Arboretum History
The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary was started in 1923 by Cora Hartshorn, daughter of Short Hills founder Stewart Hartshorn, on a 16 acre tract of undeveloped woodland. The “Stone House” section of the building was completed in 1933 using stone and oak from Hartshorn quarries and land. Ms. Hartshorn designed a system of roads and 3 miles of walking paths that were completed in 1938. In 1958, Ms. Hartshorn donated the Arboretum to the township of Short Hills, stipulating that it be maintained as a public park. Renovations were completed in 2007, which included a modern kitchen/lab facility, bird observation room and office space.
Our goal is to promote an understanding of the relationship between people and the environment through programs that integrate arts, science and the humanities.
Arboretum History
