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
New in June! Picnic Pickups!
Picnic Pickups are an outdoor picnic prepared for you and your guests. These will be available this summer and fall. Each backpack picnic basket will include service for up to 4. Picnics will be available starting June 1.
Summer Calendar of Events
Click here to check out our summer programs!
Stewardship Workdays
These workdays are open to the public. We will meet in the parking lot between the Visitor Center and Education building. Register to learn more!
Thursday, June 1, 1:30 - 4:00 pm
Thursday, June 8, 9:30-12:00 pm
Thursday, June 15, 1:30 - 4:00 pm
Thursday, June 23, 9:30-12:00 pm
Thursday, June 29, 1:30 - 4:00 pm
Register here: https://bit.ly/3o3wApT
Save the Date!
Same Celebration, New Name!
Gala in the Garden is Saturday, July 29 from 6–9 pm. Enjoy a festive evening of delicious southern food, terrific drinks, and live music at our annual fundraiser. More information is coming soon. Sponsored in part by the Douglas E.& Margaret A. DeCamp Foundation.
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
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!
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!
Housekeeper
Adventure is Closer than you Think–Barry County, MI
Adventure is Closer than you Think–Barry County, MI