Cora Hartshorn Arboretum In Short Hills To Host Fall Events (See The List)

SHORT HILLS, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum. Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Millburn-Short Hills Facebook page here.

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum will host the following upcoming nature programs for all ages at its new Stone House Nature Center and woodlands.

ARBORETUM SPROUTS is a weekly class where your child and a parent/caregiver explore the natural world around them through songs, games, crafts and a hike (weather permitting). Sprouts "grow" on Tuesdays, 10:00 am -11:00 am, September 19 - December 15 (12 weeks), and Thursdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, September 14 - December 7 (12 weeks). Cost is $180 per/Sprout.

TURTLE TOTS is a weekly class where your preschooler will discover nature through guided hikes, games, and hands-on learning. Your child will be introduced to topics such as: bears, wolves, migration, and many other aspects of the natural world. Children must be 3 years old by August 1st, 2017 and be able to use the bathroom alone. Turtle Tots meet on Tuesdays, 3:00 - 4:30 PM, Sept. 19 – Dec.15 (12 weeks). The cost for Tuesday Turtle Tots is $180 per Turtle Tot. Turtle Tots also meet on Fridays, 12:00 - 2:30 PM, Sept. 15 – Dec. 17 (12 weeks) and the cost is $360 per Turtle Tot.

ECO-EXPLORERS (K - 3rd Graders) meet after school for an hour of hands-on nature discovery through guided walks, scientific experiments, and woodlands discovery. Most of the Eco-Explorer class will take place outside on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 3:30 – 4:30 pm, October 11- December 13 (5 classes), the class is $75 per Explorer. All programs require pre-registration, membership, and health forms.

CORA’S CONSERVATION CORPS TEEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM is a service based, citizen science volunteer program that teaches field biology techniques to students in 9th-12th grades. Volunteers from this program have gone on to top colleges. By participating in citizen science programs, forest restoration, as well as assisting Arboretum staff with public presentations, volunteers develop a sense of responsibility and accountability, fine tune public speaking skills, and develop and apply their critical thinking skills daily. Applications are available online.

SPECIAL EVENTS

On Saturday, September 9, the second annual Teddy Bear Parade will be held. Bring your favorite fluffy friend for a special snack, adventurous stories and a visit to our Bear Hospital to have your friend declared “Beary Healthy." Join us for an educational parade through the woods as we discover nature in the Arboretum's beautiful woodlands. There will be two seatings for people and bears alike: 11:30 am and 2:00 pm. Price: Member $10/Person Non-Member: $12/Person.

The Fall Family Camp Out takes place on Saturday, September 23rd through Sunday, September 24th. Pitch a tent in the woods, roast s’mores and more! This is a great opportunity for a first time camping experience for the whole family. Dinner and continental breakfast provided, as well as some great activities such as a night hike, firelight stories, and other surprises. Please remember to BYOG: Bring your own gear. Register online today at www.HartshornArboretum.org. Price: Member Child: $25 Member Adult: $45, Non Member Child: $30 Non Member Adult: $50.

On Saturday, October 28, 2017, join Cora Hartshorn Arboretum naturalists and represent your Hogwarts House as we learn about the Fantastic Beasts of New Jersey and Where to Find Them. Meet many truly magical, live creatures and learn how you can protect them every day. Two sessions: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Price: Member: $10 Non-Member: $15.

On Saturday, November 4, 2017, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm, join a Cora Hartshorn Naturalist for a Hot Apple Cider Night Hike. Participants will be led on a guided hike through our beautiful woodlands to discover how the forest prepares for winter. After the hike, join us in the historic Stone House for a cup of mulled “Jersey Fresh” apple cider and a Q&A about the animals of the woodlands. Price: Member: $8 Non-Member: $10.

Monthly Guided Hikes return this fall to celebrate the change of season and our native woodlands. Spend a Sunday on a Guided Hike with the Arboretum’s Teen Volunteers as they tell you about their ongoing Citizen Science Projects, how they impacts conservation in our community, and how you can become a citizen scientist with the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum. September 17, learn about Migration. On October 15, learn about Salamanders. On November 12, learn about Hibernation. Please dress for the weather and be prepared for changing trail conditions. Hikes depart at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm and last about 45 minutes. Price: Member: $5 Non-Member: $10.

Rounding out the fall will be our third annual Hot Chocolate Hike Weekend on December 16 and 17, 2017. Take a break from the holiday rush and join us for a guided hike on the Arboretum’s grounds. Discover who is in the forest as we look for signs of our woodland friends. When we are done, warm up in the historic Stone House with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Please dress appropriately for an outdoor adventure. Hike times: 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Save your spot online today. Suggested Donation: $5/Person Age 2 and Up.

For more information on these programs and more, please visit www.HartshornArboretum.org.