Inspiring Appreciation and Stewardship of our Environment
Welcome to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
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.
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.
Programs & Events
Join us year-round for exciting activities and learning experiences, from science storytimes to candlelight trails.
Education
With our on-site and off-site ScienceStrong—Explore, Experience, Engage program, we are proud to be a leader in environmental education and science.
Scientific Research
As a biological field station, we provide opportunities for research in the environmental sciences and natural resources to inform land management. We also provide opportunities in creative writing and art. Our biological field station works with a consortium of colleges and universities from Michigan and Indiana.
Stewardship
Stewardship efforts are focused on identifying best land managment practices to promote biodiversity and resilient natural communities and sharing our findings with landowners and other conservation institutions. Primary components of these efforts include promotiong natural processes such as fire; limiting spread of invasive pests, patnogens, and plants; and incorporating biological field station and experimental restoration findings into land management strategies.
Latest News and Information
Native Plant Sale Pre-Orders begin April 1!
Pre-orders are accepted from April 1–May 29 at CedarCreekInstitutePlants.com. The in-person sale and pre-order pick-up event is Saturday, June 3 from 9 am–Noon. Staff and volunteers will help consult on plant selection and answer questions. Native plant books and baked goods will be available for purchase.
Residencies at Batts Cottage
Our new rental program is open to writers, artists, photographers, and musicians for one, two, or three weeks from April–September. For more information, go to https://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/batts_rental.html
Order Pierce Pickups
Order your Pierce Pickups by Thursday, April 13 at 4 pm for pick-up at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute on Friday, April 21 from Noon–2 pm or at Anne's Health Food during store hours.
Applications for the Holiday Gift Show
The 2023 Holiday Gift Show is Sunday, November 12 from 11 am–3 pm. We are now taking applications from vendors. The deadline is August 31, 2023. Click here to apply!
Spring Stewardship News and Trail Updates
Click here to enjoy the Stewardshp News and Trail Updates. This new publication is desigend to keep you informed of what our Stewardship Department is doing and what's new on our trails.
Art Exhibit–Priscilla Olson–Michigan Landscapes
Priscila grew up in Midland but spent her professional life in Chicago as a commercial animator and plen air painter. Her art will be on display and for sale at the Visitor Center February through May 2023. Her artist's reception will be in May.
Job Openings
Join Our Team!
Housekeeping
Stewardship Coordinator
Kitchen Assistant
Adventure is Closer than you Think–Barry County, MI
Adventure is Closer than you Think–Barry County, MI