Arboretum News

Greetings from the Arboretum!

Calling all volunteers!

We are looking for adult garden volunteers interested in helping CHA restore and maintain our native pollinator garden throughout the year! Individuals at least 16 years old with any amount of gardening experience are invited to join CHA staff as we combat invasive plants, and improve our native pollinator garden. We know there is still snow outside, but we have time before work is set to begin. The first meeting will take place on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 from 1-2:30 PM at the Arboretum. If you are interested in participating, please register using the link below. For more information, visit our website or email info@hartshornarboretum.org. This will be the first meeting of many! Please bring a kneeling mat, gardening gloves, and your favorite weeding tool.

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

CHA staff

Upcoming Events

February - March

Adult Programs:

Birding 201: Birding by Ear

Saturday, March 7th

1:30-3 PM

More often than not, birds are heard before they are seen. Whether you attended Birding 101 or not, we invite you to join CHA staff at this program designed to improve your bird identification skills by using your sense of hearing.

Learn More/Register

Trivia Night at Pallet Brewing

Tuesday, March 10th

7 PM

Test your knowledge at our upcoming trivia night fundraiser! Create a team, come as a pair, or challenge your individual skills at Pallet Brewing in Maplewood. 1 beer or non-alcoholic drink is included in your ticket price.

Learn More/Register

Bird Friendly Gardening

Saturday, March 21st

1:00-2:30 PM

Gardening for the Birds: Would you like to entice beautiful birds to visit your backyard? In this workshop you will learn from Deb Ellis of the New Jersey Native Plant Society how to create habitat for birds with native trees, flowers and bushes.

Learn More/Register

Family Programs

Design Your Own Telescope

Saturday, February 21st @ 2 PM

& Saturday, March 7th @ 10 AM

A free beginner level CAD workshop, presented by members of the Millburn High School Robotics Team. Participants will design and customize simple telescopes for birdwatching, which will then be 3D printed to use in real life. For adults and children 12+

Learn More/Register

Breakfast with the Bunnies

Sunday, February 22nd

9 & 11 AM

Help us celebrate Iris and Magnolia’s 4th birthdays with a pancake breakfast! Your ticket to this family-friendly event includes freshly made pancakes, time to meet our rabbit ambassadors, and an educational conversation about Eastern Cottontail rabbits.

SOLD OUT

Email info@hartshornarboretum.org to join our waitlist

Owl Prowl Undernight

Friday, March 13th

6:45-8:45 PM

Enjoy all the fun of a campout before heading home to sleep in the comfort of your own bed! Join us for a family friendly presentation about NJ owls and head out into the woods for a quiet guided night hike in search of owls and other nighttime wildlife. Don't forget to round out the evening with s'mores!

Learn More/Register

Beak Week

April 17th-24th

Registration is now open for Beak Week 2026! Join fellow nature enthusiasts during this exciting new bird-a-thon. All ages and skill levels are invited to participate as we raise money across the country for the benefit of birds right here in Essex County, NJ!

Learn More/Register

Children's Programs:

**Please note that current family memberships are required for all camps and classes, excluding art classes run by One River School.**

2026 Mini Camps & Summer Camp

NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

When school is on break, get outside! Join friends new and old at CHA as we learn about the natural world right in our own back yard. We will explore the woodland habitat and the seasonal changes occurring each day.

*Please note that Kindergarten Extension is only available during some camp programs.*