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.
Lunch & Learn: Tales from the Field with Matt Dykstra
Friday, November 20 | Lunch: 12 pm -1 pm | Program: 1 pm -2 pm
Join former PCCI Field Station Manager and Community Program Manager, Matt Dykstra, for a trip down memory lane! Hear fun stories from his early days in the field and discover how the Institute has grown over the past 25 years in research, conservation, and environmental education. Matt now serves as Managing Director of Calvin University’s Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens.
Program Only: Free Program & Lunch: Member $15 | Non-Member $21 Please register by November 13 to reserve a lunch.
We're Hiring!
Grow your career in the great outdoors! We're looking for passionate, collaborative professionals to join our team in three exciting full-time positions:
NOW OPEN - Stewardship Manager: Leads the conservation, restoration, and responsible management of our 850 acres of diverse wetlands, forests, prairies, and agricultural land.
Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager — Build meaningful connections, lead volunteer outreach, and organize community programs.
Environmental Education Manager — Inspire students and educators through hands-on outdoor learning and innovative environmental education.
* Both positions include benefits and the opportunity to make a lasting impact!
To apply, submit your résumé, cover letter, and three references directly to Beth Rowse at browse@cedarcreekinstitute.org.
Holiday Brunch, Music, and Art!
Sunday, December 13 | Brunch Seating: 11:15 am & 1:00 pm| Concert: 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Celebrate the magic of the holidays with us at a festive brunch filled with delicious food, joyful music, and plenty of Christmas cheer! Enjoy a delightful seasonal menu as we sing along to beloved Christmas carols accompanied by the wonderful Kalamazoo Concert Brass! Afterward, take a stroll around The Institute and discover the beautiful new Night Flight art exhibition. It's the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family, soak in the holiday spirit, and experience all that the Institute has to offer.
*Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today! We look forward to celebrating the season with you!
Concert Only: Free Brunch: Member Adults $24 | Member Household Children (Ages 6-12) $14 | Non-Member Adult $30 | Non-Member Children (6-12) $18 | All Children 5 and under are free
A Vision Carried Forward
Every place has a story, and ours is 25 years in the making.
What began as one family’s dream has grown into a place where science, education, stewardship, and community come together. Discover the story of how it all began more than 25 years ago in our full-length documentary, “A Vision Carried Forward,” now available on our YouTube channel! Hear from the many people who have poured their hearts and souls into bringing Bill and Jessie Pierce’s vision to life and helping shape this special place into what it is today. As we look toward the future, we’re excited for all that’s still to come and remain committed to honoring the Pierce family’s vision by preserving this remarkable place for generations to come.
Naturally Speaking Newsletter: September - November 2026
The Institute’s newsletter is BACK!
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary year, we invite you to explore the latest edition filled with stories, updates, and highlights from our Biological Field Station. You’ll also discover upcoming events and annoucements from across the Institute that are milestones and special moments continuing 25 years of environmental impact and legacy.
We hope you enjoy looking at all that is worth celebrating and all that’s still to come!
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.
