Welcome to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

Friday, July 10
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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 during this event to explore and play alongside your children.

Enjoy the playspace and stay for a family friendly lunch prepared by our own Chef Dan!

Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!

Program: Free, but please register online

Lunch: Adults $15, Children $6

Friday, July 10
Lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Program: 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM

This week features scientist Dana Strouse from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. This week’s topic is non-point source pollution. Feed your stomach and your brain!

Program and Lunch:
Member Adults $20; Children $15
Non-Member Adults $30; Children $20 

Program Only:
Member Adults $10; Children $5
Non-Member Adults $15; Children $10

Children are ages 6 – 12; 5 and under are free

Mondays, June 1 thru August 31
9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
Join LeeAnn under the Hickory tree behind the Education Building every Monday morning throughout the summer to welcome the week with mindfulness and presence in nature. Learn techniques for managing stress and regulating your nervous system, followed by a weekly guided meditation.  Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, or a yoga mat to sit on (Or sitting in the grass is great too!). We will find an indoor location on inclement weather days.

FREE

Tuesday, July 14
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Join Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and your guides, Anne and Doug Klein, 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!

Important Information:
– Please be prepared to hike up to one mile on uneven trails
– We will have a limited number of binoculars available to borrow
– The program will occur rain or shine
– In the event of inclement weather, we will offer a shorter information session
on birding topics
– Please meet in the Education Building

Wednesday, July 15
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Join the Stewardship Staff in caring for the land. This is an experience where participants may learn about plants, seeds, and ecology.

Please register as further details are sent before the event.

Thursday, July 16    
Program: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Optional Afternoon Field Trips: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM 

Learn about the exciting “on the ground” conservation at the Institutes Biological 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.

The program is open to ages 15+, under 18 can attend with an adult

Program Only: Members Free; Non-Members $8
Program and Lunch: Members $15 | Non-Members $21

Please register by Wednesday, July 9, to reserve lunch

Thursdays, July 9, 16, & 23
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Join local survivalist instructor Matt Eldred, featured on the History Channel’s series Alone, for an engaging introduction to wilderness survival and bushcraft.

Whether you’re looking to build confidence for hiking in remote areas, seeking knowledge about our local flora, or simply want to be better prepared for emergencies, these classes offer practical, hands-on knowledge for all experience levels.

Sessions will cover a variety of survival topics across six Thursday evenings in June and July. To ensure a personalized and interactive experience, enrollment is limited to 15 participants. Choose one night or sign up for the entire series!  Children 5-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Be sure to register early to secure your spot!

Cost per class: Members $40 | Non-Members $45

July 9: Introduction to Friction Fire

Have you ever wanted to start a fire in the wilderness without matches or a lighter? In this class, participants will learn how to create an effective tinder bundle (often called a “bird’s nest”) to get a fire started. Matt will also demonstrate how to build a bow-drill set and discuss the best natural materials to use. Participants may choose to build along during the class, and bow-drill sets will be available to take home so you can continue practicing your new skills.

July 16: Let’s Talk About Shelter!

In this class, Matt will demonstrate his favorite shelter-building techniques that are beginner-friendly and adaptable to any skill level. You’ll learn how to use materials found in the natural environment to create effective, reliable shelter in the wilderness.

Matt will also discuss his preferred pack setup, including why he often chooses a tarp over a traditional tent. Walk a little taller in the woods knowing you can keep yourself sheltered and safe on your nature adventures. 

July 23: Hatchet, Axe, and Knives- Sharpening and Safety Skills

Some of the most commonly used tools in the wilderness are hatchets, axes, and knives. In this class, you’ll learn how to properly sharpen and maintain these essential tools. We’ll also cover important safety tips that are often overlooked, along with the most effective and efficient ways to use them in a survival setting. Participants will also learn to carve an L7 trap to take home and demonstrate their new skills to family and friends.

Friday, July 17
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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 during this event to explore and play alongside your children.

Enjoy the playspace and stay for a family friendly lunch prepared by our own Chef Dan!

Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!

Program: Free, but please register online

Lunch: Adults $15, Children $6

Friday, July 17
Lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Program: 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM

This weeks program is from Fisheries Biologist, Addie Myers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Join us for lunch to feed your stomach and your brain!

Program and Lunch:
Member Adults $20; Children $15
Non-Member Adults $30; Children $20 

Program Only:
Member Adults $10; Children $5
Non-Member Adults $15; Children $10

Children are ages 6 – 12; 5 and under are free

Mondays, June 1 thru August 31
9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
Join LeeAnn under the Hickory tree behind the Education Building every Monday morning throughout the summer to welcome the week with mindfulness and presence in nature. Learn techniques for managing stress and regulating your nervous system, followed by a weekly guided meditation.  Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, or a yoga mat to sit on (Or sitting in the grass is great too!). We will find an indoor location on inclement weather days.

FREE

Wednesday, July 22
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Join the Stewardship Staff in caring for the land. This is an experience where participants may learn about plants, seeds, and ecology.

Please register as further details are sent before the event.

Thursdays, July 9, 16, & 23
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Join local survivalist instructor Matt Eldred, featured on the History Channel’s series Alone, for an engaging introduction to wilderness survival and bushcraft.

Whether you’re looking to build confidence for hiking in remote areas, seeking knowledge about our local flora, or simply want to be better prepared for emergencies, these classes offer practical, hands-on knowledge for all experience levels.

Sessions will cover a variety of survival topics across six Thursday evenings in June and July. To ensure a personalized and interactive experience, enrollment is limited to 15 participants. Choose one night or sign up for the entire series!  Children 5-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Be sure to register early to secure your spot!

Cost per class: Members $40 | Non-Members $45

July 9: Introduction to Friction Fire

Have you ever wanted to start a fire in the wilderness without matches or a lighter? In this class, participants will learn how to create an effective tinder bundle (often called a “bird’s nest”) to get a fire started. Matt will also demonstrate how to build a bow-drill set and discuss the best natural materials to use. Participants may choose to build along during the class, and bow-drill sets will be available to take home so you can continue practicing your new skills.

July 16: Let’s Talk About Shelter!

In this class, Matt will demonstrate his favorite shelter-building techniques that are beginner-friendly and adaptable to any skill level. You’ll learn how to use materials found in the natural environment to create effective, reliable shelter in the wilderness.

Matt will also discuss his preferred pack setup, including why he often chooses a tarp over a traditional tent. Walk a little taller in the woods knowing you can keep yourself sheltered and safe on your nature adventures. 

July 23: Hatchet, Axe, and Knives- Sharpening and Safety Skills

Some of the most commonly used tools in the wilderness are hatchets, axes, and knives. In this class, you’ll learn how to properly sharpen and maintain these essential tools. We’ll also cover important safety tips that are often overlooked, along with the most effective and efficient ways to use them in a survival setting. Participants will also learn to carve an L7 trap to take home and demonstrate their new skills to family and friends.

Friday, July 24
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

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 during this event to explore and play alongside your children.

Enjoy the playspace and stay for a family friendly lunch prepared by our own Chef Dan!

Fun Fridays at the Institute are fun for everyone!

Program: Free, but please register online

Lunch: Adults $15, Children $6

Friday, July 24
Lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Program: 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM

Join us for a celebration of the Spirit of the Eagle! Dr. Carl Palazzolo, DVM will be here to discuss his latest book and the efforts to rehabilitate the Bald Eagle in Michigan. Dr. Palazzolo will be joined by Michigan Avian Experience with a live eagle. Join us for lunch to feed your stomach and your brain!

Program and Lunch:
Member Adults $20; Children $15
Non-Member Adults $30; Children $20 

Program Only:
Member Adults $10; Children $5
Non-Member Adults $15; Children $10

Children are ages 6 – 12; 5 and under are free

Mondays, June 1 thru August 31
9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
Join LeeAnn under the Hickory tree behind the Education Building every Monday morning throughout the summer to welcome the week with mindfulness and presence in nature. Learn techniques for managing stress and regulating your nervous system, followed by a weekly guided meditation.  Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, or a yoga mat to sit on (Or sitting in the grass is great too!). We will find an indoor location on inclement weather days.

FREE

Wednesday, July 29
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Join the Stewardship Staff in caring for the land. This is an experience where participants may learn about plants, seeds, and ecology.

Please register as further details are sent before the event.

Thursdays, July 9, 16, & 23
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Join local survivalist instructor Matt Eldred, featured on the History Channel’s series Alone, for an engaging introduction to wilderness survival and bushcraft.

Whether you’re looking to build confidence for hiking in remote areas, seeking knowledge about our local flora, or simply want to be better prepared for emergencies, these classes offer practical, hands-on knowledge for all experience levels.

Sessions will cover a variety of survival topics across six Thursday evenings in June and July. To ensure a personalized and interactive experience, enrollment is limited to 15 participants. Choose one night or sign up for the entire series!  Children 5-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Be sure to register early to secure your spot!

Cost per class: Members $40 | Non-Members $45

July 9: Introduction to Friction Fire

Have you ever wanted to start a fire in the wilderness without matches or a lighter? In this class, participants will learn how to create an effective tinder bundle (often called a “bird’s nest”) to get a fire started. Matt will also demonstrate how to build a bow-drill set and discuss the best natural materials to use. Participants may choose to build along during the class, and bow-drill sets will be available to take home so you can continue practicing your new skills.

July 16: Let’s Talk About Shelter!

In this class, Matt will demonstrate his favorite shelter-building techniques that are beginner-friendly and adaptable to any skill level. You’ll learn how to use materials found in the natural environment to create effective, reliable shelter in the wilderness.

Matt will also discuss his preferred pack setup, including why he often chooses a tarp over a traditional tent. Walk a little taller in the woods knowing you can keep yourself sheltered and safe on your nature adventures. 

July 23: Hatchet, Axe, and Knives- Sharpening and Safety Skills

Some of the most commonly used tools in the wilderness are hatchets, axes, and knives. In this class, you’ll learn how to properly sharpen and maintain these essential tools. We’ll also cover important safety tips that are often overlooked, along with the most effective and efficient ways to use them in a survival setting. Participants will also learn to carve an L7 trap to take home and demonstrate their new skills to family and friends.