Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for Environmental Education
Set on 850 acres in rural Barry County, Michigan, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute serves as an environmental education center, biological field station, and nature preserve. PCCI offers visitors opportunities for education, recreation, research, and exposure to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, prairies, and agriculture.
Join Us for Our 25th Birthday Bash! | June 20
For 25 years, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute has been a place for discovery, learning, stewardship, and community. Now it's time to celebrate, and you're invited!
Join us on Saturday, June 20, from 11 am–2 pm for a free, family-friendly community celebration featuring magic with Stormy, live music by Matt Eldred, Moo-Ville ice cream, hot dogs, cupcakes, watermelon, yard games, and more.
Whether you've hiked our trails, attended a program, volunteered, donated, or simply enjoyed this special place, you're part of our story. We hope you'll help us celebrate 25 years together.
Free Event | Registration Requested
Naturally Speaking Newsletter June - August 2026
The Institute’s newsletter is BACK!
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary year, we invite you to explore the latest edition filled with exciting updates, upcoming programs, and stories from across the Institute. You’ll also discover highlights from our history and the people, moments, and milestones that have shaped the Institute over the past 25 years.
We hope you enjoy looking back while celebrating all that’s still to come!
Raffle Tickets & 25th Anniversary Gala | On Sale Now
Join us for the 25th Anniversary Gala, an unforgettable evening supporting Pierce Cedar Creek Institute on Saturday, August 1 from 6:00–9:00 PM. Set against the beautiful natural backdrop of the Institute, this annual fundraising gala will feature an evening of community, celebration, and inspiration in support of environmental education, research, and conservation.
Guests will enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the opportunity to connect with others who care deeply about protecting and celebrating the natural world.
Not able to make the Gala, but still want to support the Institute? Purchase Raffle Tickets with a chance to win ONE of FOUR great prizes. You don't have to be there to win.
We look forward to celebrating with you at the Institute!
What's Happening at the Institute?
At Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, there’s always something new to discover. Our event calendar is filled with daily, weekly, and monthly experiences designed to connect people of all ages with nature, learning, and community.
From guided nature walks and family-friendly storybook hours to hands-on classes, special workshops, seasonal celebrations, brunch events, and unique dining experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
Be sure to visit our event calendar often and see what adventures, programs, and memorable moments are happening next at the Institute!
Environmental Education & Sustainable Land Management Initiatives
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.