creating natural "carbon sinks." Supporting sustainable agriculture by buying local, organic produce can also help, as these farming methods enrich the soil and capture more carbon than conventional practices. Even composting kitchen scraps helps reduce waste and build healthier soils that naturally sequester carbon. Every action, big or small, contributes to a healthier Earth—together, we can make a difference!