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.
Native Plant Pre-Sale is "Live"~Order Now!
Join us on May 30, 2026, from 9am to 12pm, for an in-person sale native plant sale at the Institute! We will be offering both native garden mixes and native plants for sale. Staff and volunteers will help consult on plant selection and answer questions.
Pre-order plant mixes to guarantee availability!
Naturally Speaking Newsletter June - August 2026
The Institute’s newsletter is BACK!
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary year, we invite you to explore the latest edition filled with exciting updates, upcoming programs, and stories from across the Institute. You’ll also discover highlights from our history and the people, moments, and milestones that have shaped the Institute over the past 25 years.
We hope you enjoy looking back while celebrating all that’s still to come!
Students in the Field: The Story of the Biological Field Station
On a summer morning at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, the prairie hums with life. Students step into the field with sampling gear, notebooks, and sketchbooks in hand.
This is the quiet magic of a biological field station.
Students and faculty working side by side.
Science unfolding in real time.
Curiosity leading to discovery.
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.