Succop Nature Park

Succop Nature Park is a 50-acre former farm estate with just under two miles of trails weaving through a variety of habitats, including two ponds. The barn, originally built in 1883, has been renovated for programs and amenities. The Marcraig House is nearly 200 years old and creates a beautiful backdrop for weddings and other events.

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Looking for a great space to hold a wedding, birthday party, a graduation party, a baby shower, or a meeting – check out our rental options by scrolling down to “rental information.”

Location

Succop Nature Park
185 West Airport Road
Butler, PA 16002

Trails open from sunrise to sunset.
Dogs are permitted on trails; please pick up after your pet.

Office hours: Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm

Amenities

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 and restrooms. There is a nature play area located just behind the barn. The Marcraig House and outdoor pavilion are available for weddings and event rentals.

Nature park guidelines

The trails are open sunrise to sunset, 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, e-bikes, and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails.

Please be respectful of programs and events going on within the property and mind the signage for restricted areas.

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.

This is a smoke-free facility.

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

Trail map

Download the Succop Nature Park trail map.

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

Rental information

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

Congratulations on your engagement! We are excited to work with you as you plan for your big day. From May through October, any wedding and reception or special event can accommodate up to 250 guests outdoors. Vows may be exchanged in front of a picturesque pond, on the red brick walkway in front of the 1830s Marcraig House, or in an open field facing the woods that surround the property. Spend your entire event close to nature, start with cocktails in the Marcraig House and on the private back patio, then enjoy the beauty that surrounds you as you sit-down to dinner, and finally dance the night away under the stars in our pond-side pavilion shelter. Take in the peaceful nature trails for some spectacular wedding photos. Romantic and idyllic, these spaces create a backdrop for photos that are timeless and irreplaceable. This enchanting property features more than 50 acres of natural beauty where couples and their guests may view birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

Ask about packages for a smaller wedding, ceremony only, bridal shower, engagement party, or rehearsal dinner that can take place throughout the year.

The natural choice for your big day!

Our event package includes:

Use of the historic Marcraig House and pavilion for your ceremony and reception.
Bartenders, disposable barware, bar napkins, and ice.
Professional service staff to oversee the buffet and tables.
China, flatware, and water glasses on guest tables.
White or ivory linen tablecloths and napkins at guest tables and service tables.
Start to finish cookie display and cake service.
Event venue set-up and tear-down.

Sample menu

Seasonal greens with choice of dressing.
Shaved prime rib with au jus.
Focaccia-encrusted chicken scallopine.
Cavatelli with vodka sauce.
Freshly baked rolls with butter.
Herb risotto.
Sautéed seasonal vegetables.
Coffee and tea.

Ask about customizable meals for you and your guests including special dietary, cultural, and religious meal options. A complete dinner buffet is provided by Medure’s Catering.

We are a smoke free facility – seeing cigarette butts distracts from nature! Contact events@aswp.org for event accommodations and designated smoking area location.

See weddings pictures at Succop Nature Park on Instagram @succopweddings

Event Rental

The spaces at Succop Nature Park are perfect for meetings, graduation parties, corporate retreats and more. Our Rental Coordinator will work with you to provide information specific to your rental needs, including room configurations and availability. Contact us to learn more: 724-586-2591 or events@aswp.org.

Available Event Rental spaces

Marcraig House

Perfect for corporate day retreats, showers, birthday parties, and meetings for up to 100 people in a mingling reception style, where not everyone is seated. The House can seat up to 58 people in separate rooms with the largest room seating up to 38 people. In good weather, the brick patio can be used as well. $600 for four hours with additional hours at $175/hour. House events can only be scheduled Monday-Thursday during the months of May-October to accommodate our wedding schedule. From November through mid-April, events can be booked on any day.

Classroom

A large room that opens up to the back yard of the barn and oversees the nature play area can seat up to 60 people at tables. This space is great for birthday parties, meetings, baby or wedding showers, and graduation parties. $400 for four hours with additional hours at $125/hour. Includes set up of our chairs and tables. Can be booked year-round, any day; however, from May-October, it is best when the events end and are cleaned up by 4 pm.

Pavilion

Overlooking the back pond and manicured grass lawn, this space can seat up to 160 people and is great for company celebrations, family reunions, and graduation parties. $500 for four hours with additional hours at $150/hour. Includes round tables and chairs. Pavilion can be booked Monday-Thursday, May-October.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Succop Nature Park?

Located in Penn Township just off Route 8 at 185 Airport Road, Butler PA 16002 and just down the road from the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport. Succop Nature Park is 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh, 30 minutes northeast of Cranberry Township, and just 12 minutes south of the City of Butler.

Where do you hold a wedding ceremony and reception on the property?

From May through October, the reception would take place under the pavilion, and vows may be exchanged in front of the picturesque pond near the pavilion, on the beautiful red brick walkway in front of the 1830s Marcraig House, or in an open field facing the woods that surround the property just to the left of the pavilion. From November through April, smaller weddings can be accommodated in the Marcraig House.

Do you offer just a ceremony option?

Yes, if you are looking for a place to have your ceremony only, we have two options available – either a 1.5-hour rental where you come fully dressed and ready for your ceremony, or a 3-hour rental where you can get ready onsite and then have your ceremony.

Do you allow wedding or other special event photography at Succop Nature Park?

Yes, if you are looking to have photographs taken for your engagement, wedding (where you are married at another location), anniversary, family, birthday, senior class, prom, or homecoming at Succop Nature Park, we ask that you call us to make sure that there is not a booked event happening that may limit the areas that are available for your photographs. Depending on the size of a booked event, we have the right to refuse other photography sessions.

Is Succop Nature Park available year-round for weddings or other event rentals?

From May through October, any wedding and reception or special event can accommodate up to 250 guests outdoors. During the colder months of November through April, smaller weddings or special events move indoors to the 1830 Marcraig House. During this time, we are able to host up to 58 people seated or 100 in a mingling-style reception.

How long will I have access to the property for my event?

Our full wedding package includes access to the 1830 Marcraig House beginning at 8:30 am and a 10-hour exclusive rental of the outdoor pavilion and surrounding lawns beginning at 11:00 am. Smaller wedding packages begin at 6-hours of exclusive access to the area you are renting, and non-wedding events, such as anniversary parties, graduations, showers, or corporate meetings begin at 4-hours of exclusive access to the area you are renting.

Do you have a caterer?

Yes, we provide in-house catering through Medure’s Catering which features a variety of food styles such as American, Spanish, Cajun, Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, and more. Dietary, cultural, and religious meal options are also available.

Do I have to use your caterer?

Yes, for any wedding or large event, Medure’s Catering is our exclusive caterer. They provide a variety of food styles and can customize to your needs, including any dietary, cultural, or religious meal options. If you are looking to host a smaller event, we can provide a few options, just ask!

Can I have drones or fireworks at my event?

Both drones and fireworks are prohibited at the park. In addition, for the protection of our property, wildlife, and guests, confetti, glitter, artificial individual flower petals, balloons, sky or floating lanterns, and any pyrotechnics (includes sparklers) are not permitted at Succop Nature Park.

Can I have lawn games at my event?

Yes, lawn games are permitted for events.

Is my dog welcome at my event?

Leashed pets are welcome at Succop Nature Park! We always ask that you be considerate and clean up after your pets. If you have specific questions about how your pet can be included in your wedding, please contact us.

Additional questions?

Let’s talk! Email events@aswp.org or call 724-586-2591 to learn more about rentals at Succop Nature Park.

Hold your nature-themed birthday party here!

Succop history

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 completed in 1883. 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.

Environmentally-friendly

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.

Accessibility information

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 Chris Bason at 412-963-6100 or cbason@aswp.org.

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