Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary
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4.0
16 reviews
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3
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duck8to
Montville, NJ6,824 contributions
Oct 2020
The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education, forest conservation, encouraging citizen science and volunteerism.
The land was gifted to Cora E. Hartshorn by her father in 1923. The stone house was completed in 1933 and the buildings and property were given to the Millburn township upon Cora's death in 1958. In 1961 the Short Hills Garden Club took possession. A major building renovation took place in 2007.
Today the arboretum features 16.45 acres and about 3 miles of trails. It is a sanctuary for 40 species of trees, birds and native wildflowers, ferns and other flora. Walk along well established trails featuring unique topological features such as a Kettle moraine and a natural amphitheater sculpted by glaciers.
Inside the the stone house are animal exhibits, mounted specimens of birds and mammals and a small collection of live animals which I did not see because the building was closed.
I am planning to return later in the Fall to observe the numerous migratory birds that rest and feed on their way south. There is a trail map that can be downloaded on their website. Dogs are not allowed and parking is only on the Hartshorn Arboretum side of the street.
The land was gifted to Cora E. Hartshorn by her father in 1923. The stone house was completed in 1933 and the buildings and property were given to the Millburn township upon Cora's death in 1958. In 1961 the Short Hills Garden Club took possession. A major building renovation took place in 2007.
Today the arboretum features 16.45 acres and about 3 miles of trails. It is a sanctuary for 40 species of trees, birds and native wildflowers, ferns and other flora. Walk along well established trails featuring unique topological features such as a Kettle moraine and a natural amphitheater sculpted by glaciers.
Inside the the stone house are animal exhibits, mounted specimens of birds and mammals and a small collection of live animals which I did not see because the building was closed.
I am planning to return later in the Fall to observe the numerous migratory birds that rest and feed on their way south. There is a trail map that can be downloaded on their website. Dogs are not allowed and parking is only on the Hartshorn Arboretum side of the street.
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TophersTravels71
New Jersey378 contributions
Jan 2020
We went for a special event on a weekend night. We only got to see the building as it was in the evening and too dark for the trails. The event seemed pretty well planned and executed. The event itself was well organized and the staff was super friendly and positive. Once the initial activities were complete, the staff stepped out of their costumes and were very informative about the few exhibits they had (including a pair of injured owls that we got to see). We'll likely be back for the hiking trails during the day because the rest of the visit was so pleasant.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BJ G
Berkeley Heights, NJ71 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
I couldn't imagine how there could be nature trails in this area near route 24. They make great use of the space with meandering trails. There are hills and stairs and benches. The house has a small display including an active beehive. Eric was very knowledgeable and helpful. There is no parking lot but plenty of spaces on the street
Written 6 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pumpkinj2017
Short Hills, NJ250 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
arboretums are always fun for families to visit. Kids can run freely and be educated at the same time and who doesn't love to see spiders, and trees and butterflies, etc?
Written 19 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EWATWC
Westfield, NJ68 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
Wonderful local gardens and paths perfect for spending about 90 min exploring my DSLR. Planning on going back on a nicer day and in different seasons!
Written 16 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
schmutaki
New Jersey3,600 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
Very nice place for a short visit. The main stone house is very interesting and contains some live animals, a beehive and other exhibits. The grounds are pretty as well. No admission charge but you can make a donation. Good place for kids. The staff on duty was very helpful and eager to discuss the history behind the place.
Written 27 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel S.
New Jersey45 contributions
Dec 2015 • Solo
Given that I live very close to CHA, I volunteer here often. In fact, I've volunteered here for 5 years. CHA features fun family activities, including Guided Hot Chocolate Hikes, or an event in late October called Creatures of the Night! These events really get kids hooked on the arboretum and make them want to come back for more! The historic Stone House from 1933 also is a great place to come see animals. Also check out the 16.5 acres of land/3 miles of trails while you're there - definitely the main attraction!
Come here during summer, or get some education during the winter. Either way, this is a must if you're in Short Hills!
Come here during summer, or get some education during the winter. Either way, this is a must if you're in Short Hills!
Written 3 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike G
36 contributions
A lovely escape into solitude. The only sound was the wind in the trees. It appears that this little spot gets overlooked by most.
Written 23 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mona B
West Orange, NJ93 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
This is such a wonderful place for a nature getaway in the middle of town. They constantly have programs for kids, families, schools, scouts, birthday parties, summer camps, etc. And they also have lovely self-guided tours. The center is small and has a few animals, but my kids gravitate toward them every time.
Written 24 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea L
Short Hills, NJ4 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
The arboretum is a special place for learning, exploring and appreciating nature. There are great programs for children including summer camp and many other activities throughout the year. The building itself is a lovely old example of the cottage design nestled in the woods.
Written 22 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would you recommend visiting towards the end of July with a 3 and a 5 year old? Is it too hot to visit at the time?
Thank you
Written 25 June 2018
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