Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum

Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is home to an over 12-acre arboretum that offers a serene and educational landscape for nature enthusiasts of all ages. The expansive arboretum surrounds an open meadow and to the Charles and Kathryn Heidi Observatory. The arboretum showcases a diverse array of trees and shrubs, carefully curated to both reflect the natural beauty of the region and represent species from around the world. Among its most notable features is the collection of dwarf conifers, which add a unique dimension to the arboretum. These compact trees, including pines, firs and spruces, provide year-round interest with their varying colors, textures, and shapes, making them a striking contrast to the larger trees in the sanctuary.

A highlight of the arboretum is also the sugar maple grove lining Hawthorn Hollow’s entrance road. These trees are a critical resource for the sanctuary's maple syrup production. Hawthorn Hollow’s maple syrup operation plays a vital role in educational programs aimed at teaching adults, families and school groups about the traditional process of maple sugaring. Additionally, the arboretum features several mature oak species, which are essential for local biodiversity. These majestic oaks on the north side of the arboretum provide habitat and food for a variety of birds, mammals, and insects, supporting the rich ecosystem of the sanctuary.