Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary


The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Hartshorn Arboretum, is an arboretum and bird sanctuary located at 324 Forest Drive South, in the Short Hills section of Millburn, in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. Its trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk without charge. Various programs are also offered for children, families, and adults.

The grounds

The arboretum began when the 16.5 acres of land was gifted to Cora Hartshorn in 1923 by Stewart Hartshorn on undeveloped woodland of oaks, tulip trees, dogwood, and beech. She designed a system of roads and walking paths; by 1938 there were of paths. In 1958, Cora died, and she willed the arboretum to the township.
The arboretum contains 45 species of trees, including 275-year-old tulip trees, as well as rare ferns, over 150 species of wildflowers, and 100 species of birds and represents a critical habitat for plants and wildlife.

The Stone House

The original part of the building, also known as the Stone House, was built in 1933 for Cora. All the stones in the Stone House are from Stewart Hartshorn's local quarry in nearby Springfield, NJ. Around 1970, an addition to the "Stone house" was added as there was a need for more office space. In 2007, this addition was removed and replaced with a reception area, bird observatory, additional office space, a basement, and an upstairs meeting room. The Stone House also received a kitchen space.

Animals

The Stone House is home to a variety of animals, including reptiles such as leopard geckos, Chinese box turtles, Eastern painted turtles, and an albino corn snake. Mammals housed are rabbits and a chinchilla. There is also an Eastern spotted newt and a rose hair tarantula.

Membership

Access to the trails is free. Visitors or interested parties can sign up for membership. Membership dues provide crucial support for education programs and maintenance of the woodlands. The CHA offers a variety of programs and events for children, families, and adults. These include hikes, camping trips, and classes for children.