Succop Nature Park
While saying that Succop Nature Park is for the birds might be true, it would also be a disservice to all the wonderful things this reserve – operated by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania – has to offer.
Succop Nature Park beautifully sprawls throughout 50 acres of woodlands, gardens and lush meadows. Located in Penn Township, the property also features two ponds, dog friendly walking trails, and open natural spaces that can be used for a variety of activities.
This environmental and cultural education center, located near the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport, also offers a comfortable atmosphere that lends itself to business meetings, retreats, classes, weddings, receptions, art exhibits or simply connecting to nature.
Succop Nature Park's historic mansion is tastefully decorated in traditional style, with art and antiques in numerous rooms located throughout the first floor. The estate was first built in 1830 and was purchased in 1921 by T.W. Phillips Jr., the son of the founder of T.W. Phillips Gas and Oil Company.
Phillips’ grandson, Tom Succop and his wife, Jo Ann, donated the estate to the Butler County Community College Education Foundation, which owned, operated and maintained it until the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania took over in 2011.
Today, Succop Nature Park is a birder’s paradise, specializing in all things nature. Visitors can stop by the on-premise store and pick up a wide variety of items ranging from birding reference guides to nature-themed décor. The store and a classroom, which are located in a renovated barn, also carries outdoor gear – such as hiking sticks – and birdseed, feeders, and much more.
The renovations, completed in 2019, include a WindStax, which is a state-of-the-art windmill. You can read more about it here.