Frequently Asked Questions

What are our hours and directions?

Is there a fee to visit the Museum?

What is there to see and do at Briar Bush?

What does Briar Bush have to offer?

Who comes to visit Briar Bush?

How far does Briar Bush's reach extend into the community?

Can I bring injured or abandoned wild animals to Briar Bush?

Is there a fee to visit the Museum?

No! The Briar Bush Museum, Bird Observatory, and trails are free to visit everyday. We do ask for a $1 per child donation to play in the Children's Discovery Den.

What is there to see and do at Briar Bush?

Outdoors:

• Passive recreational usage of the sanctuary enables families to introduce children to nature, senior citizens to seek beauty and tranquility on easy walks and youngsters to explore the outdoors.
• Undisturbed, visitors enjoy native plants flourishing while navigating intertwining trails.
• Guided walks move appreciation to understanding and then to knowledge of natural systems.

Indoors:

• Staff and exhibit consultants work to identify and evaluate best practices. Visitors are encouraged to explore and learn through interactive exhibits and displays.
• Natural history murals, taxidermy, touch tables, live animals, artifacts, dioramas and hands-on activities enable all ages to make new discoveries in our 6 rooms. Exhibit themes are:
  1. The Habitats of Briar Bush
  2. The Pennsylvania Room
  3. The World Room
  4. The Observation Porch
  5. The T. Russell Frank Memorial Library
  6. The Treetops

What does Briar Bush have to offer?

• The most important "collections" are living plants, animals and habitats visited on interpretive walks. Staff utilizes surrounding parks, schools, playgrounds and vacant lots for interpretive education. The Naturalist manages our living collections with support from Township park staff, community service volunteers, volunteer gardeners and trail workers. Their restoration activities control invasive species, increase native plantings and regulate water features. Through conservation and preservation of vegetation and wildlife, diverse species select BBNC as home because it provides food, water, shelter and space: essential ingredients of a rich habitat.
• More than 30 live, working program animals are exhibited to the public in climate controlled, simulated natural habitats. All are cared for by trained staff and volunteers. Briar Bush draws on the expertise of veterinarians, Academy of Natural Sciences staff and an animal handling policy that demands antibacterial soap use, ensuring animal and human safety and comfort.
• Nonliving collections-taxidermy, books, natural history artifacts and program props are essential resources. More than 40 loan boxes (EduCrates) are available to teachers and organizations. Loan boxes are filled with theme-based curriculum, artifacts, games, storybooks and activities.
• Currently, personnel are accessioning collections and protecting archival material to better find, use and display the resources at our disposal.

Who comes to visit Briar Bush?

• BBNC provides environmental education (EE) to the community and to those within 50 miles of our facility. Our audience is comprised of public and private school children; Scouts; groups, organizations and clubs; Friends of Briar Bush (FOBB) members and residents of Abington Township and nearby communities. All Abington elementary schools participate in contracted EE programs both here and at their schools.
• Our broad scope of programs targets all ages and attracts those from four nearby counties. BBNC reaches underserved populations at every level. Those requesting financial aid can receive scholarships from an endowed gift.
• Homeschooled, Head Start children and Senior Center members partake in programs both on and off site, from 2 year olds to Great Escape participants, whose average age is 70.
• Board diversity encourages all to feel welcome and raises the comfort level of minorities—racial, religious and sexual. Every effort is made to accommodate the physically and mentally challenged in our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible Museum and Bird Observatory.
• With “Philadelphia Magazines” designation, Best of Philly 2006, now we are busier than ever.
  
  

How far does Briar Bush's reach extend into the community?

As a major suburban environmental organization, Briar Bush Nature Center works with local citizens, civic groups, municipal officials, small businesses and corporate leaders, as well as local, state and federal legislators improving the quality of life in our area.

For all that we do in the community—for children, non-profit organizations and local businesses—Briar Bush Nature Center received “Philadelphia Magazine’s,” Best of Philly 2006, for Children’s Series in Montgomery County. This designation underscores and enhances the prestige and credibility of our organization.

• StarLab, a portable planetarium funded by local Abington Bank, is an example of that collaborative spirit.
• New York Life Foundation donated monies for program development and marketing.
• Roslyn Boys and Girls Club offered its auditorium as a site.
• Abington Art Center, a nonprofit, enlists BBNC staff for planetarium programs.
• Community Service thrives at Briar Bush. Scouts, school children, college students and businesses volunteer throughout the year.
• Many adults and children choose BBNC to serve their court-ordered community service hours. Working with Juvenile Probation in Norristown, BBNC provides positive work experience for troubled teens.
• Briar Bush environmental education programs are taught in 5 counties – Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia, Chester and Delaware.
• Homeschooled children learn about nature and best practices regarding conservation issues.
• Local chapters of Rotary, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Junior Everywoman’s Club, Lions’ Club, and garden clubs hold special events and meetings using BBNC facilities.
• Our Corporate Partners and our members, use BBNC for meetings, parties and retreats.
• Because decisions made today affect the future, the staff facilitates programs for regional nature centers (ACE) and mentors students from 7 high schools, 4 colleges and 2 universities.