The Bird Blind is accessed from the Red Trail and views the protected areas of the Conservation Corner area of the park. Species that are able to live only marginally in other areas thrive in the preserved habitats in the 7-acre site. These habitats include a tallgrass prairie, shrublands, and wetlands. There are indoor restroom facilities at the visitor center at the parking lot about a half-mile away.

Founded in 1962, the James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation was formed when the Cox Family donated their property to create an arboretum. For many years, the property was cared for by dedicated volunteers, who also governed the Foundation. In 1972, they gifted the land to Five Rivers MetroParks and began a unique and successful public (MetroParks) and private (James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation) partnership.

Cox Arboretum contains significant natural areas including two high-quality mature woodlots, dense cedar glades, especially beautiful succession areas (containing an abundance of dogwood and redbud trees), planted tall-grass prairie, and created wetlands.