Founded in 1923 by Cora Hartshorn, whose father developed Short Hills, the arboretum includes both a garden and untouched woodlands in its 16-acre tract. When Hartshorn died, she willed the arboretum to the town for all to enjoy. There are trails in the woods behind the stone barn, which anyone can use. The arboretum staff just asks visitors to close the gate behind them when they use the trails.
The stone barn is a historic structure from Hartshorn's days and was renovated in 2007, which included an addition. Programming for children and adults takes place in the barn, which features a kitchen classroom and an area dedicated to animals. The animals include assorted reptiles and a chinchilla, which is popular with children.
Programming takes place during the day for preschoolers and after school for older children. Teenagers also serve as volunteers and mentors to younger children. There is a variety of adult programming as well, including trips and hikes.
In addition to the trails and indoor programming, the arboretum has a bird watching area with assorted bird feeders. The birds are also captured on a Web cam, which people can watch on the organization's Web site.
The facility features a visitor center and New Jersey's first natural history museum, built in 1941. Its purpose is to interpret the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation and to foster an awareness and appreciation of the environment.
Owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Crabtree Nature Center is a beautiful place to explore and learn about the wildlife in Barrington. The center offers an educational exhibit building and several miles of self-guided trails for the entire family to enjoy. Year round, the center provides dozens of exhibits and programs about nature and wildlife that are free of charge.
The Audubon Center in Greenwich opened in 1942 on land donated by Eleanor Clovis Reese and H. Hall Clovis. It was the first of the National Audubon Society's environmental education centers in the country.
The organization's main sanctuary on Riversville Road is also the largest, comprised of 285 acres, with 7 miles of walking trails and the shallow Mead Lake.
Perhaps best known for as the site for the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch, the Center provides one of the best locations in New England to view the fall migration of raptors.
The Kimberlin Nature Education Center building, home to the children's learning center, gallery, nature gift store and wildlife viewing window, is also located on the property. The space is available for rentals.
Audubon Greenwich is comprised of 11 other sanctuaries (seven of which are accessible by the public) totaling 686 acres of woodlands, meadows and wetlands, and 15 additional miles of hiking trails.
Admission fee for non-members is $3 adults, $1.50 children/seniors.
