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
Hunting Season has arrived at the Institute!
Our deer management program is focused on healthy herd management and reducing the effects of over browsing on forests.
Rifle season will close all the trails from November 15–30. The trails will then re-open on the southside of Cloverdale Rd. on December 1. Trails on the northside of Cloverdale Rd. will remain closed until further notice.
Please be aware of the trail closure signs.
Faith Kuzma, Eastern Box Turtle Champion!
Click here to read about her research.
December Pierce Pickups are Here!!
December Pierce Pickups feature all of your favorite holiday items.
Order December Pierce Pickups here.
Fall 2023 Calendar of Events
Click here for the 2023 Fall Calendar of Events.
Art Exhibit–Rex Roscoe
Come to the Visitor Center Monday through Friday, 9 am–5pm, to see Rex's inspiring photography exhibit. His work will be on display and for sale through the end of January 2024. Also, meet Rex at his artist reception on Sunday, October 8 in the Visitor Center from 1–2:30 pm.
Adventure is Closer than you Think–Barry County, MI
Adventure is Closer than you Think–Barry County, MI