Succop Nature Park

Succop Nature Park
185 West Airport Road
Butler, PA 16002

Trails open from sunrise to sunset.
Restrooms onsite; Dogs permitted on trails.

Office hours: Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm
Nature Store hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9 am – 5 pm

The T.W. Phillips Barn renovation project transformed the 1883 bank barn into a new education and visitor center with several ADA accessible spaces including a large classroom, restrooms, and Audubon Nature Store. Inside, pick up a trail map for the park, purchase a drink or fill up at the water fountain, and learn more from staff about programs and rentals. There is a nature play area located just behind the barn. The Marcraig House and outdoor pavilion are available for weddings and event rentals.

The trails are open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year (unless noted), free of charge. Respect plants and animals by leaving them in their natural habitat and by staying on the trails.

Pets are permitted at this location but please keep them leashed at all times and be respectful of others by cleaning up after pets. Bikes and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails.

All outdoor activities involve some risk, including falling trees and branches, wet or slippery conditions, and interactions with animals and insects. In using the trails at Succop Nature Park, you are agreeing to assume those risks and to hold harmless Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania for those risks.

Consider becoming a member of Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania to help maintain this special place.

Download the Succop trail map and trail descriptions

Catbird Loop: Blue (0.3 miles)

This loop is named for the Catbird, which frequents the area during its breeding season. The successional field habitat contains thick stands of Grey Dogwood and Arrowwood Viburnum. A Cattail marsh, where many birds nest, runs along the western section. There’s also a small open area that allows a 360 degree view of maples and willows. Walking time: 10 minutes

Connector Trail: Green (0.1 miles)

Running alongside the back pond, this trail is a place to see turtles, dragonflies, and frogs. Grey Birch trees dominate the pond’s edge and provide a nearly year-round food source for birds. Walking time: Less than 5 minutes

Old Field Loop: Purple (0.35 miles)

This loop includes a riparian zone and a dense grove of Walnut Trees where, during spring and summer, Praying Mantis egg cases and wild strawberries may be found. The enormous coppiced white pine trees are remnants of the land’s past use—serving as a wind break between fields. Walking time: 15 minutes

Butterfly Trail: Red (0.25 miles)

Wild animal tracks abound on this trail. Goldenrod flowers are abundant in late summer—as are the calls of Eastern Towhees. During mid-to-late summer, look for Monarch Butterflies near the milkweed, the only plants on which these butterflies lay eggs. This trail has numerous species of trees, including Larch, Hickory, Sassafras, and Flowering Dogwood. Walking time: 10 minutes

White Pine Trail: Yellow (0.3 miles)

This trail threads through a wooded area with thick stands of Eastern White Pine and Red Maples. There is a vernal pool that provides seasonal habitat for toads and tree frogs to lay their eggs. Young Ash trees also grow under the forest canopy. Walking time: 10 minutes

Pond Trail: Orange (0.35 miles)

Starting at the T.W. Phillips Barn, this trail skirts the nature play area and loops around the front pond. Belted Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons frequent the pond in search of food. Walking time: 15 minutes

Weddings and Events

Host your wedding at Succop Nature Park or check out the variety of options available for corporate gatherings, meetings, birthday or anniversary celebrations. Contact us for a property tour and pricing information: 724-586-2591 or events@aswp.org.

Wedding Packages

Succop Nature Park dates back to John Maharg, who settled in Penn Township in 1805 when he received a deed for a farm that would encompass the property. The main portion of the house (known as the Marcraig House) was built in the early 1830s, with a barn, summer kitchen, and wash house being added in the 1850s. A bank barn that still stands on the property today was constructed in the late 1880s. John Maharg died in 1871 and the property remained in the Marharg family until 1921.

The home and property were then sold to T.W. Phillips Jr., who was the son of the founder of T.W. Phillips Gas and Oil Company. Phillips son, Thomas W. Jr. purchased the property in the 1921 and quickly expanded upon the home as well as the grounds. Across the street, Mr. Phillips constructed what would be known as “Phillips Hall” while planting a number of trees upon the grounds. In fact Mr. Phillips daughter, Margret Phillips Succop would write about her late father, “Throughout his life he continued to turn to trees, finding solace in their endurability. But more, I think, trees taught him the rewarding virtues of patience, perseverance, and fortitude.” Many of the trees found upon the grounds of Succop Nature Park were planted by Mr. Phillips’ son-in-law, A. Craig Succop.

Shortly after the passing of T.W. Jr., his daughter Margaret and her husband, A. Craig Succop purchased the estate and updated the house with all the modern amenities including indoor plumbing. At this time the estate was a working farm with chickens, cows, and horses. After Mr. and Mrs. Succop moved into the Marcraig House, the couple continued to invite the public to use the property for picnics—and even to collect fresh eggs from the onsite hens. Following World War II, the Succops once again updated the house by adding on two more wings.

Margaret passed away in 1990 and her husband Craig, passed away in 1996. The Succops’ eldest son Tom and his wife Jo Ann moved back to the family estate shortly after the death of his father. Tom and Jo Ann donated the estate to the Butler County Community College Education Foundation in 2001. Succop Nature Park was owned, operated, and maintained by the foundation until 2011 when Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania was given the opportunity to lead a new generation of memories and history at Succop Nature Park.

As you approach the barn at Succop Nature Park from the main parking lot, you will notice a 40’ WindStax vertical wind turbine. This turbine, which is part of an electrical microgrid, provides all power for the barn’s lights. In 2023, ASWP installed a solar array on both side of the T.W. Phillips barn roof, followed by a second slightly-larger array on a nearby building that resulted in a net-positive generator at this site, helping to offset electric (and carbon) use at our other facilities. There is also an EV charger onsite and restrooms are all fitted with low-flow toilets.

There is accessible parking and entrance into the Nature Store and classrooms on site.

With the exception of the trails around the Nature Play Area, the trails at Succop Nature Park are not fully ADA accessible. While most trails are level and have minimal cross slopes, there are uneven surfaces and obstacles that may pose challenges for those that use mobility assistive devices or have restricted mobility.

For accessibility needs or questions about any of our sites, please contact Brian Shema at 412-963-6100 or bshema@aswp.org.

For accessibility needs or questions about any of our programs, please contact Chris Kubiak at 412- 963-6100 or ckubiak@aswp.org.

All other questions regarding accessibility or inclusion can be directed to Jim Bonner at 412-963-6100 or jbonner@aswp.org.