Poised to serve future generations, the Barn Nature Center‘s storied history is beginning a new chapter as it is set to move to scenic Peace Valley Park in New Britain Township.
This community treasure currently serves as an animal sanctuary for re-homed exotic pets, environmental education center, and youth empowerment hub, among many other services it provides. The goal of the move is to expand education and programming – as well as continued quality care for more than 50 different species of animals.
“The new location on Lake Galena will allow us to revamp our educational programs to include conservation and environmental efforts,” said Heidi Roux, Barn Nature Center interim executive director.
The center is home to tortoises, iguanas, geckos, a variety of snakes, frogs and small mammals like ferrets, guinea pigs and rabbits, various birds and invertebrates, where “the health, safety, and well-being of our animals is our top priority,” noted Roux.
After the transition is completed, which includes a refreshed vision for programming, robust outreach, fundraising efforts and an expansion of its board of directors, the “living nature center” will reopen in 2027.
“Part of our new revamping and grand reopening will be about getting into communities and doing more outreach and raising greater awareness” about what we do and the animals we care for, Roux explained.
The center’s current location on Almshouse Road in Doylestown Township offers its final program on Nov. 29. During the move and organizational transition, public and educational programming will be paused.
“As we prepare for the next era of the Barn Nature Center, our focus is on ensuring a smooth transition for our beloved animals,” said Jamie Dawson, Barn Nature Center board chairperson in a press release.
Another goal of the center’s expansion is to provide partnership programs with the existing nature and visitor’s center located in Peace Valley Park.
Peace Valley Nature Center, located in the Bucks County-owned and operated Peace Valley Park, offers programs, education, visitors information and trails in the 750-acre preserved location.
The animals that come to the non-profit Barn Nature Center were former pets living in people’s homes, according to Alyssa Ewald, Barn Nature Center education program manager.
Ewald said injured wildlife goes to AARK Wildlife Rehabilitation, a Chalfont-based non-profit dedicated to caring for rescued, injured, sick or abandoned wildlife with the goal of releasing it back into the wild.
Roux said while Peace Valley Nature Center does not feature or house live animals, there are opportunities for partnership and expanded programming to offer visitors and community members.
Donations will support animal care and maintenance to position them to “thrive in their new environments” and constructed habitats.
“We are looking for financial support because we have to shut down programming during our transition,” Roux explained.
Those passionate about animal welfare and with experience in non-profits or strategic planning are sought to help “create our future vision” by becoming volunteers or board members, Roux said.
For more information about how to get involved or to donate visit here.
