1212 Edge Hill Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-887-6603
info@briarbush.org
Help Put Nature Within Reach & Unlock Endless Wonder
Scroll down to read a Briar Bush story that began with a field trip that left a lasting impression.
At Briar Bush, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the inspiration, tranquility, and healing that nature provides. We’re committed to improving access to nature for all.
Your support will help us:
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Provide increased financial assistance for our programs to connect more people with nature
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Expand our offerings for schools and other groups
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Continue to improve our facilities to make nature accessible to people of all mobilities
Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we’ve already made significant strides:
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Created ADA-compliant trails to the Griscom Bird Observatory and Butterfly House
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Installed accessible parking and routes to all buildings
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Provided over $10,000 in financial assistance to families and schools for children to attend nature-based summer camps and participate in environmental learning
But there’s still more to be done. We need your help to continue this vital work and ensure that everyone can enjoy the excitement and benefits of spending time in nature.
Take up the challenge! Longtime Briar Bush volunteer and supporter Bruce Angney has offered up to $10,000 in matching funds. This means that every dollar you donate will double the impact of your contribution!
We appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mark Fallon, Director
Ways to give your gift:
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Mail a check payable to Friends of Briar Bush
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Click the button: Donate Today
Did you know some employers match their employee’s charitable donations?
Ask your employer today for a chance to increase your impact.
Bruce's Briar Bush Story
Bruce Angney's connection to Briar Bush began during a field trip in elementary school. He vividly recalls visiting the “old cabin” and a giant tree with an intriguing burl—a strange and beautiful twist of wood that sparked a lifelong fascination with nature. A few years later, Bruce's passion led him back to Briar Bush, this time as a teen volunteer. He would assist the naturalist, feeding animal ambassadors and learning the stark reality of the circle of life as he cared for and then fed resident mice to resident snakes. The lax wildlife laws of the time allowed Bruce to engage with Duffy the skunk and a flying squirrel. These experiences were formative, instilling respect for the balance of nature and a sense of pragmatism.
The “Old Cabin” in 1968, now the Griscom Bird Observatory
Duffy the Skunk
In 1974, Bruce garnered a paid position at the front desk. Bruce remembers an imposing bearskin rug laid out to greet visitors and crafts made by local artisans filling the nature shop. More than a job, Bruce felt it was an extension of his education.
In the 1980s, Bruce’s commitment deepened as he served on the Board of Directors, taking on the role of secretary, a hands-on immersion into the workings of a small non-profit where he gained insight into the importance of sustainable support.
Bruce’s life remained closely tied to Briar Bush, even during the years he stepped away to support his young family. He heard stories from his children, who—like him—discovered the wonders of the Center through school programs. During this time, he built a career in industrial work while earning a degree in education with a minor in physics from Temple University in 1993. He went on to teach 7th and 8th grade science for 22 years, always infusing his classroom with a deep love for the natural world.
In 2016, Bruce's retirement brought him back to Briar Bush. He volunteered his skills, building cubbies and teaching programs while remaining a loyal member. His late mother, Carolyn, and his sister had become generous supporters over the years, honoring Bruce’s commitment to the organization.
Bruce, 2016
Volunteer
Celebration
In 2021, Bruce embarked on a new chapter, moving to a small, rural village where he embraced a different life, keeping bees and chickens. The rich wildlife around him, including fox squirrels, pileated woodpeckers, and even a rare fisher, have become his neighbors as he carries the spirit of Briar Bush with him, preserving natural habitats on his property.
Bruce’s Homestead
For many, Briar Bush Nature Center is a place of wonder, a sanctuary where the rustle of leaves and the songs of birds can create both excitement and respite. But for Bruce Angney, Briar Bush became something more, a place woven into his life, a thread stretching from childhood curiosity to lasting commitment. His gift creates a legacy of hope and a call to action, inviting others to join him in safeguarding this special piece of the natural world and fostering a love for nature for years to come.