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Greetings from the Arboretum!
Did you know Phoenix is the most populated State Capital in the US, the tallest tree in the world is a Redwood named Hyperion, and Owl City is the band responsible for the hit song, Fireflies? This is just a taste of the facts guests were tested on at yesterday's Trivia Night! 16 teams competed for glory through five rounds of nature-based and general trivia with the Gimmicks coming out on top. We would like to share a big thank you to Eric McGowan and Pallet Brewing in Maplewood for providing the space and bar service as well as Jose Ortiz of Triviaddiction for putting together the questions and prizes for the evening.
As for the forest, the small mountains of snow have melted and warm weather is welcoming the first sights of Mourning cloak butterflies, Skunk Cabbage, Snowdrops, Miner bees, and sowbugs. We are already busy spring cleaning by clearing trails of winter debris and removing invasives like Lesser Celandine. Earlier this week, we hosted a group of volunteers from UCNJ, and coming up this Saturday, we invite interested adults to join the first meeting of our new Garden Volunteers Group. You can learn more about this opportunity on our website.
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.
Sincerely,
CHA staff
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Upcoming Events
February - March
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The WildStory Season 4 Premiere
Thursday, March 12th
7 PM
Join us for an evening where stories, science, and the natural world Collide. Enjoy a cozy fire, snacks, door prizes, and a panel discussion. This season premiere event is hosted by Kim Correro and Ann Wallace.
Learn More/Register
CHA Members Register for FREE
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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
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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
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Design Your Own Telescope
Saturday, March 28th
1:45-2:45 PM
Due to popular demand, an additional day of this free, beginner level CAD workshop has been added to our calendar of events. 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
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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.
Learn More/Register
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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
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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
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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
| | **Please note that current family memberships are required for all camps and classes** | | | |
After School Turtle Tots
Mondays, 3:15-4:30 PM
March 9-April 12-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
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Arboretum Sprouts
Thursdays, 10-11:00 AM
March 12-April 23 (no class on 4/2)
Create connections with nature and neighbors at these weekly classes. Sprouts provides opportunities for guardians and their youngest learners to explore the natural world through stories, songs, hikes, and hands-on learning.
Learn More/Register
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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
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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
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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
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