Arboretum News

Greetings from the Arboretum!

Did you know that Northern Cardinals are a great example of sexual dichromatism? This means we can distinguish between males and females based on their coloring. Did you also know that Pileated Woodpeckers are the largest living species of woodpecker in North America?

In preparation for our upcoming Trivia Night on March 10th, we have started sharing Feathered Facts like this on our Facebook and Instagram. We hope that this not only gets people interested in attending Trivia Night, but also helps readers learn something new about the natural world around us. If you follow us on social media, you will also see Wildlife Wins, a Wednesday post where we share news articles that feature conservation successes from around the globe.

We invite you to learn about amazing bird adaptations, incredible scientific discoveries, and successful conservation practices. Then join CHA staff and supporters at Pallet Brewing in Maplewood on March 10 at 7:00pm. Create a team, come as a pair, or test your individual skills. Trivia rounds will contain a mix of general knowledge as well as nature-based facts, and your ticket includes a drink of your choice. We love learning new things and we hope you do to!

We can't wait for you to join us.

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

The WildStory Season 4 Premeire

Thursday, March 12th

7 PM

Join us for an evening where stories, science, and the natural world Collide. Enjoy a cozy fire, snacks, and a panel discussion. This season premiere event is hosted by Kim Correro and Ann Wallace.

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, 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

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

Early Childhood Classes

Join our weekly classes where your youngest learners can explore the natural world through stories, songs, hikes, and hands-on learning. Spring themes include Maple Trees, Baby Animals, and Blooms

Arboretum Sprouts

Thursdays, 10-11:00 AM

March 12-April 23 (no class on 4/2)

This class is for children 18 months and older with a caregiver.

After School Turtle Tots

Mondays, 3:15-4:30 PM

March 9-April 20 (no class on 3/30)

This is a drop-off class for children in PreK 4 - Kindergarten.

Learn More/Register

2026 Mini Camps & Summer Camp

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.*