John Tagett Sculptures

March - October
Time: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm
Cost: Free

Once again, John's unique wood sculptures and bowls are back by popular demand. John is a retired surgeon and has been creating his carvings since the mid 1970's. He encourages you to pick up his sculptures, and to look at them from all angles, not only to enjoy the optical beauty of the wood but also to feel the different textures of the wood. His work is available for viewing and purchase April through the end of October, 2010.

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Art Exhibit -Ladislav R. Hanka Exhibit
Visions of a Wandering Naturalist: Etchings and Drawings of the Trees, Fish, and Birds

September - November
Time: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm
Cost: Free

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute's featured local artist, for this season is Ladislav R. Hanka, from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Hanka has earned a BA in Biology, a BS in Zoology, and a MFA in Printmaking. He is a printmaker and draftsman with over 50 solo exhibitions to his credit in his dozen years as a full time artist. His works are displayed in private and public collections on all continents.

According to Hanka, "I draw what I encounter-and rake that all back to the studio for transformation into etchings. " Stop out to the Institute and see Lad's diverse, one-man show. His work is available for viewing and purchase Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. To view Lad's complete artist's statement and works please visit http://web.me.com/ladhanka.

There will be an artist reception for Ladislav Hanka on Sunday, Sept 12.

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Salads and Sides - CANCELLED

Saturday, August 28
Time: 3 - 5 pm
Cost: Members $15 | Non-Members $18

Add to your meal's presentation by accessorizing your main dish with salads and sides to bring the whole meal together. Chef Richard will share ideas for salads and sides to accompany your favorite dishes and accentuate their flavors.

Salads and Sides

Member $15.00 Non-Member $18.00 NA $0.00

Notes:

Phone Number

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Solar Panel Workshop

Saturday, September 11
Time: 9 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: Members: $305 | Non-Members: $335

Interested in solar energy but not quite ready to put panels on your house? Join us for this workshop, which introduces you to solar power by building a 15 watt photovoltaic (solar panel) system. All supplies for the system will be provided as part of the workshop. The portable system you will build can provide enough energy to power a small TV or computer, lights, power tools, or many other small appliances.

Pre-registration and payment are required. The workshop is limited to 12 people

Solar Panel Registration

Member $305.00 Non-Member $335.00 NA $0.00

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Artist Reception

Sunday, September 12
Time: 11 am - 2 pm
Cost: Free

Please join the Institute in welcoming Ladislav Hanka and his exhibit: Visions of a Wandering Naturalist: Etchings and Drawings of the Trees, Fish, and Birds. Ladislav will be available to talk with guests and answer questions about his fascinating work. Admission to the reception is free. If you would like to attend brunch on that day please call (269) 721-4190 to make reservations.

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Sunday Brunch

Sunday, September 12
Time: Seatings at 11:30 am and 1 pm; Free Program at 12:15 pm
Cost: Brunch Cost: Plus 6% sales tax
Member Adults $12; Children $5 | Non-Member Adults $14; Children $6 (Children ages 4 - 10)

Enjoy the changing colors, the crisp scent of fall, and a delicious meal. Chef Richard will prepare some of his favorite fall treats for your enjoyment. Be sure to attend one of our informative programs between brunch seatings. Pre-registration and payment are required.

Brunch Menu

Breakfast Items

Made to Order Omelets

Bacon

Waffles

Hashbrowns

Salad

Mixed Greens with Dressings

Spinach Salad with a Blueberry and Pomegranate Dressing

Carrot Curry Salad with Fried Leeks Brown Sugar

Bread

Chocolate Sweet Bread

Lemon Sweet Bread

French Bread

Entrées

Porkloin with an Apple and Sage Stuffing

Chicken Florentine

Roasted Redskins

Acorn Squash with Caramelized Leeks

Baked Penne with Tomatoes, Spinach, and Garlic

Carving Station

Ham with Cloves and Honey

Desserts

Pecan Bars

Apple Bars

Lemon Blueberry Bars

Espresso Chocolate Trifles

Brunch Program - Native Trees and Shrubs

Please join us for Mary Ann Menck's informative and free presentation on how to incorporate native shrubs into your yard. Be sure to stop by Mary Ann's native plant sale following the program to purchase native trees and shrubs for your property.

September Brunch

11:30 am: Member Adults $12.00 11:30 am: Non-Member Adults $14.00 11:30 am: Member Child $5.00 11:30 am: Non-Member Child $6.00 1 pm: Member Adult $12.00 1 pm: Non-Member Adult $14.00 1 pm: Member Child $5.00 1 pm: Non-Member Child $6.00

Phone Number

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Native Tree/Shrub Sale and Presentation

Sunday, September 12
Time: Program 12:15 - 1 pm; Sale: 11 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: Free Admission

Mary Ann Menck, owner and operator of Mary Ann's Michigan Trees and Shrubs in Paw Paw, is back to host our annual native tree and shrub sale. The plants at the sale range from $15 to $40 and will make important additions to your backyard wildlife habitat. Please join us for Mary Ann's informative and free presentation on how to incorporate native shrubs into your yard at 12:15 pm. A limited supply of shrubs and trees (such as Quaking Aspen, Paper Birch, Purple Flowering Raspberry, Spicebush, and Winterberry Holly) will be available the day of the sale. Interested buyers are highly encouraged to pre-order trees and shrubs to guarantee their availability. Please check CLICK HERE for a listing of trees and shrubs that are available for pre-order. Orders may be placed by calling (269)721-4190. An assortment of wildflowers, grasses, groundcovers, and ferns will also be available during the day of the sale for $5-$10 per gallon pot.

Pre-orders must be made by Tuesday, September 7 and must be picked up by 2 pm the day of the sale or they will return with the seller at the end of the sale.

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A Walk and Talk With Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac

Friday, September 17
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
Cost: Members $3; Non-Members $6

Considered by many as the father of wildlife management and of the United States wilderness system, Aldo Leopold was a conservationist, forester, philosopher, educator, writer, and outdoor enthusiast.

With over two million copies sold, A Sand County Almanac is one of the most respected books about the environment ever published, and Leopold has come to be regarded by many as the most influential conservation thinker of the twentieth century.

Join us as we continue this year-long series of programs on A Sand County Almanac. We will investigate Leopold's writings as we trace a year at the Shack. The series of programs will include readings and activities based on Leopold's writings.

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Nicole Foss - A Century of Challenges: Understanding the Credit Crisis

Friday, September 17
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm
Cost: Free; Donations will be accepted.

Nicole Foss explains the credit crisis, housing bubble, deflation, and factors impacting the recession and the economy. Foss just completed a European speaking tour, and is starting the North American tour in Michigan.

At her presentation, Foss will discuss the many converging factors that are contributing to the predicament we face today, and how individuals can build a “lifeboat” to cope with the difficult years ahead.  She explains how our current financial system is an unsustainable credit bubble grounded in “Ponzi dynamics,” or the logic of the pyramid scheme. She warns that most people are woefully unprepared to face the consequences of the devastating deflation that is now unfolding.

What makes this crisis different from past financial calamities?

Foss argues that this crisis has developed in the context of the fossil fuel age, an age which will prove to be a relatively brief period of human history. She says that we have already seen oil reach a global production peak, and other fossil fuels are not far behind; and while there is still plenty of fossil fuel in the ground, production will fall, meaning that there will be less and less energy available to power the economy at prices people can afford to pay.

She continues that societies have gone through boom and bust cycles before, examples include: the Tulip Mania, the South Sea Bubble and the “Real” Great Depression of the 1870s; but most people in the Western world today will face this crisis without the knowledge or means to provide the basics of their own survival. Our industrial system has nearly destroyed the individual capacity for self-reliance.

This event is free to the public. Suggested donation is $10-$20, but all are welcome, and no admission will be charged. Foss ensures that no one will be turned away if they are unable to make a donation.

Presented by Local Future

Click here for more information. Please pre-register by E-mail or on Facebook

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Members Only Dinner-Fall Harvest Delight

Friday, September 24
Time: 6 pm
Cost: Members: $25 | Future-Members: $40 Future-member price includes an individual membership
Pre-registration and payment are required.

Fall brings crisp days, cool evenings, and best of all, a bounty from the summer growing season. Treat yourself to a delicious six-course meal prepared by Chef Richard Centala.

Not a member? Purchase a future member ticket that includes dinner and an individual membership. If you are a current member, we encourage you to invite your family and friends as a future member. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce them to the many perks a Pierce Cedar Creek Institute membership brings.

Menu Includes:
Starter: Marinated Vegetables with Roasted Tenderloin served in a Puff Pastry Square
Soup: Acorn Squash Soup
Salad: Smoked Shrimp Coleslaw
Entrée: Grilled Chicken served with a Sweet Pea Puree, Sage Stuffed Golden Yukon Potatoes, and Sautéed Baby Carrots
Refresher: Lemon Sorbet
Dessert: Peach Tart made with a Crushed Almond Crust with Chocolate Ganasche

Members Only Dinner

Member $25.00 Future Member $45.00 NA $0.00

Notes:

Phone Number

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Gourd Art Workshop

Saturday, September 25
Time: 9 am - 12 noon
Cost: Members $25 | Non-Members $30

Gourds are likely one of the first plants to become domesticated. People have been using gourds as storage containers for thousands of years. You will have an opportunity to join in this tradition at this workshop led by Joyce Earl. Participants will be creating a gourd bowl decorated with a leather dye and a pine needle rim. This workshop is limited to 12 participants. All materials will be provided.

Gourd Art Workshop

Member $25.00 Non-Member $35.00 NA $0.00

Notes:

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Trees for Life - Special Trees for Special Ones!

Saturday, October 2
Time: Noon - 3 pm
Cost: Free
Please pre-register by calling (269) 721-4190 to ensure enough saplings are available.

For the past eight years, the Institute has provided a free oak sapling to parents who have had baby born at Pennock Hospital as a way to commemorate the new family member and highlight the importance nature plays in each of our lives.

Over 200 oak saplings have been distributed to happy parents, including a few repeat customers representing growing families!

For those families that have had a baby at Pennock Hospital this year, please come to the Institute on Saturday, October 2 from Noon to 3 pm to pick up your certificate and your oak tree sapling. If you are unable to pick it up on October 2, you can come to the Institute the following week, October 4 - 8, 9 am to 5 pm, as long as the saplings are available.

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Michigan Sustainable Homes and Businesses Tour (Solar Home Tour)

Saturday, October 2
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Cost: $15 for Bus Tour and lunch
Free for self-guided tours

Due to this being a community coordinated tour, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute will not be able to extend a member discount. Thank you for your understanding.

Visit Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and many other local "green" sites in this annual tour. The tour highlights homes and businesses that incorporate solar and other renewable energy technologies. Participants will have two options this year. The first is a guided bus tour, which will leave from the Hastings Public Library at 10 am. The bus will take you to several sites within Barry County, where you will be given a tour of each of the homes. Lunch will be provided at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute as part of the guided tour. The bus will be returning to the library at 4 pm. The second option is to visit tour sites on your own, at no charge. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute will be open for tours between 10 am and 4 pm. For additional information on the tour visit our website after September 15. For more information on other stops around the state go to www.glrea.org.

Solar Home Tour

Registraton $15.00 NA $0.00 NA $0.00

Notes:

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Tree Identification Hikes

Thursday, October 7; 5:30 - 7 pm,
Saturday, October 9; 9 - 11 am
For your convenience, we are offering the same hike at two different dates and times. Please choose the hike that best fits your schedule.
Cost: Members and K - 12 Students $3; Non-Members $6

This hike is designed as an introduction to the trees growing in SW Michigan. It is also a great opportunity for middle school students and Scout groups to learn about trees needed for their leaf collection projects. Students should be sure to bring a bag and pencil to collect and label leaves. Please call (269) 721-4190 to pre-register so we can plan to have an adequate amount of hike leaders.

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Sunday Brunch

Sunday, October 10
Time: Seatings at 11:30 am and 1 pm; Free Program at 12:15 pm
Cost: Brunch Cost: Plus 6% sales tax
Member Adults $12; Children $5 | Non-Member Adults $14; Children $6 (Children ages 4 - 10)

Enjoy the changing colors, the crisp scent of fall, and a delicious meal. Chef Richard will prepare some of his favorite fall treats for your enjoyment. Be sure to attend one of our informative programs between brunch seatings. Pre-registration and payment are required.

Brunch Program - Fireworks of Foliage

From the brilliant reds and oranges of maples, to the browns of oaks, one of autumn's distinguishing characteristics in Michigan is the changing colors of leaves on trees and shrubs. Join Matt Dykstra as we explore why leaves change color and fall off, and how this process occurs.

October Brunch

11:30 am: Member Adults $12.00 11:30 am: Non-Member Adults $14.00 11:30 am: Member Child $5.00 11:30 am: Non-Member Child $6.00 1 pm: Member Adult $12.00 1 pm: Non-Member Adult $14.00 1 pm: Member Child $5.00 1 pm: Non-Member Child $6.00

Phone Number

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A Walk and Talk With Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac

Friday, October 15
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
Cost: Members $3 | Non-Members $6

Considered by many as the father of wildlife management and of the United States wilderness system, Aldo Leopold was a conservationist, forester, philosopher, educator, writer, and outdoor enthusiast.

With over two million copies sold, A Sand County Almanac is one of the most respected books about the environment ever published, and Leopold has come to be regarded by many as the most influential conservation thinker of the twentieth century.

Join us as we continue this year-long series of programs on A Sand County Almanac. We will investigate Leopold's writings as we trace a year at the Shack. The series of programs will include readings and activities based on Leopold's writings.

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Owls on the Prowl

Friday, October 22
Time: 7 - 8:30 pm
Cost: Members $6; Member Children $4
Non-Members $8; Non-Member Children $6 (Children ages 4 - 12)

Owls hold a special place in the folklore of many cultures. Even today, catching a glimpse or hearing the call of one of these secretive creatures is a treasure and special event. Encounters with owls feed our fascination with them and leave us wishing to see and know more about these mysterious creatures.

Owls on the Prowl is a great way to experience these magnificent creatures up close. Joe Rogers, of the Wildlife Recovery Association, will once again be sharing his entertaining and educational program with us.

Participants will have the opportunity to see a variety of Michigan's owls and learn about what they eat, how they find their prey, and why they are considered the silent predators of the night.

Owl Program

Member Adults $6.00 Non-Member Adults $8.00 Member Child $4.00 Non-Member Child $6.00

Notes:

Phone Number

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Seed Collection Techniques to Create Prairie Habitat and Native Wildflower Gardens

Saturday, October 30
Time: 10 am - Noon
Cost: Members: $5 | Non-Members: $8

Jen Howell, Land Steward, will lead this informational workshop on prairie grass and wildflower seed collecting techniques. This information is relevant to anyone interested in establishing prairie habitat or native wildflower gardens in their own backyards. Indoors, we will be covering:

• • how to collect native wildflower and grass seed
• • how to clean/process seed
• • how to properly dry seed
• • how to store seed
• • how to sow wildflower/grass seed
• • ethics of seed collecting

The program will conclude with an outdoor exploration of the Institute's prairie plantings for hands-on experience collecting native grass seed. Please come prepared with appropriate shoes (no open-toed sandals please). This workshop is limited to 20 participants, so be sure to reserve your spot by registering early.

Bring the family out on October 2 and plan some time to explore the Institute. As your newborn grows, you'll want to come back to the many programs that will inspire your whole family to be nature lovers!

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Creating Exciting Entrées

Saturday, November 6
Time: 3 - 5 pm
Cost: Members $15 | Non-Members $18

If you are tired of staring at your cupboards trying to come up with an idea of what to make for dinner or if having company come over for dinner leaves you desperate for meal ideas, then attend this workshop. Chef Richard will share recipes on how to create easy-to-make entrées that will be enjoyed by all. As a group, you will create these items from scratch and sample them. You will also receive the recipes to take home.

Entree's Workshop

Member $15.00 Non-Member $18.00 NA $0.00

Notes:

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Holiday Gift Show and Lunch

Sunday, November 14
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
Admission is free

Lunch Seating Times: 11 am - Noon, 12:15 - 1:15 pm, and 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Lunch Cost: Plus 6% sales tax
Member Adults: $9; Children $4
Non-Member Adults: $11; Children $5

Lunch tickets must be purchased in advance by calling (269) 721-4190.

There is no better place to find personal, handcrafted gifts for your family and friends. Local artists and crafters will be featuring their works such as pottery, nature photography, alpaca fur scarves and hats, jewelry, wood carvings, walking sticks, and woven rugs.

We will also be showcasing items from our gift shop including nature guides, locally made bird houses, garden stakes, fair trade jewelry, field guide bags, woven baskets, stained glass sun catchers, children's gifts, and so much more. As a special benefit, all members will receive 15% off their gift shop purchase during this event.

Take a break from shopping and enjoy a delicious soup and sandwich buffet prepared by Chef Richard Centala. Lunch includes appetizers, soup, sandwiches, desserts, and your choice of beverage. We will have three scheduled seating times for lunch.

Holiday Gift Show Lunch

11 am: Member Adults $9.00 11 am: Non-Member Adults $11.00 12:15 pm: Member Adult $9.00 12:15 pm: Non-Member Adult $11.00 1:30 pm: Member Adult $9.00 1:30: Non-Member Adult $11.00 Member Child $4.00 Non-Member Child $5.00 Option 9 $0.00 Option 10 $0.00

Phone Number

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A Walk and Talk With Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac

Friday, November 19
Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
Cost: Members $3 | Non-Members $6

Considered by many as the father of wildlife management and of the United States wilderness system, Aldo Leopold was a conservationist, forester, philosopher, educator, writer, and outdoor enthusiast.

With over two million copies sold, A Sand County Almanac is one of the most respected books about the environment ever published, and Leopold has come to be regarded by many as the most influential conservation thinker of the twentieth century.

Join us as we continue this year-long series of programs on A Sand County Almanac. We will investigate Leopold's writings as we trace a year at the Shack. The series of programs will include readings and activities based on Leopold's writings. Please call (269) 721-4190 to register.

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Herbal Holiday Gifts

Saturday, November 20
Time: 10 am - Noon
Cost: Members $25 | Non-Members $30

Take part in the annual Herbal Holiday Gifts program, led by Connie Hanson, to learn a variety of ways to use herbs and essential oils to make holiday gifts! We start out by discussing (and sharing) some tasty foods that can be packaged as gifts for the upcoming holiday season. This is followed by ideas for using herbs and essential oils to make bath sachets, oils, bath salts, and more. Each guest will make three items to take home: fragrant bath salts, a dessert blend for holiday baking, and a lavender dryer sachet. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required as class size is limited.

Holiday Gifts

Member $25.00 Non-Member $30.00 NA $0.00

Notes:

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Annual Coat Drive

November 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is collecting gently used and new winter coats, blankets, and mittens during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 9 am - 5 pm. Donations may also be brought to any weekend program sponsored by the Institute.

Persons dropping off coats at the Institute will receive a coupon good for $1 off Sunday brunch at the Institute, held the second Sunday of each month.

Donations may also be dropped off at Second Hand Corners, year round, during their regular business hours, Monday - Thursday 9:30 am - 6 pm, Friday 9:30 am - 8 pm, Saturday 9:30 am - 7 pm, and Sunday Noon - 5 pm. Second Hand Corners is located on the corner of State Street and Jefferson Street in Downtown Hastings. Coats will be distributed at Second Hand Corners during regular business hours.

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