ARBORETUM NEWS

August 27, 2026

Hello,


Each year we get excited for the summer season and all the adventures to come. Then, in the blink of an eye, we have to say goodbye. This year is no different as tomorrow marks the final day of summer camp for the 2026 season. Our final week of camp had Naturalists learning and practicing survival skills including map reading, shelter building, and knot tying. Meanwhile, the Squirrel Scouts were out being Nature Detectives, monitoring animals in the Arboretum by looking for tracks, dens, and scat.

We would like to thank our summer camp environmental educators for all of their hard work this season. They worked through rain, heat, and smoky skies in order to provide our campers with a summer full of fun and learning in the forest. We are a small staff of four during the school year, and more than double to 11 during the summer. America, Eva, Lily, Missy, Mason, Sophia, and Jeff are incredible members of our team and we wish them the best as they return to college classes, teaching, or working in a library.


Thank you, Staff!

UPCOMING EVENTS

A Family Membership is required for participation in all early childhood classes and camps.

*New events added every month!*


Guided Birding Walks

Sundays in September

8am-9:30am


Fall migration is underway! Bring binoculars or borrow some from our library as we search for birds each Sunday morning in September. This event is free, donations appreciated.


Learn More/Register

Container Gardening

Saturday, September 19th

2:30-4:30 PM


Join Wildflower City with Urban Garden Designer Sima Kunttas for an afternoon workshop all about designing patios and stoops with native plants. This event will be followed by a native plant sale.


Learn More/Register

Among the Birds: Breath, Presence, and Guided Meditation

Sunday, September 20th

10:30 - 11 AM


Join Diana of Happy Heart Yoga Shala for a relaxing morning dedicated to slowing down and melting into nature. Mats and chairs are available, or bring your own. All are welcome whether or not you attended one of the prior sessions or not.


Learn More/Register

September Mini Camp

Monday, Sept 21st

9am-3pm (depending on age group)


Take a trip to the Arboretum while school is out. Find out what is happening in the forest as summer ends and a new season begins. Available for children 4 years old-2nd grade.


Learn More/Register

After School Turtle Tots

Mondays, Oct 12th-Nov16th

3:15-4:30pm


Weekly drop-off classes where children will discover nature through guided hikes, games, and crafts. Attendees must be 4 years old by the first class session.


Learn More/Register

Arboretum Sprouts

Wednesdays, Oct 14-Nov 18th or Thursdays, Oct 1st-Nov 19th

10-11am


Weekly classes where your youngest learners can explore the natural world through stories, songs, hikes, and hands-on learning. Classes are for children 18 months to 3 years old with a caregiver.


Learn More/Register

November Mini Camp

Thursday-Friday, Nov. 5th & 6th

9am-3pm (depending on age group)


Take a trip to the Arboretum while school is out. Discover what changes occur as the weather cools and plants and animals prepare for winter. Available for children 4 years old-2nd grade.


Learn More/Register


If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.


info@hartshornarboretum.org

973-376-3587


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Cora Hartshorn Arboretum

324 Forest Drive South

Short Hills, NJ 07078