Last updated: 1/20/2016
Short Hills, New Jersey
Address
324 Forest Drive South
Short Hills, NJ 07078

Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9 AM - 4 PM
Sunday
10 AM - 4 PM
Trails and grounds are open during daylight hours year round. Sorry, no dogs are allowed as per Millburn Township statute.

Staff

Tedor Whitman
phone: 973-376-3587
Description

The Arboretum trails pass kettle moraines, hilly slopes and a natural amphitheater created by glaciers. Our grounds host a variety of native New Jersey wildflower species and are home to over 40 species of trees, many species of birds and an array of ferns.

Visit the Stone House to view animal exhibits, including mounted specimens of birds and mammals, and a small collection of live animals.

Sustainability and Stewardship

As a local resource and environmental education provider, Cora Hartshorn Arboretum (CHA) believes in leading the way to a more sustainable future. We strive to influence students, program attendees, and everyday visitors to shape and modify behaviors and attitudes that promote environmental stewardship and conservation.

Live Animals and Wildlife

As an educational center with live animals CHA provides the upmost care for live specimens and follows NJ DEP and Federal regulations.

Land Management

CHA land and gardens are to reflect the natural habitat of the area.

Mission
The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum is a historic woodlands garden and educational institution located in Short Hills, New Jersey. We promote an understanding of the relationship between people and the environment through programs that integrate arts, sciences and the humanities. The Arboretum provides services to local schools, community institutions and citizens of all ages.

History

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary (CHA) is a non-profit organization located in Short Hills, New Jersey. The origin of the CHA goes back to a gift of land that Stewart Hartshorn made to his daughter, Cora L. Hartshorn, in 1923. Cora developed the area as a place where wild things could grow without harm and where people could come to enjoy them. The “Stone House” was designed by Architect Bernhardt E. Muller, built using trap rock from Stewart Hartshorn’s quarry in Springfield, NJ and completed in 1933.

Cora Hartshorn died in 1958 and willed the CHA to Millburn Township. Through the efforts of the Short Hills Garden Club, in 1961 an Arboretum Association was formed to work with the Township in order to protect the area. Building renovations were completed in 2007, which included kitchen and lab facility, bird observatory, and office space. Today, the CHA includes 16.45 acres of woodlands, 3 miles of trails, and a diversity of floral and faunal species. Our woodland volunteers take great care to ensure that plant species indigenous to New Jersey are predominant.

Educational Programs
After School Clubs

Raccoon Club (1st and 2nd grade) During this after school club children explore our woodlands with a teacher-naturalist while gaining scientific knowledge through investigations of a nature related topic.

Kids, Teens and Young Adults

Our programming for kids, teens and young adults teach valuable life lessons, while teaching kids to care for the world around them. Environmental Eagles (3rd-6th Grade) Participants meet on Saturday mornings at the Arboretum to learn about the woodlands, local habitats, and environmental issues and how we can help solve

Toddler and Pre-School

Winter Turtle Tots This is a weekly class. Please see our website for schedules.

Arboretum Birthday Parties

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum Birthday Parties are offered on each Saturday and Sunday: 11:30AM-1:00Pm or 2:00PM-3:30PM. Ninety minute minute birthday parties are available for children ages 3-12. Your child and 15-20 of their friends will enjoy a 45 minute guided nature-themed party.* Birthday parties are offered exclusively to individuals with a CHA.

Camps

Mid-Winter Camp: One week session from February. Stay warm during winter break as we explore the Arboretum with our snow boots and gloves on! Children will learn all about animals in winter, conduct ice experiments.

School Programs

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum (CHA) offers field trips and classroom programs for grades K-5. Each lesson has been designed to correlate to NJCCC and supplement science curriculum. Students learn about a nature-themed topic through observation, discussion, teamwork, and hands-on activities.

Scout Programs

Scout Programs The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum provides many opportunities to observe artifacts, meet a naturalist, and learn to share your world with wildlife. Our educators have a variety of programs specifically designed to meet the requirements of many Boy Scout and Girl Scout Badges. Most programs are typically 60-90 minutes long.

Services
Outside User Groups

CHA encourages the groups that use our facilities to follow our lead in conservation methods and standards.

Arboretum Birthday Parties

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum Birthday Parties are offered on each Saturday and Sunday: 11:30AM-1:00Pm or 2:00PM-3:30PM. Ninety minute minute birthday parties are available for children ages 3-12. Your child and 15-20 of their friends will enjoy a 45 minute guided nature-themed party.* Birthday parties are offered exclusively to individuals with a CHA.

Special Event Rental
Group Tours
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
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