Wetlands Restoration Demonstration for Professionals
See the construction process of a wetlands restoration
Hillsborough, N.J. (October 5, 2011) – Contractors, farmers, land owners, land managers and representatives of conservation groups are invited to attend a presentation on the federal Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) offered by Duke Farms and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and hosted by Duke Farms on Tuesday, October 18, 3 to 6 p.m. WRP is a voluntary NRCS program that offers landowners the opportunity to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and protection with assistance from the agency.
Attendees will have the opportunity to visit several areas of Duke Farms to see the demonstration of techniques used for wetlands habitat regeneration, learn more about how to navigate the Wetlands Reserve Program as a contractor, how to address wetlands on agricultural land and the benefits of program participation.
In 2010, Duke Farms enrolled approximately 395 acres in the WRP program with NRCS, a federal agency that works with private landowners to help them conserve, maintain and improve their natural resources.
The executive director of Duke Farms, Timothy M. Taylor, stated, “Doris Duke, the benefactor of the Duke Farms Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, began working with the NRCS during her lifetime to develop a comprehensive plan of conservation for the 2,700 acres of Duke Farms. The original wetlands, which had been drained for agricultural purposes under her father’s plan of use for the land, were part of Doris’ concept for conservation and will now be regenerated for the preservation of wildlife, pursuant to her wishes.”
Wetlands function as natural sponges that trap and slowly release surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater and flood waters. Trees, root mats and other wetland vegetation also slow the speed of flood waters and distribute them more slowly over the floodplain. This combined water storage and braking action lowers flood heights and reduces erosion. Wetlands within and downstream of urban areas are particularly valuable, counteracting the greatly increased rate and volume of surface-water runoff from pavement and buildings, helping to control minor flooding.
There is no cost to attend this presentation, but advance registration is required by calling (908) 243-3643.
Duke Farms is located at 80 Route 206 South in Hillsborough, approximately 1.75-miles south of the Somerville traffic circle, enter via the gate at Duke's Parkway East.
About Duke Farms
For nearly 100 years, Duke Farms, a 2,700-acre property in Hillsborough, N.J., has been a destination for the residents of The Garden State and beyond. As one of the largest privately-owned parcels of undeveloped land in the state, it is rich in agricultural, horticultural and ecological resources. The mission of Duke Farms is to be a model of environmental stewardship in the 21st Century and inspire visitors to become informed stewards of the land. In 2012, Duke Farms will open a new Orientation Center and miles of trails to the public, and will offer a wide variety of educational and recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.dukefarms.org.
About NRCS
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides assistance to private land owners in the conservation and management of their soil, water, and other natural resources. Local, state and federal agencies and policymakers also rely on our expertise. We deliver technical assistance based on sound science and suited to a customer's specific needs. Financial assistance is also available in some cases. Participation in our programs is voluntary. Visit www.nj.nrcs.usda.gov for more about the work NRCS is doing in New Jersey.