1908 - Quaker couple Everett and Florence Griscom moved to Abington as newlyweds. Over the years, the Griscom land became a refuge for wildlife displaced by urban development. For more than 50 years, the Griscoms shared their knowledge and love of nature with Scouts, school groups and avid birders.
1962 - With the passing of the Griscoms, area residents, led by T. Russell Frank, fought to protect their property and convinced Abington Township to purchase the land.
1974 – The Friends of Briar Bush (FOBB), a private non-profit, was created by local citizens with the goal of meeting educational and community objectives.
1979 - Thanks to a generous donation from Hank and Barbara Haines, a windmill was erected which would pump underground water into the pond.
2000 – A capital campaign and a grant from William Penn Foundation afforded BBNC a complete renovation of facilities and programs.
2003 – BBNC received a 2nd Institutional Museum Assessment Program grant (the 1st in 1986) from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS) and American Association of Museums (AAM). The self-assessment and peer review laid the foundation for a five year strategic plan.
2003-08 – A 5 year Strategic Plan was initiated and utilized SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and action steps directed by a Volunteer Executive Consultant (VEC) from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Montgomery County.
2005 – A 3rd MAP grant was sought and received to study the Public Dimension aspects of our organization, and within several months, the peer review was successfully completed.
2007 - Through a federal grant and partnership with ThinkGreen, LCC, Briar Bush's entrance received a complete make-over. The new design increased safety for drivers and pedestrians, created more parking, and allowed for increased access by bus. The landscaping blended in with the rest of the nature center, incorporating native plants, saving canopy trees and increasing rain-water retention.
2008 - Briar Bush celebrated its 100th year by hosting over 35 Centennial Celebrations, including parties, dinners, tours and environmental trips. This extremely successful endeavor raised funds for special Centennial Projects which will be implemented over the coming years.
- Reforestation and native plantings for wildlife habitats
- Pocket Naturalist Field Guide to Briar Bush
- “Think & Go Green” sustainability initiative and advocacy for the
entire community
- Natural Playscape design and development for the Center
- Endowment growth for the future
Through the years, Briar Bush has received several program planning grants: William Penn Foundation/intern and EduCrate development, New York Life Foundation/StarLab and Native American curriculum, Willow Grove Bank Foundation/After School Enrichment activities, Fleet Boston/loan boxes, Rotary Club of Jenkintown/the Volunteer Intergenerational Project and Earth Week programs, and a Technology Planning Grant from Rohm and Haas.
