ABOUT THE ARBORETUM

Once a commercial nursery, this 73 acre site of distinctive trees, shrubs, and native and exotic plants has been set aside as a fascinating place to observe and study natural science.

The undeveloped Furnas Section, an additional 32 acres named after the former owner, J.C. Furnas, features a mixed hardwood community that serves as a haven for many species of birds and animals.

Administration Building

The Hunterdon County Department of Parks and Recreation's administrative offices are located in the Arboretum. Trail maps and program and camping information are available during business hours.

Discounted tickets to nearby amusement parks and ski areas are on sale during their respective seasons. Tickets can be purchased by check or cash.

LOCATION:

PHYSICAL ADDRESS OF ARBORETUM: 1020 HIGHWAY 31, LEBANON, NJ 08833

PHYSICAL ADDRESS OF FURNAS SECTION: 1020 ROUTE 629, STANTON, NJ 08885

The Arboretum is on the northbound side of Route 31 in Clinton Township. It is five miles north of Flemington and five miles south of Clinton. Click here for directions

Additional Information:

The Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to preserving open space and natural resources, providing safe parks and facilities, and offering educational and recreational opportunities, all contributing to an enhanced quality of life for present and future generations.

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TRAIL MAP AND GUIDE INFORMATION

NOTES: Trail Guides are set up as foldable brochures. Please print and fold in half vertically to view in proper order. Additionally, you may have to rearrange pages. Maps should be printed on Legal Size Paper.

• Trail Map
• Brochure
• Self Guide to the Nature Trail
• Modified Trail
• Cross-Country Sking Reference Guide

The trails cover two miles of flat terrain through a network of ornamental tree and shrub plantations. They are marked by orange squares, and offer good hiking, and, in winter, cross-country skiing. Trails are sometimes wet.

Outer Loop Trail: This trail winds through fields, tree plantings, wetlands, a stream, and along a pond. It is a 1.1 mile loop. There is a sitting area with a bench about half way around, nestled in a grove of white pine.

Discovery Trail: This short trail, which connects the Outer Loop and the Two-line Trail, demonstrates field succession. Cedar trees were one of the first plants to colonize this field habitat.

Memorial Trail: This trail cuts through a field where deer love to graze. This trail is very wet in spring or after heavy rains.

Dogwood Trail: As its name suggests, dogwood trees are prevalent along this trail. Their beautiful pink and white flowers bloom early in the spring, and the bright red fruits provide a good source of food for birds in the fall and winter. Also of note are the large yews that were planted along this trail.

Boardwalk/ Wetland Study Area: Named for the late naturalist, Vincent Arbraitys, this area is rich with a diversity of wetland plants such as skunk cabbage, cattails, and ferns.

Two-Line Trail: This trail is named after a small woodland amphibian called the Two-lined Salamander. The deciduous and evergreen woods you will walk through on this trail make it obvious that this was once a nursery, since the trees are planted in rows! There are also many exotic species, such as Amur cork trees, that would not grow naturally in the woods of New Jersey.

NOTE: The intersection of the Two-line Trail and the Memorial trail is very wet in spring or after heavy rains.

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DISPLAY GARDENS

Throughout the Arboretum you will see a variety of trees, shrubs, and annuals and perennials, including both native and non-native species. The Arboretum also contains approximately 20,000 square feet of display gardens. The gardens were created for educational purposes. They are also a great place to appreciate nature, meditate, or have a snack. In 1997, a deer fence was installed to protect most of the gardens from browsing. Please be sure to close the gates behind you.

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EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Nature study and horticultural programs are conducted by park naturalists or other staff. Scheduled or requested programs have themes such as seasonal nature walk, tree study, garden tour, and others. A brochure listing the environmental education programs for schools, scouts, or other groups is available at the Park Office.

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RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Basketry programs, art classes, therapeutic recreation, canoeing, bird trips, nature programs, and other recreational activities are led by park staff. Requested lectures are also available. . Obtain a current listing and sign up for these programs at the Park Office or visit our Department's Programs and Activities webpage.

In order to control the population of deer on park property, hunting is permitted. Hunters must obtain a special permit issued by the Parks Department to be able to hunt on the preserve. Visitors during hunting season are strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange or confine visits to Sundays. See additional information on the Hunterdon County Park System Controlled Hunting Program.

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WEDDING GAZEBOS

The centerpiece of the gardens is a renovated 1893 two-level cedar gazebo. Within view is a flourishing red oak and pin oak grove, where walk-in picnic sites are located. Fires are strictly prohibited. To the rear of the gardens, a smaller gazebo and a photo bridge are accented by bright-berried hollies, blooming rhododendrons, and a frog-laden pond. Extremely popular for wedding ceremonies and
photo sessions, both gazebos can be reserved by contacting the Parks Department office.

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