Garden Insects and Native Plant Swap

Uncover the hidden insect community living among your garden! When we take the time to look closely among the flowers, there are so many fascinating creatures living alongside us: bees, aphid hunters, plant specialists, and a plethora of pollinators. Learn more about these critters, then enhance your garden ecosystem through a native plant swap! Pot up some surplus native plants from your garden and take home a new species or two. (Bringing a plant is not required to participate, we’ll have plenty to share with all attendees.)

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Location: Briar Bush Nature Center

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Time: 10:30am-11:30pm

Cost: $15.00 | Abington Resident: $13.50 | BBNC Member: $12.00

Notes:​​​​

• The program will take place both indoors and outdoors, rain or shine, for varying durations of time.

• Please dress appropriately for the weather. You will be contacted in the case of cancellation due to extreme weather.

• The indoor, seated presentation/discussion portion of this program will take place on the second floor of the Museum (only accessible by stairs). The plant swap will take place in the Pavilion (accessible).

• You will be contacted in the case of cancellation due to extreme weather.

• Registration closes 9/10/26 at 12:00pm.

• Questions or need help registering? Call 215-887-6603.

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Cancellation Policy:

• If you cancel the program 15 days or more before its start date, you will receive an 80% refund (20% service fee). No refunds will be issued within 14 days of the program start date. To cancel, email Melissa Eldridge at melissa@briarbush.org.

Field Trip: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Consisting of 16,251 acres, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the largest remaining expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic region. October, the best month for observing avocets, prompts large numbers of Canada and Snow geese as well as pintail, mallard, and black ducks as they begin their fall migration. Explore interactive displays at the Visitor Center and experience diverse habitats for wildlife viewing during a 12-mile self-guided driving tour. While on the tour, take a break from the drive and hit the trails and observation towers for more wildlife viewing and photography. Be sure to bring your camera, binoculars, and bag lunch.

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Location: Briar Bush Nature Center

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Time: 8:00am-3:30pm

Cost: $45.00 | Abington Resident: $40.50 | BBNC Member: $36.00

Notes:​​​​

• Participants will meet at Briar Bush at 7:45am, then leave at 8:00am to travel in the Briar Bush van to Bombay Hook. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

• Be sure to pack a camera, binoculars, and bag lunch.

• This program will take place rain or shine and entirely outdoors, so prepare for the weather. You will be contacted in the case of cancellation due to extreme weather.

• Trail distances range from .25-mile to 1-mile. All trails are of flat terrain. One trail is accessible, but the observation tower and floating platform are not accessible.

• Registration closes 10/8/26 at 12:00pm.

• Questions or need help registering? Call 215-887-6603.

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Cancellation Policy:

• If you cancel the program 15 days or more before its start date, you will receive an 80% refund (20% service fee). No refunds will be issued within 14 days of the program start date. To cancel, email Melissa Eldridge at melissa@briarbush.org.

The Fungus Among-Us

​Fungi play a vital role in ecosystems around the world, supporting both nature and people in countless ways. Join us to explore the fascinating importance of fungi and meet some of our mushroom-loving animal ambassadors as you journey into a deeper appreciation of the fungal world. Afterwards, we’ll head out on the trails to discover how the flora, fauna, and funga of Briar Bush are all connected and interact within the ecosystem.

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Location: Briar Bush Nature Center

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Time: 10:30am-12:00pm

Cost: $15.00 | Abington Resident: $13.50 | BBNC Member: $12.00

Notes:​​​​

• The program will take place both indoors and outdoors, rain or shine, for varying durations of time.

• Please dress appropriately for the weather. You will be contacted in the case of cancellation due to extreme weather.

• The indoor, seated presentation/discussion portion of this program will take place on the second floor of the Museum (only accessible by stairs).

• The outdoor portion is formatted as a guided hike. Trail surfaces include asphalt (accessible), woodchips, gravel, compacted soil, exposed roots, and/or water bars. The trails may be sloped/uneven.

• Registration closes 11/13/26 at 12:00pm.

• Questions or need help registering? Call 215-887-6603.

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Cancellation Policy:

• If you cancel the program 15 days or more before its start date, you will receive an 80% refund (20% service fee). No refunds will be issued within 14 days of the program start date. To cancel, email Melissa Eldridge at melissa@briarbush.org.

Winter Wreath Workshop

As winter approaches, celebrate nature's quiet beauty with a winter wreath-making workshop. Using fresh evergreens and a variety of natural materials, you'll create a one-of-a-kind wreath to brighten your home all winter long. We'll provide a wreath base, fresh evergreens, and an assortment of foraged materials collected from our preserve. To help protect and restore the preserve's native habitats, all foraged items are gathered from invasive plant species, ensuring that beneficial native plants remain undisturbed. We'll also have ribbons, wire, and all the tools you'll need to bring your unique creation to life. Whether you're an experienced crafter or trying wreath-making for the first time, you'll leave with a beautiful seasonal decoration and a deeper appreciation for conservation through creativity.

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Location: Briar Bush Nature Center

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Time: 10:30am-11:30am

Cost: $17.50 | Abington Resident: $15.75 | BBNC Member: $14.00

Notes:​​​​

• The program will take place in the Education Building (accessible by stairs and ramp).

• You will be contacted in the case of cancellation due to extreme weather.

• Participants may bring any favorite natural or decorative items from home to personalize their wreath or share with the group.

• Registration closes 12/3/26 at 12:00pm.

• Questions or need help registering? Call 215-887-6603.

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Cancellation Policy:

• If you cancel the program 15 days or more before its start date, you will receive an 80% refund (20% service fee). No refunds will be issued within 14 days of the program start date. To cancel, email Melissa Eldridge at melissa@briarbush.org.