Briar Bush Nature Cente
Located on a twelve acre wooded site within the Pennypack Creek watershed, Briar Bush Nature Center provides outdoor education and recreation for families, groups and schools. The facility grew in popularity with the opening of the Museum in 1980 and now includes over a mile of trails that wind through a rich mixed deciduous/coniferous forest. Learn more in Bucks County, PA.
Visitors are greeted by natural history murals, taxidermy and artifacts, touch tables, live animals and changing interactive exhibits that inspire learning and discovery of the world around us. The Museum also offers a Discovery Den with play areas for small children and Reading Hollow that is filled with dozens of books for kids of all ages to explore.
In addition to a full-time staff of environmental educators, Briar Bush hosts many fun, educational programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. These include preschool pioneers, summer camps for preschoolers and older children, bonfire nights, class offerings and special events.
Our mission is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, protect and appreciate the natural world by encouraging curiosity and scientific inquiry. To accomplish this goal, Briar Bush strives to offer nature-based, environmentally focused programs that encourage conservation of wildlife and land.
A rich oasis in the middle of suburban Abington, Briar Bush is an ideal place to spend a day or just a short respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our 12.5 acre site features over a mile of trails that wind through the forest and are lined with thick logs for easy walking. Benches along the trails give visitors places to rest and enjoy the quiet sound of nature.
We are committed to maintaining the pristine beauty of our property and have made it our priority to provide a healthy, beautiful environment that is a safe place for all visitors. This means enforcing the no-picked-up-wildlife policy, as well as limiting the use of plastic bags.
In the past several years, we have been fortunate to receive funding from a number of organizations and private donors for the development of our new Natural Playscape. This playscape features a running stream, sand pit, crawling and walking tunnels, balancing logs and other opportunities for outdoor play. It is a favorite gathering spot for families and children of all ages.
The master plan for this site was developed using a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The planning process included public forums, key person interviews and two charrette workshops.
Originally founded by Quaker couple Florence and Everett Griscom, this property has been the heart of nature education for over a century. It is home to the Dede Long Nature Museum with live animals and exhibits, a Griscom Bird Observatory, a seasonal Butterfly House, a pond and nature trails that wind through a mix of forest and prairie habitats.
Our Museum and trails are open to the public, free of charge. We encourage you to bring your own lunch, as we do not sell food on the premises. Learn more about Elmwood Park zoo.
