[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING BRIAR BUSH NATURE CENTER ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2008

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to congratulate 
Briar Bush Nature Center on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. 
Briar Bush Nature Center is a true testament to community outreach and 
wildlife preservation, both in its work over the past century and in 
its very roots.
  In 1908, a Quaker couple, Everett and Florence Griscom, fell in love 
with a twelve acre plot in the heart of Abington, Pennsylvania. They 
found the area so beautiful that they began inviting friends and family 
to spend days with them in the tranquil area and soon, local children 
and adults began flocking to the refuge that the Griscoms had fondly 
named ``Briar Bush.''
  After the Griscoms passed away, area residents led by T. Russell 
Frank established the ``Friends of Briar Bush'' organization, which was 
instrumental in encouraging the Township to acquire the land in 1962. 
The Friends of Briar Bush carried on the Griscoms' mission by offering 
the woodland retreat as a Natural Education Center for local children 
and adults.
  Over the years, Briar Bush has become an important facet of the 
Abington Community. In 2000, the Center implemented a renovation 
project to make the Center even more visitor-friendly and expanded 
their education programs, which has enabled the Center to serve over 
47,000 visitors annually.
  Briar Bush programs have received numerous awards, including ``Best 
of Philly.'' The Briar Bush day camp is currently in the running for a 
Nickelodeon ``Parents Pick Award'' for the best day camp for small 
children.
  The Briar Bush Nature Center is a true Abington community treasure. 
It is my pleasure to stand before you to honor this special 
organization for achieving its' 100th anniversary milestone. It is my 
most sincere hope that Briar Bush will continue to educate our 
community about the joy of nature for many years to come.

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