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Plan Your Visit

The Nature Center is a rich oasis in the middle of suburban Abington. Our 12.5 acres have about a mile of trails winding through the woods.

 
In addition to walking the trails and observing wildlife, Briar Bush offers many features for visitors to enjoy. Click on a topic below to learn more about what we offer and how to make the most of your visit.

Learning more about our upcoming programs and events?

If you are visiting with a group of 6 or more people,

please call Briar Bush Nature Center at (215) 887-6603 in advance for accommodations.

Facility and trail access may change due to severe weather or scheduled private programs/events.

Call before your visit for the most up-to-date BBNC hours.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Dede Long Nature Museum
Griscom Bird Observatory
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​​Dede Long Nature Museum

Hours: Daily, 10am-4pm

Admission: FREE / Donations Accepted (Admission fees are subject to change.)

The museum houses a collection of live animals, interactive exhibits, touch table, and children's reading and playspace.​

  • The museum is ADA accessible and includes an ADA-compliant restroom.

  • Our Lost and Found is located in the entryway to the museum.

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​​Griscom Bird Observatory

Hours: CLOSED for repairs until further notice. Thank you for understanding.

​​

Standing on the site of the original home of Florence and Everett Griscom, this cozy, climate-controlled cabin remains a peaceful place to relax and view nature. Visitors can view a birdfeeder area from large windows. Exhibits highlight bird identification, migration, citizen science, and children's activities.

  • The bird observatory is a short walk from the museum using an ADA trail.

  • The bird observatory includes an ADA-compliant restroom.

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Nature Playscape

Hours: Daily, Dawn to Dusk

The word playscape is a combination of the words play and landscape. The idea is that the environment in and of itself has an extremely high play value. Our Nature Playscape takes components in our environment that naturally hone physical skills (like balancing logs, tree stumps, and boulders) and organizes them into a reliable, low cost and experiential  "play area" aimed at the developmental needs of children. The Playscape is open every day from dawn to dusk. Parent supervision is recommended.​

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Pond

Hours: Daily, 10am-4pm

 

The pond is an ecosystem within itself, providing fresh water to wildlife and supporting a variety of aquatic plant and animal species.

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Pollinator Garden

Hours: Daily, Dawn to Dusk

 

A space to see a diversity of native plant species and their pollinators interacting throughout the year.

  • The Pollinator Garden is ADA accessible through the Woodland Road driveway entrance.

  • Butterfly House is open seasonally between May and June from 10am-4pm.

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Trails

Hours: Daily, Dawn to Dusk

  • Rules:

    • Please stay on the trails. 

    • Pets frighten wildlife. Please, no pets.

    • Collecting wildlife disturbs ecosystems. Please, do not collect.

 

  • The Briar Bush Trails are always OPEN from dawn until dusk except during hazardous trail conditions. Please stay aware of trail closures.

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Nature Shop

​Hours: Daily, 10am-4pm

The Nature Shop features a variety of nature-themed items, including educational materials, Briar Bush-branded merchandise, and locally sourced honey products.

  • Friends of Briar Bush Members receive a 10% discount in the Nature Shop.

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Directions:

Mass Transit: Visit the SEPTA website for schedules.

  • Take the R2 Warminster Regional Rail line or Bus line 22 to Roslyn Station (Easton and Susquehanna Roads).

  • Walk up the hill on Susquehanna Road.

  • Turn left on Edge Hill Road (at the traffic light)

  • Briar Bush will be on your left after a few blocks.

 

Driving: Find us with Google Maps.

  • The driveway is a one-way loop.

  • There are two ADA parking spaces near the main entrance to the museum.

  • If we are hosting a private event, parking may be limited.

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Special Holiday Hours

As part of the Abington Township Parks and Recreation Department, Briar Bush Nature Center closes on some Abington Township holidays and may close on emergency (snow) days.

The Dede Long Nature Museum, Griscom Bird Observatory, Briar Bush Pond is CLOSED or has adjusted hours in observance of the following Holidays:

  • New Year's Day

  • Easter Sunday

  • Memorial Day

  • Emancipation Day/Juneteenth

  • Independence Day/4th of July

  • Labor Day

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Christmas Day

Trails remain open from dawn until dusk during Special Holiday Hours.

Nature Playscape
Pond
Pollinator Garden
Trails
Nature Shop
Directions
Special Hours and Considerations

© Copyright Briar Bush Nature Center, 2024 | 1212 Edge Hill Road, Abington, PA 19001 | (215) 887-6603

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