Chanticleer Estate and Gardens

Wayne, PA

The gardens of Chanticleer focus on plant combinations, containers, textures, and colors, creating a true pleasure garden where one can feel like a personal guest of the Rosengarten family. Experience the colors and fragrance of the many flowering plants during a professionally led garden and house tour. Please wear sturdy shoes – the trail is “perfectly walkable” but hilly in certain spots. Pack a picnic lunch.

Hershey Gardens and Butterfly House

Hershey, PA

Over 300 butterflies will surround you the moment you step into the Butterfly House at Hershey Gardens. Discover the life cycle of these fanciful creatures as you search for tiny eggs hidden under leaves, watch hungry caterpillars devour host plants, and follow graceful butterflies from flower to flower. We will also explore the themed gardens which include an impressive rose display, tranquil Japanese garden, and fragrant herb garden. Buy lunch.  

Delaware Valley Green Buildings Tour

Tri State Area

The Delaware Valley Green Building Council strives to “advance and promote sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design, construction and operation…” In keeping with this year’s “green” theme, we will leave our gas-guzzling van behind and join other eco-minded adults to travel in a natural gas-fueled bus. A DVGBC educator will share the latest greening techniques as we tour multiple environmentally sound structures in the Tri-state area. Sites are still being lined up but this trip will be informative and inspirational no matter the destination. Lunch provided.

Summertime at Nemours Mansion

Wilmington, DE

Experience what it was like to live on a grand scale at the beginning of the 20th century. The Alfred I. du Pont Mansion has 102 rooms all furnished with fine period antiques, rare oriental rugs, tapestries and paintings dating back as far as the 15th century. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and include a working carillon tower, natural woodlands and extensive formal French gardens. A guided walking tour of the house will be followed by free time to explore the gardens and a narrated bus tour including a view of restored classic cars. Buy a late lunch.  

Rodale Institute

Kutztown, PA

“Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy People®" was the simple but revolutionary motto of J.I. Rodale. We will learn about regenerative farming – what it is, why it works, and how to do it – and try our hand at some sustainable gardening practices. Depending on availability, we may even be able to purchase some fresh-off-the vine produce. Pack a picnic lunch. 

Leamings Run Gardens

Cape May, NJ

A visit to Leaming's Run Gardens is a delightful relaxing walk along winding paths where every turn reveals more of nature's beauty. Hidden among the serenity of the pines, the Colonial Farm brings to life the daily problems faced by the whalers who first settled Cape May County. During August, the gardens become a mecca for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds who come to feed before their long migration. Enjoy all this during a guided tour then buy lunch.

Eco Trip - The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright

Western PA

Cost: $595 (single occupancy); $495/person (double occupancy)

Friends of Briar Bush Membership: $25 (individual)/ $40 (family)

Eco Trip - Saw-whet Owl Banding Overnight

Postville, PA

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art has been banding and tracking Saw-whet Owls since 1997. World-renowned naturalist and author Scott Weidensaul will teach us about these tiny PA raptors while we observe netting, banding, releasing and tracking procedures. Bring your binoculars as we will spend the next day searching for other feathered friends at Hawk Mountain. Price includes hotel, all meals and admissions. Must be a Friends of Briar Bush member.

Dates: Sunday, October 19 – Monday, October 20

Cost: $240 (single occupancy); $195/person (double occupancy)

Individual Friends of Briar Bush Membership: $25

Eco Trip - Georgia on My Mind

St. Simons Island, GA

Spend an unforgettable week in enchanting Georgia with BBNC Executive Director Dede Long, who will take you on an interpretive tour and historical review of this natural coastal wonderland. Fly nonstop to Jacksonville, FL where your 8-day, 7-night journey begins. Travel by van to St. Simons Island where you will be lodged in condos at the Sea Palm Golf and Tennis Resort. Enjoy day trips to Savannah, Jekyll Island, Sapelo Island, the Okefenokee Swamp and much more. Cost includes most meals, lodging, all events and ground transportation; airfare is extra. Full details and itinerary available by calling BBNC. Seize this fantastic opportunity to enjoy fun (and sun)-filled days in the South. Must be a Friends of Briar Bush member.

Cost: $1300 (single occupancy); $1025/person (double occupancy)

Individual Friends of Briar Bush Membership: $25