ABOUT

LOCATION

TRAIL MAPS & GUIDES

DISPLAY GARDENS

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

WEDDING GAZEBOS

SUMMARY OF RULES AND REGULATIONS

PRINTABLE BROCHURE

ABOUT THE ARBORETUM

Once a 73-acre commercial nursery, this 135-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.

In 1953, George Bloomer began a commercial nursery on this site that included an office and residence, greenhouses, a horse barn, and several outbuildings. Although he focused primarily on growing trees such as pine, spruce, and oak, he also grew exotic trees like Amur cork trees and dawn redwoods. His wife, Esther, loved animals, and her attention focused on founding the Hunterdon County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1965. In 1974, they sold their nursery to the county as a place for the public to observe and study natural science. As an added bonus, a demonstration greenhouse was constructed and gardens were laid out for public enjoyment.

Across County Route 629, lies 51 acres of a mixed hardwood forest named The Furnas Section after its former owner, J.C. Furnas. An accredited author, Mr. Furnas wrote many historical books, including, "Voyage to Windward: Life of Robert Louis Stevenson" (1952) and "Goodbye to Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1956). He was also a freelance writer who contributed articles to Reader's Digest, the Saturday Evening Post, the New York Times, and many others. He married his research assistant, Helen, in 1931, and they moved to Stanton in 1940, where he lived until his death at age 95 in 2001. The undeveloped Furnas Section now serves as a haven for many species of birds and animal life.

Administration Building and Classroom

The Hunterdon County Department of Parks and Recreation’s administrative offices are located in the Arboretum. Trail maps, program and camping information are available during business hours. Discounted tickets to nearby amusement parks and ski areas are on sale during their perspective seasons. Tickets can be purchased by check or cash (exact cash is appreciated.)

The class room can be used for a variety of arts and crafts classes, park programs and meeting space. It is located along the building's southern wing.

LOCATION:

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
1020 HIGHWAY 31
LEBANON, NJ 08833

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 MAPS & GUIDES
NOTES: All links below are to PDF files - Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. 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
• Self Guide to the Nature Trail at the Hunterdon County Arboretum
• Guide to the Modified Trail at the Hunterdon County Arboretum  
• Cross-Country Sking Reference Guide
• Downloadable Park Brochure/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 a pond. It is a 1.1 mile loop. There is a sitting area with a bench about half way around, nestled in a plantation 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 plant invaders to colonize this field habitat.

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

Dogwood Trail: As it's name suggests, dogwood trees are prevalent along this trail. Their beautiful pink and white flowers bloom early in the spring, and the bright red berries 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, 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. Each garden has a theme, for example: the herb garden, rock garden, cut flower garden, and butterfly garden. 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 programs as well as programs by request include topics such as theme gardens, plant study, landscaping for nature, wildlife habitats, floral design, and others. Visit the Department's Programs and Activities webpage for additional information. A brochure listing the environmental education programs for school, scout or other groups is available at the Park Office. A self guiding nature trail also offers opportunities to learn about the plants and animals found in the Arboretum. Pick up a guide by the entrance to the gardens.

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RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

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

Bow hunting, by limited permit, is used to control the deer population. Hunters must obtain this special permit from this Department in order to be able to hunt at this location. Park 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

Moved to this site in 1979 from the Hiram Deats farm (Minneakoning Farm) in Raritan Township, this rustic two level gazebo, built in 1892 and renovated in 1997, is today the centerpiece for the display gardens. 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 are Reservable by contacting the Parks Department office.

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