Duke Farms

Map & Compass Navigation
2024-04-13 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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.

Intro to Birding
2024-01-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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 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.

Wilderness First Aid
2023-12-05 18:00 - 2023-12-09 17:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time, but in the woods we’re more limited in what we can do.

Course Overview
WFA students will learn practical wilderness first aid skills and gain the confidence to step up, make decisions, and ultimately create positive outcomes from unpredictable situations.
We don’t have all the medical resources we have at home when we’re in the woods, so it’s vital to have the essential tools, the right skills, and know how to improvise when faced with a medical emergency in the backcountry. Practical hands-on exercises and scenarios will improve retention and confidence. Developed for the public from years of teaching this course to Search & Rescue professionals, students now benefit by learning the most current practices for patient assessment, trauma interventions like splinting and bleeding control, environmental emergencies like venomous snakebites and bee stings, medical emergencies like strokes and chest pain, illnesses, and more. These skills not only apply just to hiking, but anytime we’re in the outdoors. We welcome students from all outdoor pursuits – scout leaders, quad riders, beachgoers, mountain bikers, fishermen, adventure racers, and even those who just enjoy relaxing at the family BBQ. Having the knowledge, skills, and confidence to step up and help in a time of need is invaluable.
Upon completion, students will receive a 2-year ASHI WFA certification, which is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and accepted by Scouts BSA and GSUSA.
Featured Topics

Patient assessment
Trauma interventions – Bleeding control, splinting, wound care, etc…
Medical interventions – Stroke, diabetes, allergies, breathing difficulty, etc…
Environmental emergencies – Heat, cold, bites & stings, plants, weather, etc…
Backcountry first aid kit contents

S﻿chedule
December 5 from 6:00PM-10:00PM
December 7 from 6:00PM-10:00PM
December 9 from 9:00AM-5:00PM

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
CPR certification – Adult CPR & AED (or higher). Anyone can take the WFA course but the 2-year WFA certification cannot be provided until successful completion of the course and proof of CPR is presented. The Red Cross offers CPR certification courses.
This program assumes participants are comfortable outdoors. The course will be conducted both inside and outside depending on the weather.

P﻿rogram Guidelines
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

Autumn Dendrology Workshop
2023-10-28 09:00 - 13:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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.
A 1.5-hour lecture will cover the impact of climate change, pests, and invasive species has on trees and will be followed by 2.5-hours in the field to discuss tree identification in the fall.
Featured Topics:

Tree identification
Climate change
Pests
Invasive species

Continuing Education Units
The Autumn Dendrology Workshop is approved for credits from the following organizations.
New Jersey Board of Tree Experts: 4 credits
International Society for Arboriculture: 4 credits
New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 4 credits

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

Program Guidelines
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

Fall Invasive Species Workshop
2023-10-20 08:30 - 15:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Learn fall/winter season-specific invasive management techniques

Course Overview
The Fall Invasive Plant Management Workshop is designed for land stewards or property owners who want to manage their natural resources more effectively. This expert-led course will provide you with the essential background knowledge to further develop an understanding of safe stewardship practices.
Featured Topics:

Identifying invasive plants
Prioritizing invasive plant management
Seasonal management techniques
Importance of deer management in invasive species control

Continuing Education Credits
The Fall Invasive Species Workshop is approved for credits from the following organizations.
NJDEP Pesticide Control Program

Category 2 – Forest – 10 CEUs
Category 3A – Ornamentals – 10 CEUs
Category 6B – Right-of-Way – 10 CEUs
Category 8C – Campground – 10 CEUs
Category 9 – Regulatory – 10 CEUs
Category 10 – Demonstration & Research – 5 CEUs
Category PP2 – Private Applicator – 10 CEUs

About the Instructors
Mike Bellaus is the Manager of Habitat Restoration at Duke Farms and has been professionally managing both flora and fauna in New Jersey for nearly a decade. After graduating from McDaniel College in 2010, he worked for the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team and Monmouth County Park System systematically controlling invasive plant populations. He specializes in deer management with a focus on herd population reduction as well as deer management program creation and implementation. He works annually with the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife performing deer population distribution surveys and held a position on the Hopewell Township Deer Management Advisory Committee for three years.
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 and invasive species and understand general ecology concepts. Please note that some 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
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

Map & Compass Navigation
2023-09-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please note that registration to a Saturday program comes with an entry pass. You DO NOT need to register separately for a Saturday Entry Pass.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

Summer Wildflower Walk
2023-09-02 09:00 - 10:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Each passing day of summer brings new blooms to Duke Farms’ landscapes.

Join us on a guided nature walk to explore this diversity at its height. Put names to the floral faces you see season after season, learn and practice the basics of flowering plant identification, and discover the invisible ecological connections that tie these plants to the meadows and woodlands they grace.
Please dress for the weather. Participants should be prepared to walk for the duration of the class on paved and unpaved 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.
DUKE FARMS PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please note that registration to a Saturday program comes with an entry pass. You DO NOT need to register separately for a Saturday Entry Pass.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

In 2022, Duke Farms celebrates 10 years of working towards Doris Duke’s vision for a more creative, equitable, and sustainable future. As a world class center and leader in environmental stewardship, Duke Farms has inspired countless people to become informed stewards of the land while improving regional environmental health. Duke Farms is committed to supporting and growing a sustainable, better future for all.​

Evening Nature Walk: Understanding Our Forests
2023-09-01 18:15 - 19:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
There’s more to our forests than meets the eye. Join us on an evening walk to learn more!

We’ll hit the trails and explore one of the oldest patches of forest on the property—Research Woods! Along the way, we’ll learn how to identify some common native and invasive woodland species, discuss how and why New Jersey’s forests have changed over time, and learn why it’s especially important to protect our oldest ecosystems. This is a beginner class, but all are welcome regardless of knowledge level or background!
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 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.
DUKE FARMS PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please note that registration to a Saturday program comes with an entry pass. You DO NOT need to register separately for a Saturday Entry Pass.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

In 2022, Duke Farms celebrates 10 years of working towards Doris Duke’s vision for a more creative, equitable, and sustainable future. As a world class center and leader in environmental stewardship, Duke Farms has inspired countless people to become informed stewards of the land while improving regional environmental health. Duke Farms is committed to supporting and growing a sustainable, better future for all.​

Orchids Under the Blue Moon
2023-08-31 20:15 - 21:45 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Join us for this after-hours program scheduled to highlight August’s second 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 a twilight 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.
DUKE FARMS PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

In 2022, Duke Farms celebrates 10 years of working towards Doris Duke’s vision for a more creative, equitable, and sustainable future. As a world class center and leader in environmental stewardship, Duke Farms has inspired countless people to become informed stewards of the land while improving regional environmental health. Duke Farms is committed to supporting and growing a sustainable, better future for all.​

Gardening for Wildlife
2023-08-29 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-08-26 09:00 - 2023-08-27 10:15 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
From early spring through the fall frost, the Permaculture Garden is alive with bees, butterflies, and birds!

Meet the wildlife-friendly flowers, shrubs, and trees in our Permaculture Garden and learn why incorporating natives in your plantings is one of the most important things we can do to help pollinators in peril. Whether you have a large growing space or a few windows boxes, you can make an impact on your local ecosystem and all the wildlife that you share it with. Identify the right plants to grow and how to grow them in order to create a productive garden that invites and sustains birds, bees, and butterflies throughout the seasons. You’ll find that gardening this way brings bigger rewards than a bushel of blueberries or bergamot—although you get those too!
Be prepared to be on your feet and outdoors for the duration of the class. This program is appropriate for adults. Please dress for the weather. Participants should be prepared to walk about 2 miles on paved and unpaved 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.
DUKE FARMS PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please note that registration to a Saturday program comes with an entry pass. You DO NOT need to register separately for a Saturday Entry Pass.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

In 2022, Duke Farms celebrates 10 years of working towards Doris Duke’s vision for a more creative, equitable, and sustainable future. As a world class center and leader in environmental stewardship, Duke Farms has inspired countless people to become informed stewards of the land while improving regional environmental health. Duke Farms is committed to supporting and growing a sustainable, better future for all.​

Intro to Birding: Migration Woods
2023-08-26 08:30 - 10:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Thrushes, woodpeckers, and warblers—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 class will explore a forest habitat and the woodland birds that make it their home.
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.
DUKE FARMS PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

In 2022, Duke Farms celebrates 10 years of working towards Doris Duke’s vision for a more creative, equitable, and sustainable future. As a world class center and leader in environmental stewardship, Duke Farms has inspired countless people to become informed stewards of the land while improving regional environmental health. Duke Farms is committed to supporting and growing a sustainable, better future for all.​

Seed Bombs for Pollinators
2023-08-22 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-08-12 09:00 - 10:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Plant native wildflowers, support local pollinators, and practice your fastball—all at the same time!

Using organic materials and native seeds collected from Duke Farms’ restored meadows, we’ll make wildflower seed bombs together! Take some home with you, and feel free to leave a few behind in our meadows. For extra launch power, we’ll also be incorporating some secret technology! While we work, we’ll talk about the interesting history of this practice, the huge assortment of pollinators that rely on these plants, and how they all can flourish with your help.
This program is appropriate for anyone ages 8+. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered. Please dress for the weather. Participants should be prepared to walk about half a mile on paved and unpaved 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.
DUKE FARMS PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please note that registration to a Saturday program comes with an entry pass. You DO NOT need to register separately for a Saturday Entry Pass.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

The Big Bike Ride
2023-08-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Never been to Duke Farms? Maybe it’s just been a few years since your last visit and you want a refresher.

Join us for a bike ride to explore the property! Riding a bike is the most efficient (and arguably most enjoyable) way to enjoy all the highlights in one visit. We’ll begin our journey at the Bike Tent, then head out to complete a 5-mile circuit that will note the main points of interest, including our diverse habitats. At each landmark we’ll stop to discuss the history and ecological significance of the surroundings. The pacing will be slow to moderate, and we’ll only be riding on fairly level paved pathways.
Tickets for the class are $15 without bike rental. If you are renting a bike, it is an additional $8 for the rental, and this is paid the day of the program at the Bike Tent.

If you have your own bike and helmet, meet at the Bike Tent by 5:15 PM.
If you are renting a bike and helmet, meet at Bike Tent by 5:00 PM.

If you don’t know where the Bike Tent is located, or you need additional information, please call Kate Reilly, Manager of Education at 908-243-3626 and leave a message or email kreilly@dukefarms.org.
Leave plenty of time for parking. Walking from the parking lot to the Bike Tent may take about 20 minutes. Participants should dress for the weather and bring plenty of drinking water. Helmets are mandatory for ALL riders. This program is scheduled, in part, after typical Duke Farms hours. We are unable to wait for late arrivals and will depart on time
DUKE FARMS PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please note that registration to a Saturday program comes with an entry pass. You DO NOT need to register separately for a Saturday Entry Pass.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

In 2022, Duke Farms celebrates 10 years of working towards Doris Duke’s vision for a more creative, equitable, and sustainable future. As a world class center and leader in environmental stewardship, Duke Farms has inspired countless people to become informed stewards of the land while improving regional environmental health. Duke Farms is committed to supporting and growing a sustainable, better future for all.​

Wading in the Brook: An Up-Close Look
2023-08-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Search for everything from bugs to fish as we wade through Dukes Brook and identify its resident critters!

The best way to learn about our waterways is to get in them! The session will begin with wading safety practices followed by guided a exploration of the components of a stream ecosystem. We’ll collect some aquatic organisms, like stoneflies, snails, and crayfish, to identify them up close. And we’ll observe from afar many more insects, plants, fish and other natives and invasive species that share the brook with us. Immerse yourself in the curious world of freshwater biodiversity—literally!
Waders will be supplied to participants in this unique, small-group session. Expect to be in ankle- to less-than knee-deep water for part of the class.
This program is appropriate for adults. Please dress for the weather; this class is entirely outdoors. Long pants and tick deterrents are recommended. The program will involve walking or standing for the entire duration.
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.
DUKE FARMS PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please note that registration to a Saturday program comes with an entry pass. You DO NOT need to register separately for a Saturday Entry Pass.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

Summer Dendrology Workshop
2023-08-05 09:00 - 13:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, 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.
A 1.5-hour lecture will cover communities, microclimates, and site history and will be followed by 2.5-hours in the field to discuss tree identification in the summer.
Featured Topics:

Summer t﻿ree identification
Communities, microclimates, and site history
T﻿ree ID by community

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

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

P﻿rogram Guidelines
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please note that registration to a Saturday program comes with an entry pass. You DO NOT need to register separately for a Saturday Entry Pass.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

Anthotype Printing with Native Plants
2023-07-22 09:00 - 10:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
A make-and-take class that combines native plants and an alternative photo technique. No experience necessary!

Capture the ephemeral charm of our native plants through the process of anthotype printing. This form of alternative photography takes advantage of the fragility of plant pigments under strong sunlight and is often used to create colorful impressions of foliage and flowers. What better time to try it out than during the longest and sunniest days 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.
This program is appropriate adults and children 8 years or older. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Please dress for the weather.
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.
DUKE FARMS PROGRAM GUIDELINES:
Please stay home if you are sick. Pre-registration is required, walk-ins will not be accepted. No refunds and no exchanging or transferring tickets. Please note that each participant must be registered. Unless otherwise noted, ALL programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE.
Please note that registration to a Saturday program comes with an entry pass. You DO NOT need to register separately for a Saturday Entry Pass.
Please contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.
Photo courtesy of atlantacontemporary.org

In 2022, Duke Farms celebrates 10 years of working towards Doris Duke’s vision for a more creative, equitable, and sustainable future. As a world class center and leader in environmental stewardship, Duke Farms has inspired countless people to become informed stewards of the land while improving regional environmental health. Duke Farms is committed to supporting and growing a sustainable, better future for all.​
