Briar Bush Nature Center to improve amenities with state grant
Rep. Ben Sanchez October 14, 2026 | 12:27 PM
ABINGTON, Oct. 14 – State Rep. Ben Sanchez is applauding $93,100 in state grant funding from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help pay for phase 2 rehabilitation of the Briar Bush Nature Center in Abington Township.
Sanchez worked with the Shapiro administration and state Sen. Art Haywood to secure funds from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which seeks to connect Pennsylvanians with the outdoors by supporting recreational improvements, natural resource conservation and community revitalization efforts.
"Investments in our local parks and recreational spaces are investments in the people of our communities," Sanchez said. "The Briar Bush Nature Center reflects the work of many people, including residents, organizational partners and government leaders. It's an honor to be able to help contribute state support for these projects that bring people together and make a real difference in the lives of local residents."
Work on the project will include the construction of pedestrian walkways and an observation deck; installation of stormwater management measures; and ADA access, landscaping, project signage and other related site improvements.
Briar Bush Nature Center Director Mark Fallon said, "Briar Bush is very grateful for this opportunity to further expand our ability to make nature education and access more accessible for our community. This new outdoor space will allow folks with mobility issues to experience even more programming and allow all of our visitors to enjoy our tree canopy here at Briar Bush Nature Center."
Township officials were equally grateful.
"Abington is so proud to have the support of DCNR for this effort to continue improving Briar Bush, our township's own nature preserve and education center," said Abington Township Manager Christopher S. Christman. "Thank you to our elected officials for their support of this application and Abington Township's efforts to create opportunities for everyone to enjoy and appreciate our green spaces."
Sanchez represents the 153rd Legislative District, which includes Rockledge and parts of Abington and Upper Dublin in Montgomery County.