The mission of Briar Bush Nature Center is to provide environmental education to individuals and groups of all ages through on-site and outreach experiences, to protect and nurture a natural wild-life habitat and promote conservation of natural resources by increasing awareness and understanding of the environment.

Description:
Although Briar Bush remains a sanctuary for wildlife, it has branched out and blossomed into much more. Numerous facilities have been added to enhance the property as a learning center. Our goal is to guide others into a closer relationship with the world around us. We offer the chance to increase knowledge and awareness through observation, information and especially "hands on" experiences. We offer a variety of programs for both children and adults.

History:
The wildlife sanctuary had its beginnings in 1908 as the private home of a naturalist couple, the Griscom's,
who maintained it for over 50 years as a refuge. The original cottage home now serves as the Griscom Bird Observatory. In 1962, a group of interested citizens organized by T. Russell Frank convinced Abington Township to acquire the land as an educational facility. This group continued to grow, and is now known as "The Friends of Briar Bush." A Board of Directors of "Friends" now works in cooperation with Abington Township's Bureau of Parks and Recreation and funds the environmental education programs at the Nature Center.

Contact person: Mark Fallon, Senior Naturalist, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (215) 887-9079

Address:

1212 Edge Hill Road Abington, PA 19001 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.briarbush.org

Directions:

From PA Turnpike and points North: Take PA Turnpike East to Exit 27 (Route 611). Go South on 611 until you reach Susquehanna Road. (Look for Abington Memorial Hospital on your right, the next traffic light is Susquehanna. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Easton Road at Susquehanna Road, 5-10 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	Yes