Duke Farms is pleased to offer a variety of nature programs that feature some of the extraordinary plants and wildlife found on the 2,700-acre property.
Saturday, February 4 , 9 a.m. to noon
Come and learn about the art and science of animal tracking. In this classes we will introduce a variety of tracking skills including clear print classification, trailing, animal locomotion and reading signs. Sean Grace has utilized tracking as a means for studying coyotes, elk and moose and trained a core of bobcat volunteers for the State of New Jersey. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring a notebook. Program will run rain, snow, or shine.
Cost: $15 per person; $10 per person for members of N.J. Audubon. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
Friday, February 17, 10 a.m. to noon
Lend a helping hand to scientists by participating in the 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Sponsored by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this year’s count will take place over Presidents’ Day weekend, February 17-20.
Duke Farms is hosting a special GBBC bird walk where staff members and volunteers will lead participants along trails on the property to record bird species and numbers. Bird watchers of all levels, including beginners, are invited to attend. Please bring binoculars if you have them, or borrow a pair when you check in at the Visitors Center. Free.
Trails will remain open at Duke Farms for the count on Saturday and Sunday, February 18-19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.
Saturday, February 18, 10 a.m. to noon
This is the weekend of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), an annual national citizen-science event sponsored by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society.
Join us for a one hour indoor program on the identification and feeding of the common birds found in the backyards of central New Jersey. Following the indoor program, we will venture out to feeders and nearby trees and hedgerows on the property to learn some of the secrets to successfully seeing birds and some identification tips.
You will still have time to participate in the GBBC after the program is over! This program is intended for beginning birders of all ages; binoculars will be provided for those who need to borrow a pair and suggestions on types to purchase will be available.
Cost: Free, but pre-registration is required.
Monday, February 20, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Kids, you are off school today so why not spend it outdoors? Bring your parents to Duke Farms for a nature experience like no other. Groundhog Day has passed and maybe the groundhog saw his shadow (or maybe he didn’t). In either case, groundhogs, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, otters and many other mammals find habitat to their liking at Duke Farms.
Join a naturalist who will lead us on this day of exploration. This program is designed for families with children 5 and older. Dress for the weather including appropriate footwear for snow and/or mud—and plan to have fun!
Cost: $8 per person; $5 for member of N.J. Audubon; cost will not exceed $20 per family. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
If a program requires advance registration, we ask that you register at least 24 hours in advance.
Register Online
Click on the date of the program listed above, or click here and type in the program date.
Register by Phone
Call (908) 722-3700
between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.