|
Greetings from the Arboretum!
Excitement is blooming at CHA! Last week we hosted and participated in multiple events: a UCNJ Volunteer Day, our first Trivia Night, the WildStory Podcast Premiere, an Owl Prowl Undernight, the SOMA camp fair, the first garden volunteer meeting of 2026, and a Fern Propagation workshop organized by the Native Plant Society of NJ. As of yesterday, the start of Beak Week is officially one month away! So, if you have not yet created a team, now is the time!
Not only is excitement happening indoors, but outside throughout the forest as well. Snowdrops are in full bloom, Skunk Cabbage is making its way above ground, Miner Bees are emerging, Mourning Cloak butterflies are fluttering about, and an Eastern Phoebe was viewed earlier this week which means more early spring migrators will be here before we know it!
Come witness the seasonal changes for yourself. As always, the grounds are open to visitors from dawn to dusk each day. Maps are available online or physical copies can be picked up from the front desk between 9am-4pm daily. When you come for a walk, please remember to close the gate behind you are you enter and exit the forest. Our plants thank you for your cooperation and hope you will visit soon.
Sincerely,
CHA staff
| |
Upcoming Events
February - March
| | Adult Programs/Opportunities: | | | |
Join our Board of Trustees!
If you are looking for a different kind of opportunity to support the Arboretum's work and mission, consider joining our Board of Trustees! While we seek a diversity of perspectives, experience, and skills to build our Board, potential candidates must share a personal commitment to the mission of the Arboretum: to foster and promote environmental awareness, education, and stewardship within the greater community. If you are interested in this special opportunity to serve as a Trustee for the Arboretum, please contact Board President Sarah Webb (sarah.webb@gmail.com) or Director Tedor Whitman (twhitman@hartshornarboretum.org) for details about the position and how to apply.
| | | |
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
| | | |
Garden Volunteers Meeting
Saturday, April 18th
1:00-2:30 PM
Whether you attended the first volunteer meeting or not, you are invited! Interested adults of all skill levels are welcome to join. Whether you are a Master Gardener or a beginner excited to learn, we could use your help.
New volunteers should email wmulvey@hartshornarboretum.org to signup
| | | |
Bird BINGO
Now through March 28th
Celebrate birds while supporting Millburn businesses. Pick up a BINGO board from CHA or other participating locations. Visit local shops, gyms, offices, and other Millburn locations to receive stickers on your board. Win BINGO with a column, row, or diagonal line of stickers for your chance to win one of multiple prizes!
Learn More
| | | |
Design Your Own Telescope
Saturday, March 28th
1:45-2:45 PM
Learn from members of the Millburn High School Robotics Team how to design and customize simple telescopes for birdwatching. Recommended for adults and children 12+
Learn More/Register
| | | |
Draw a Bird Day
Wednesday, April 8th
3-6:00 PM
Celebrate a day, not about artistic talent or skill, but about enjoying birds and making people smile. Watch the birds at the feeder, learn to identify some species, and enjoy taking the time to simply draw. This is a drop-in event: Come for 15 minutes or the full three hours!
Learn More/Register
| | | |
Spring Blooms Hike
Saturday and Sunday, April 11th-12th
11 AM & 1 PM
Take a guided hike through the Arboretum's spring landscape followed by light refreshments in the Stone House. This event is fun for the whole family, and provides an opportunity to learn about some of the first native wildflowers blooming in spring.
Learn More/Register
*members use the code MEMBER20 for 20% off your entire order
| | | |
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 for the benefit of migratory and resident birds right here in Essex County, NJ!
Learn More/Register
| | | |
Guided Birding Walks
Monday-Friday, April 20th-24th
8 AM & 4 PM
In celebration of Beak Week, we are offering early morning and late afternoon guided birding walks throughout the week of April 20th-24th. Grab your binoculars and join us on the trails at CHA as we search for sights and sounds of as many bird species as possible. Join one or more walks for free!
Learn More/Register
| | | |
Spring Family Campout
Friday-Saturday, April 24th-25th
6 PM - 9 AM
Before the summer buzz, pitch a tent in the forest and enjoy a night relaxing under the stars. Pack your tent, and participate camping games, crafts, animal presentations, food, and a night hike. Of course, don't forget the s'mores!
SOLD OUT
email info@hartshornarboretum.org to join the waitlist
| | **Please note that current family memberships are required for all camps and classes** | | *prorated class still available* | |
After School Turtle Tots
Mondays, 3:15-4:30 PM
Now - April 20 (no class on 3/30)
This after school drop off program is an opportunity to get outside and explore the natural world through stories, songs, hikes, and hands-on learning. Available for Pre-k 4 and kindergarten students.
Learn More/Register
| | | |
Spring Mini Camp
March 30 - April 3
9 AM - 3 PM (Depending on age group)
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. Register for one day or the entire week.
Learn More/Register
| | | |
June Mini Camp
June 8 - 12 & June 15-19
9 AM - 3 PM (Depending on age group)
*Squirrel Scouts Only during the first week*
As school's close for summer break, camp at the Arboretum is in full swing. During mini camp, you can join us for one day or an entire week of mini camp.
Learn More/Register
| | | |
Summer Camp
weekly June 22 - August 28
9 AM - 3 PM (Depending on age group)
Get outside as much as possible this summer to not just learn about nature, but experience it! Join us for one, two, or all weeks of Nature Discovery Camp at the Arboretum.
Squirrel Scouts (Pre K 4 - rising kindergarten): weekly June 22 - August 28
Explorers (rising 1st-2nd graders): weekly June 22 - August 14
Naturalists (rising 3rd-4th graders): weekly August 17-28
Learn more about weekly nature-based themes on our website using the link below.
Learn More/Register
| | | | |
