Duke Farms

Summer Dendrology Workshop
2024-08-03 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
In this course, we will explore the trees of Duke Farms through the lens of biology, ecology, and biodiversity.

Course Overview
Lecture material on how trees fit into our local ecosystems—both today and into the future—will contextualize the strong focus on tree identification necessary to understand these complex organisms. Some background in basic tree identification is recommended, but not required. This course will be geared toward educators, land managers, ecologists, conservationists, shade tree commission members, and other professionals.
Featured Topics

Reading the Landscape – Introduction to communities, microclimate, and site history

Continuing Education Credits
The Summer Dendrology Workshop is approved for credits from the following organizations.
New Jersey Board of Tree Experts: 4 CEUs
New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 4 CEUs
International Society for Arboriculture: 4 CEUs
American Society of Landscape Architects: 4 hours

Prerequisites
This program assumes participants have a basic knowledge of native species identification and understand general ecology concepts. Please note that classes will take place partially outdoors and will require travelling several miles on various trail types (paved and unpaved) and uneven terrain for up to 3 hours.

Program Guidelines
Pre-registration is required, walk-ins are not be accepted. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Intro to Geocaching
2024-07-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Learn about geocaching through guided practice at Duke Farms!

Learn about geocaching through guided practice at Duke Farms! We will begin by talking about what geocaching is and basic navigation skills. Then we will move into the property to practice as a group and discover the world of geocaching.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

An Evening With the Moths
2024-07-25 20:00 - 21:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Moths and fireflies and bats, oh my!

Celebrate National Moth Week at Duke Farms by learning about these nocturnal insects! We will take a brief walk to observe Duke Farms landscapes in the evening and do some “lighting” to observe and identify a variety of moths. Expect to also see other nocturnal creatures like bats and fireflies.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Birding & Stewardship Series: Wood Thrush
2024-07-20 07:00 - 09:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Build it and they will come, stewardship edition

Join an up with the birds walk through a forest habitat at Duke Farms, Research Woods, to learn about restoration efforts that have supported our bird of the month, the Wood Thrush! We will also be birding for other species that rely on healthy forests ecosystems for habitat. Thanks to these restoration efforts many bird species utilize this habitat for nesting sites and food sources. Learn about how vital these ecosystems are to bird populations, why restoration is important and how Duke Farms did it! Participants will also learn basic birding skills such as using binoculars, field guides, and community science apps like eBird and Merlin.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
Please note, we will be traveling through areas with increased potential for tick exposure. Please come prepared.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Firefly Walk
2024-07-13 20:30 - 21:30, 2024-07-11 20:30 - 21:30, 2024-07-06 20:30 - 21:30, 2024-07-05 20:30 - 21:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Do you call them fireflies or lightning bugs? Or something else?

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to encounter some of the brightest nocturnal species in New Jersey. Let your eyes adjust to darkness as you meander while discussing firefly ecology, bioluminescence, and conservation efforts. To protect wildlife and preserve the experience for others, we do not encourage the use of flashlights during this event.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Birding & Stewardship Series: American Kestrel
2024-06-29 07:00 - 09:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Build it and they will come, stewardship edition

Join an up with the birds walk through restored wetlands to learn about the restoration efforts at Duke Farms and how birds like American Kestrels, among other species, benefit. Thanks to these restoration efforts many bird species utilize this habitat for nesting sites and food sources. Learn about how vital these ecosystems are to bird populations, why restoration is important and how Duke Farms did it. Participants will also learn basic birding skills such as using binoculars, field guides, and community science apps like eBird and Merlin.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
Please note, we will be traveling through areas with increased potential for tick exposure. Please come prepared.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Twilight Hike
2024-06-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
As the sun sets and your local wildlife settle down for the night, crepuscular and nocturnal creatures take over the scene

Explore Duke Farms after dark on this night hike where you will become familiar with what crepuscular and nocturnal wildlife live in New Jersey and what they all share in common: the need for dark skies. Discover why dark skies are a natural resource and a key to survival for many species and what you can do to help preserve them.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Anthotype Printing with the Solstice Sun
2024-06-20 18:00 - 19:00
Nature photography: now plant-based and solar-powered.

Mark the summer solstice and capture the ephemeral charm of our native plants through the little-known process of anthotype printing. This form of alternative photography makes use of the fragility of plant pigments under strong sunlight to create colorful impressions of foliage and flowers. What better time to try it out than the longest and sunniest day of the year?
While we work under the Green Roof, we’ll discuss the science behind plant pigmentation and anthotype printing and become better acquainted with the ecologically vital species selected for our artworks. Participants will take home their original anthotype plus a second canvas prepared for a future print.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Habitat Hike
2024-06-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Learn about different types of habitats and the wildlife within them!

Explore some of the many different types of habitats at Duke Farms, including wetland, aquatic, meadow, and forest habitats. Learn what kinds of flora and fauna live in these different ecosystems and how these species differ from one habitat to another. We’ll also see firsthand Duke Farm’s efforts to restore, preserve, and create different types of habitat to support native biodiversity.
This walk is a little over 1 mile on paved and dirt trails. Participants will be walking or standing for the duration of the event.
We will be walking through Research Woods during tick season, so prep for the event with bug spray, long pants, tall socks, and tucked shirt, and wrap up with a good tick check when it’s all over!

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Spring Stewardship Workshop
2024-05-31 08:30 - 15:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Learn to manage natural resources more effectively.

Course Overview
The Spring Stewardship Workshop caters to land stewards and property owners seeking to enhance the effective management of their natural resources. This concise, expert-led course aims to equip participants with fundamental knowledge, fostering a comprehensive understanding of prudent stewardship practices.
Featured Topics:

Identification of invasive plants
Prioritization of invasive management
Application of spring season-specific techniques for invasive plant management

Continuing Education Credits
This course is approved for credits from the following organizations.
NJ Pesticide Control Program: 12 CEUs (Categories 2, 3A, 6B, 8C, 9)
New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 5.5 CEUs

About the Instructor
Mike Van Clef is the FoHVOS Stewardship Director and also serves as our Invasive Species Strike Team Program Director. He joined FoHVOS in 2007 and co-founded the Strike Team in 2008 with the goal of bringing greater efficiency and effectiveness to invasive species management. Mike has a Ph.D. in ecology from Rutgers University and over 25 years of experience in land stewardship, planning and research, working extensively in the evaluation and management of rare and invasive species and deer management. He has consulted with over 30 organizations in NJ including the NJ Invasive Species Council for which he prepared the New Jersey Strategic Management Plan for Invasive Species.

Prerequisites
This program assumes participants have a basic knowledge of native avian species identification and understand general ecology concepts. Please note that field components will take place fully outdoors and will require travelling several miles on various trail types (paved and unpaved) and uneven terrain for up to 2 hours.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Through the Loupe: Lichen & Moss
2024-05-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Come get lost in the moss (and lichen).

You’ve seen those curious patches of green, blue, and yellow filling sidewalk cracks and plastered on trees, but have you ever leaned in for a closer look? Mosses and lichens are everywhere, from cities to old-growth forests, but they remain overlooked and understudied. They are tiny, their features almost microscopic, but they can tell us big stories about our ecosystems–as big as the role they play in shaping them. On this walk, we’ll learn some of those stories, along with the biology, ecology, and identification of common NJ species. So grab a hand lens and shrink down with us to explore the fascinating mini-worlds of lichen and moss! Perfect for beginners.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Exploring the Wonders of Wetlands
2024-05-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Wetlands are a unique habitat, meet some of the resident flora and fauna that call wetlands home.

Learn what wetlands are, what flora and fauna live in them, and how they adapt to this environment. Participants will also learn about the restored and constructed wetlands at Duke Farms. Expect to walk through the NRCS wetlands near the Farm Barn Orientation Center, while no waders are needed, bring shoes that you don’t mind getting potentially muddy.

Spring Dendrology Workshop
2024-05-04 09:00 - 13:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
In this course, we will explore the trees of Duke Farms through the lens of biology, ecology, and biodiversity.

Course Overview
Lecture material on how trees fit into our local ecosystems—both today and into the future—will contextualize the strong focus on tree identification necessary to understand these complex organisms. Some background in basic tree identification is recommended, but not required. This course will be geared toward educators, land managers, ecologists, conservationists, shade tree commission members, and other professionals.
Featured Topics

Tree biology, structure, and reproduction
Biodiversity and tree ID through the lens of biology

Continuing Education Credits
The Spring Dendrology Workshop is approved for credits from the following organizations.
New Jersey Board of Tree Experts: 4 CEUs
New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 4 CEUs
International Society for Arboriculture: 4 CEUs
American Society for Landscape Architects: 4 hours

Prerequisites
This program assumes participants have a basic knowledge of native species identification and understand general ecology concepts. Please note that classes will take place partially outdoors and will require travelling several miles on various trail types (paved and unpaved) and uneven terrain for up to 3 hours.

Program Guidelines
Pre-registration is required, walk-ins are not be accepted. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Twilight Orchid Exploration
2024-04-26 19:45 - 21:45 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
A guided walk through our orchid range will have you seeing this plant family in a whole new light—literally.

We’ll first take in the subtle changes that nightfall brings to Duke Farms during a twilight walk from the Orientation Center to the Orchid Range. There, we’ll encounter a wide variety of orchids, some of which are most fragrant at night, and explore the incredible diversity to be found in their structure and life history. Are their specialized growing conditions and complex ecological relationships the reason for orchids’ reputation as fragile and fickle plants, or is this simply what happens when a species is displaced from its native habitat?
This program is appropriate for adults. Please dress for the weather. Participants should be prepared to walk over 2 miles on paved trails.
Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class. We cannot accommodate late arrivals and the class will depart on time.

Map & Compass Navigation
2024-04-13 09:00 - 17:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Learn the techniques and importance behind map and compass navigation.

Course Overview
Have you ever gone off-trail to relieve yourself and wondered what you would do if you got turned around? Maybe you need to get back to your vehicle before a thunderstorm rolls in but you aren’t sure you trust yourself to take an off-trail shortcut. This course teaches the off-trail map & compass skills needed for just such occasions.
Have you been telling yourself for years you would learn map & compass navigation but the opportunity never presented itself? This is your chance to learn it once and for all from Search and Rescue personnel. We’ll go over all the parts and features of the compass as well as becoming proficient with traveling along an azimuth (bearing) and feeling confident when navigating off-trail. Simplifying the way the skills are taught, focusing on correct compass stance form, training to a high accuracy when sighting landmarks, and overall simplification combined with proper technique repetition are what set this course apart. We’ll also dive into overall map reading, such as understanding all the symbols on a map, trail configurations, and reading contour lines like you’re reading a picture book. Students walk away with a level of confidence they did not think possible for their future adventures and now have the skills to get safely home even when… slightly misplaced.
A compass and a map will be provided for use during class if needed. More details provided after class registration.
Featured Topics:

Map reading including understanding contour lines
Orienteering techniques
Using a compass with a map
Compass use in the field

About the Instructors
Joe Galvan is a lifelong hiker and in his element when sharing outdoor experiences, mentoring others, and connecting with the outdoor-minded in our community. Joe is a search and rescue officer and instructor, MRA accredited mountain rescue unit lead, National Park Service Technical Rope Rescue instructor, Adirondack Winter Mountaineering School Instructor, Adirondack 46er, and an accomplished mountaineer with ascents across North America and Europe.
Scott Fitterman grew up hiking and camping in an outdoor-minded family and became a scout leader to give back when his 3 kids joined scouting. Scott is a search and rescue officer and instructor, volunteer EMT, wilderness first responder and wilderness EMT instructor, public safety diver, National Park Services technical rope rescue graduate, Catskill 35er, New York State Licensed Guide, and leads week-long treks in the backcountry for scouts in the northeast.
Learn more about the instructors and The TrailBound Project.

Prerequisites
This program assumes participants are comfortable outdoors in the woods. This course will take place partially outdoors and will require some hiking on various trails (paved and unpaved) and terrains (uneven rocky off-trail hiking).

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

A "Peep" at Vernal Pools
2024-03-30 18:30 - 19:45 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
With the return of spring comes a nightly chorus of chirps and peeps, but those aren’t birds you’re hearing!

Join us as we seek out the frogs responsible in their unique, ephemeral habitat: the vernal pool. One of Spring’s most fascinating—and fleeting—features, vernal pools come and go with the changing of seasons. Discover how to find vernal pools, what other wildlife calls them home, why they play such an important role in their larger ecosystem, and what we can do to protect them.

Program Preparation
Please dress for the forecasted weather and bring water and anything else you may need. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to travel about 2 miles on pavement, gravel, or flat trails for the full duration of the class. Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Signs of Spring
2024-03-30 14:30 - 15:45 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Mark the return of spring on a nature walk that explores some favorite signs of the changing seasons.

As spring unfolds, the land reveals so much to witness and celebrate. On this walk, take time to read the land for signs of the changing seasons: bursting buds, birdsong, buzzing bees, and spring ephemerals—the inconspicuous early bloomers that serve as vital sources of nectar and pollen for native insects. We’ll keep an eye out for these fascinating plants while enjoying all the other highlights of this season of awakening.

Program Preparation
Please dress for the forecasted weather and bring water and anything else you may need. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to travel about 2 miles on pavement, gravel, or flat trails for the full duration of the class. Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

After the Fire: Meadow Walk
2024-03-23 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-03-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
A chance to take in the aftermath of Monday’s prescribed meadow burn.

In the next few days, rain will wash the ash away and spring will conjure up plenty of green in our meadows, erasing most traces of the prescribed fire that took place early in the week. But the ecological consequences of this stewardship practice—at once ancient and cutting-edge—will continue to play out all season long. Why do we conduct controlled burns, how is the fire managed, and what changes should we look for as foliage and fauna return to our landscapes? Talk a walk through the char and soot with us to learn more!

Program Preparation
Please dress for the forecasted weather and bring water and anything else you may need. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to travel about 2 miles on pavement, gravel, or flat trails for the full duration of the class. Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Winter Wildflower Walk
2024-03-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
An invitation to appreciate what stubbornly remains, even this late in the quietest season.

Winter can seem like a time to put things on hold–for both the natural world and for those of us who study and enjoy it. But a more attentive look at our meadows and woodlands reveals plenty of residual botanical charm to see us through to spring. Stripped down to their essential characters by now, some of our favorite blooms from warmer months persist–and though it can be challenging to recognize them, it’s a little like encountering an old friend when you do. Join us on this walk to take in the unique forms and textures of our wintertime landscapes, while we discuss what the tenacity of our native plants means to the wildlife that relies on them.

Through the Loupe: Lichen & Moss
2024-03-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Come get lost in the moss (and lichen).

You’ve seen those curious patches of green, blue, and yellow filling sidewalk cracks and plastered on trees, but have you ever leaned in for a closer look? Mosses and lichens are everywhere, from cities to old-growth forests, but they remain overlooked and understudied. They are tiny, their features almost microscopic, but they can tell us big stories about our ecosystems–as big as the role they play in shaping them. On this walk, we’ll learn some of those stories, along with the biology, ecology, and identification of common NJ species. So grab a hand lens and shrink down with us to explore the fascinating mini-worlds of lichen and moss! Perfect for beginners!

Program Preparation
Please dress for the forecasted weather and bring water and anything else you may need. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to travel about 2 miles on pavement, gravel, or flat trails for the full duration of the class. Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Eagle Cam Live Q&A
2024-03-06 10:00 - 10:45
The next best thing to interviewing our resident mating pair themselves.

We’re collecting every bald eagle question or curiosity you’ve ever had about our nesting pair, our live cam program or bald eagles in general for a live Q&A event—hopefully just in time for Hatch Week!
Submit your questions here, then tune in to the stream for the answers from Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey’s eagle expert Larissa Smith.

This webinar is being offered ONLINE through Zoom. Webinar ID and password will be sent out before the start of the class. If you did not receive the webinar information, please check your spam or junk folders. Closed captioning is available.
Copyright Policy: You may not copy or distribute any photograph, illustration, artwork, video or other graphic material contained on this Site for any use without first obtaining written permission from the Foundation (at webmaster@dukefarms.org and any other applicable copyright owner(s). Except as described above, you may not copy, distribute, enter into a database, display, perform, create derivative works of, transmit, or in any way exploit any part of our Site, including computer programs and other coding.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

Intro to Birding
2024-02-16 15:00 - 16:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Woodpeckers, wrens, and waxwings—Oh my!

Learn the basics of bird identification using visual and behavioral cues, along with some common songs and vocalizations. Each participant will receive a basic guide to the common birds of Duke Farms. It’s a great way to get to know our feathered friends while learning more about the natural habitats that support them. Bring binoculars if you have them. We will also be suggesting apps on your phone that you might enjoy using.
This program is appropriate for adults. Please dress for the weather, this class is entirely outdoors. Long pants and tick deterrents are recommended. Participants should expect to be walking about 2 miles on various trail types for the full duration of the class.
Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class. We cannot accommodate late arrivals and the class will depart on time.

Program Preparation
Please dress for the forecasted weather and bring water and anything else you may need. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to travel about 2 miles on pavement, gravel, or flat trails for the full duration of the class. Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Winter Dendrology Workshop
2024-02-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
In this course, we will explore the trees of Duke Farms through the lens of biology, ecology, and biodiversity.

Course Overview
Lecture material on how trees fit into our local ecosystems—both today and into the future—will contextualize the strong focus on tree identification necessary to understand these complex organisms. Some background in basic tree identification is recommended, but not required. This course will be geared toward educators, land managers, ecologists, conservationists, shade tree commission members, and other professionals.
Featured Topics

Winter tree identification
Dichotomous keys

Continuing Education Credits
The Winter Dendrology Workshop is approved for credits from the following organizations.
New Jersey Board of Tree Experts: 4 CEUs
New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 4 CEUs
International Society for Arboriculture: 4 CEUs
American Society for Landscape Architecture: 4 hours

Prerequisites
This program assumes participants have a basic knowledge of native species identification and understand general ecology concepts. Please note that classes will take place partially outdoors and will require travelling several miles on various trail types (paved and unpaved) and uneven terrain for up to 3 hours.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Conifer Walk
2024-01-27 14:30 - 15:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Pining to spruce up your evergreen knowledge? This is the class fir yew!

When the bare branches of winter start to get you down, turn to the conifers for a breath of fresh, pine-scented air. More ancient and more steadfast than the deciduous divas of autumn, our native coniferous trees like red cedar and black spruce deserve a spotlight too. On this walk, beginners to tree ID and ecology will get acquainted with several common species, learn what to look for to tell a spruce from a cedar or a hemlock from a pine, and discuss the fascinating ecology and evolutionary history that sets these trees apart.
Please dress for the weather and bring water. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to be traveling about 2 miles on pavement, gravel, or flat trails for the full duration of the class.
Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class. We cannot accommodate late arrivals and the class will depart on time.

Program Guidelines
Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Orchids Under the Wolf Moon
2024-01-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Join us for this after-hours program scheduled to highlight January’s full moon over the spectacular Orchid Range.

Meet at the Farm Barn Orientation Center and take in the subtle changes that nightfall brings to Duke Farms during an evening walk to the Orchid Range. There, we will encounter a wide variety of orchids, many of which are most fragrant at night, and observe the incredible diversity to be found in their structure and ecology. Are their specialized growing conditions and complex pollinator/fungal relationships the reason for the orchids’ reputation as fragile and fickle plants, or is this simply what happens when a species is displaced from its native habitat?
This program is appropriate for adults. Please dress for the weather. Participants should be prepared to walk over 2 miles on paved trails.
Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class. We cannot accommodate late arrivals and the class will depart on time.

Program Guidelines
Pre-registration is required, walk-ins are not accepted. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Beginner’s Tree Ecology & ID: Conifer Edition
2024-01-13 11:30 - 12:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough, NJ, 08844, United States
Pining to spruce up your evergreen knowledge? This is the class fir yew!

When the bare branches of winter start to get you down, turn to the conifers for a breath of fresh, pine-scented air. More ancient and more steadfast than the deciduous divas of autumn, our native coniferous trees like red cedar and black spruce deserve a spotlight too. On this walk, we’ll acquaint ourselves with several common species, learn what to look for to tell a spruce from a cedar or a hemlock from a pine, and discuss the fascinating ecology and evolutionary history that sets these trees apart.
Please dress for the weather and bring water. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to be traveling about 2 miles on pavement, gravel, or flat trails for the full duration of the class.
Meet in front of the Farm Barn Orientation Center for check-in. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class. We cannot accommodate late arrivals and the class will depart on time.

Program Guidelines
Pre-registration is required, walk-ins are not be accepted. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event of severe weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.
We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.
