Welcome to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

Immerse Yourself in Nature

What's New at the Institute?
Membership

Of all the many things that matter at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, members matter most! Without their dedication, participation, and generosity, the Institute would not be what it is today. Nor could it be what it aspires to be in the future!

Become A Member

Apply for the 2026 Season!

The Creative Retreats at Batts Cottage are currently closed for the 2025 season. The Retreats will be available again starting in April 2026.

We are now accepting applications for the 2026 season.

Submit Your Application Here!

Feast of Home Barry County

We are counting down the days until our first farm-to-table dinner series in our brand new event: Feast of Home Barry County!

Our first dinner features a program from author Robin Mather. After an unexpected life change, Robin returned to her rural roots and embarked on a personal challenge: to eat three local, seasonal meals a day on a budget of just $40 a week.

Join us to learn more about Robin and enjoy an excellent, locally-sourced meal.

Come for the dinner, the free program following the meal, or both!

Register here!

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, for Environmental Education

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.

News and Announcements

Who is Robin Mather?

Click the link below to our blog and discover more about our first presenter. Robin's presentation will follow our first farm-to-table dinner at Feast of Home Barry County on Wednesday, October 22. The evening begins with a farm-to-table dinner at 5:30 pm, followed by Robin’s free public talk at 7 pm. 

Robin's story is an inspirational one that takes place close to home for many of us.

Interested in signing up for a spot at the Feast of Home dinner, or for the free program following the meal?

Click here to sign up!

 

Feast of Home: Welcoming Robin Mather Back to Barry County

By PCCI | October 2, 2025
“Local eating is about more than food. It’s about community, connection, and learning to live within the gifts of the season.” – Robin Mather, The Feast Nearby What does it mean to…

We Are Hiring! 

Now Hiring: Community & Volunteer Program Manager
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is seeking a passionate and dynamic professional to lead our community programs and volunteer initiatives. This full-time role plays a key part in connecting people to nature, science, and stewardship by developing engaging educational programs and building a thriving volunteer community. If you’re excited about inspiring others, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting environmental education, we’d love to hear from you.

Learn More & Apply Here

October and November Pierce Pickups

From apple cider pork chops to southern sweet potato pie, there's a little something for everyone on this month's edition of Pierce Pickups. Order your meals today!

Click Here to Order

Check Out our Fall Upcoming Events Flyer

Fall Upcoming Events Flyer

By PCCI | August 13, 2025
| Photo by Amy Seymour | Our Fall Upcoming Events flyer is here! Check it out and click the button below to learn more. There’s a little something for everybody at PCCI!…

25sep01aprChelsea Bivens' Art Exhibit(September 25) 9:00 am - (April 1) 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

octOctober Storybook Hike: Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider By Jessica LananMonth Long Event (October)(GMT-04:00)

octBats of MichiganMonth Long Event (October)(GMT-04:00)

18oct10:00 am12:00 pmFall Forest Color Walk (Ages 9+, under 18 with adult)10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

20oct4:00 pm6:00 pmPCCI Chess Club4:00 pm - 6:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

21oct10:00 am12:00 pmNature Book Club 10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Register for Free Here!

22oct6:00 pm8:30 pmThe Feast of Home: Barry County (In partnership with B. Healthy and MiAA)(OCTOBER 22 DINNER IS FULL, PLEASE CALL 269-721-4190 TO BE PUT ON A WAITLIST AND/OR SIGN UP FOR OUR NOVEMBER DINNER. NOVEMBER DINNER AND PROGRAM ARE STILL OPEN)6:00 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

25oct6:00 pm8:30 pmTrick or Treat on the Trails (Family-Friendly)6:00 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Register Here!

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25sep01aprChelsea Bivens' Art Exhibit(September 25) 9:00 am - (April 1) 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

novNovember Storybook Hike: Forest Bright, Forest Night By Jennifer WardMonth Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00)

novWhose Track is That?Month Long Event (November)(GMT-04:00)

06nov10:00 am11:00 amPlaydates in the Playspace (Ages 6 and under with an adult)10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-05:00) Register Here!

09nov11:00 am3:00 pmHoliday Gift Show11:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

14nov10:30 am11:15 amScience Storytime at Hastings Public Library (Ages 6 and under with adult)10:30 am - 11:15 am(GMT-05:00)

14nov6:00 pm8:00 pmOh My Owls! Live Owl Program and Hike  (Family-Friendly)6:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register Here!

18nov10:00 am12:00 pmNature Book Club10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Register for Free Here!

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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.