Arboretum News

Greetings from the Arboretum!

Happy New Year!

Whether you participate or not, it's that time again when people make resolutions to try something different in the new year. Have you chosen one? If so, we may be able to help!

Our team is excited to share new and returning events in 2026. If you are looking for something creative for you or your child, join an art class hosted at CHA by One River School. If you want to cultivate native plants, attend our Winter Sowing Workshop. Are you looking to spice up your meals with more home cooking? We have an Indian Cooking demonstration on January 23. Adults and children of all ages looking to read more, spend more time in nature, or volunteer all have something to look forward to at the Arboretum in 2026. Learn more in the Upcoming Events section below.

Additionally, the New Year means something exciting is just around the corner! Snow on the ground and crisp, cold air doesn't exactly scream summer, but believe it or not, summer camp is on our minds! Mark your calendars, because summer camp registration opens on Monday, February 2nd at 6 AM. Learn more about specific camp dates and themes on our website. We encourage you to create or update your camp profile before the registration date in order to ensure a smooth registration process. If you have any questions or concerns leading up to camp registration day, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

CHA staff

Learn About Camp Dates and Themes

Create or Update Your Camp Profile

Upcoming Events

Adult Programs:

Art in the Arboretum: Winter Workshop

Wednesdays, January 14 - March 11th

1:30 - 3 PM

Learn how to create drawings, paintings and mixed media artworks that focus on different textures, shapes and patterns that speak to the beauty of the world around us. Join one or multiple sessions. This class series is organized and taught by One River School and takes place at the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum.

Learn More/Register

Indian Cooking Demonstration

and Vegetarian Feast

Friday, January 23rd

7 PM - 10 PM

Learn to cook authentic all-vegetarian Indian cuisine, and sit down with friends, new and old, to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked Indian meal. This BYOB event is for adults 21 and older.

Learn More/Register

Book Club

Saturday, January 31st

2-4 PM

CHA is excited for the first meeting of the ArboReaders book club! We are working in collaboration The Nature of Reading Bookshop in Madison to bring you a book club specifically designed for nature lovers. Our first book is The Courage of Birds by Pete Dunne.

Learn More/Register for free

Superb Owl Prowl

Thursday, February 5th

6:30-8:30 PM

Begin your evening fueling up with homemade soup and sandwiches, and learn from experienced birders--and one of our resident owls--how to identify NJ owls by sight and sound. Then head out to the woods for a quiet, guided night hike in the Arboretum’s forest in search of owls and other nighttime wildlife. For adults 18 and up.

Learn More/Register

Family Programs:

Winter Sowing Workshop

with Wildflower City

Saturday, January 17th

10 AM - 12 PM

The harsh winter season may not seem like one for growing, but for some flora, it is an important time of year. Learn which native plants require cold stratification for germinating, and create your own recycled greenhouse to take home to your garden.

Learn More/Register

Breakfast with the Bunnies

Sunday, February 22nd

9 AM & 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.

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.**

Arboretum Winter Sprouts

Thursdays, January 8th-February 12th

10 AM - 11 AM

Sprouts is a weekly class where your child and a parent/caregiver explore the natural world together through songs, stories, crafts and hikes. Classes begin this week! Call or email to register for the remaining classes or to try out a single class!

Learn More

Afterschool Turtle Tots

Mondays, January 5th - February 9th

3:15 - 4:30 PM

Turtle Tots is a weekly class where children will discover nature through guided hikes, games, and crafts, all with guidance from a seasoned environmental educator. Classes began this week: Register for the remaining 5 classes below!

Learn More/Register

Winter Wonders: Art in Nature

Mondays, January 14th - March 4th

4 - 5 PM

Explore various drawing, painting and mixed media techniques for all skill levels. This class series is organized and taught by One River School and takes place at the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum.

Learn More/Register

2026 Mini Camps

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. Register for one day or the entire week. Please note that Kindergarten Extension is only available during some camp programs.