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.
Over the Creek and Through the Woods Trail Run: 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run | October 10 | Register Now
Lace up your running shoes and join us for the annual Over the Creek and Through the Woods Trail Run! In partnership with Burnham & Company, Lansing Sanitary Supply, and The South Jefferson Street General Store, we are so exicited to invite runners and walkers alike to experience this long-standing Pierce Cedar Creek Institute tradition. Enjoy the beauty of autumn while winding through scenic forests, down the boardwalk, and along the prairie. New this year, our 5K course is permanently marked, allowing participants to train and practice on the course throughout the season. On race day, volunteers will also be stationed at key trail intersections to help guide participants.
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Registration: 8:00 a.m.
Fun Run (All Ages): 9:00 a.m. (Free)
Trail Run: 9:30 a.m.
Register by September 15th to recieve the Early Bird Discount and a race t-shirt!
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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!
Trick or Treat on the Trails | October 24th
Saturday, October 24th | 6:00 pm - 8:00pm | Last Entry to Trails at 7:50 pm
Put on your favorite costume and join us for an evening of nature-inspired Halloween fun! Stroll along our candlelit, quarter-mile trail and enjoy trick-or-treating at festive stations along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting surprises, colorful decorations, and plenty of treats as you make your way through the woods!
After your adventure on the trail, head inside the Visitor Center to warm up and keep the fun going with seasonal snacks, hot drinks, family-friendly games, and hands-on crafts for all ages. This beloved annual tradition is the perfect way for families to celebrate Halloween together in a safe, welcoming, and non-scary setting.
Members: $5
Non-Members: $8
Family: $25
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.