Duke Farms

Fall Invasive Species Workshop
2023-10-20 08:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 2023-07-11 18:00 - 19:00
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.​

Duke Farms After Dark: Firefly Meadow Walk
2023-07-20 20:00 - 21:15
A unique after-hours opportunity to encounter some of New Jersey’s nocturnal species and see our meadows alight with fireflies!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to encounter some of the New Jersey nocturnal species as we open our property after the sun goes down. Let your eyes adjust to darkness as you meander through Duke Farms meadow habitat during this special “Duke Farms After Dark” program. Jon Dugan, Education Coordinator, will discuss firefly ecology, the citizen science initiative called “Firefly Watch” and then take you into the field for a 1.5-mile hike to experience the magic of this bioluminescent creature.
NOTE: To protect wildlife and the preserve the experience for others, we do not encourage the use of flashlights during this event. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
This class is designed for those ages 16+ with an interest in citizen science.

Duke Farms After Dark: Firefly Meadow Walk
2023-07-20 20:00 - 21:15
A unique after-hours opportunity to take in all the changes that dusk brings to Duke Farms and to see our meadows aglow with fireflies!

Whether you call them fireflies, lightning bugs, or one of their many other names, these insects are some of the most beloved and anticipated ambassadors of summer all across the world. On this walk, we’ll celebrate our native species of bioluminescent beetle by exploring the wildflower meadows that they love and discussing some fascinating aspects of their biology. Do you know how many species live in New Jersey, how to them tell apart by their flash patterns and colors, or what makes them glow like that? Do you ever wonder if there are fewer fireflies illuminating the night sky than there used to be, or how we can help to make sure they thrive in and brighten our neighborhoods for years to come? Come along and find out!
Children may attend but must be closely monitored. Be prepared for uneven paths that may be rocky and muddy. This class is totally outdoors, and you will be walking and standing for the duration of the program. To protect wildlife and the preserve the experience for others, we do not encourage the use of flashlights during this event.
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.​

The Big Tree Hike
2023-07-15 09:00 - 11:00
A quest to find all of our arboreal champs.

Duke Farms is proud to host some of the largest and most magnificent trees in the state. The few that have been officially recognized by the NJ Forest Service as “Big Trees” are an especially important part of the local heritage that belongs to all who share an ecosystem with them. On this 4-mile loop, we’ll pay a visit to these Big Trees and take the opportunity to discuss the cultural value, ecological impact, and enduring teachings that come only from the oldest and most massive of trees.
Please dress for the weather and bring water or snacks. This class is entirely outdoors. Participants should expect to be traveling about 4 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.
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.​

The Big Bike Ride
2023-07-14 17:30 - 19:30
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 fastest and most efficient way to enjoy 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 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 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.​

Sustainable Landscape Design
2023-07-14 08:30 - 16:30
This full-day, hands-on workshop is for individuals wishing to create landscapes that are stunning and earth-friendly

Course Overview
This course focuses on weaving sustainable ecological concepts into traditional residential design. It also includes graphics instruction to communicate ideas efficiently and boldly on paper. Content centers on the paradigm of curvilinear drift design and encourages the use of native plantings that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable.
Materials Provided
C﻿ircle template
D﻿rafting pencils (8B, HB, 4H)
E﻿raser and erasing shield
F﻿lexible curve
T﻿racing paper
G﻿riddled vellum
1﻿00 page workbook
Featured Topics

Environmentally responsive design
Analyzing site and client needs
R﻿esponsive plant selecion
G﻿raphics for plants and drifts

Continuing Education Credits
Designing the Environmentally Responsive Landscape is approved for credits from the following organizations.
American Society for Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System: 7 credits

About the Instructor
Dr. Richard Ludwig is a 40+ year career educator named Instructor of the Year at Gwinnett Technical College, Georgia Educator of the Year by the Georgia Green Industry Association and Technical Educator of the Year by Georgia Commercial Flower Grower’s Association. He is the former host of GardenSmart, a national PBS television show, garden specialist for Southern Living magazine and national spokesperson for MiracleGro potting soils.

Prerequisites
N﻿/A

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.

Wading in the Brook: An Up-Close Look
2023-07-08 09:00 - 10:15
Search for everything from bugs to fish as we wade through Dukes Brook and identify some of 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.

Duke Farms After Dark: Fireflies
2023-07-07 20:00 - 21:00
Be dazzled by a lightshow of fireflies

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to encounter some of the New Jersey nocturnal species as we open our property after the sun goes down. 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 Preparation
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
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.
Contact registrations@dukefarms.org with any questions.

Evening Orchid Exploration
2023-07-06 20:15 - 21:45
Join us for this unique after-hours program scheduled to highlight July’s full(ish) 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, some 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.​

Beginner’s Tree Ecology and ID
2023-07-01 09:00 - 10:15
Ever wonder what trees do besides provide the air we breathe or the shade for your picnic?

Join us as we learn how to identify trees, discover their astounding ecosystem functions, and share other fascinating and little-known facts—like why sycamores shed their bark and whether trees are communicating in the soil under our feet!
Please dress for the weather. Participants should be prepared to walk for the duration of the class on paved and unpaved trails for about 2 miles.
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: Meadow Habitat
2023-06-24 09:00 - 10:15
Welcome summer with a morning of birding!

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.
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.​

Botany for Beginners
2023-06-17 09:00 - 10:15
Whether your phyto-curiosity is as long held as a dormant seed or just beginning like a springtime bud, come explore it with us!

We’ll hit the trails and take a look at all things green and growing, from tiny mosses to grand trees, to learn how plant scientists from different traditions study, classify, and ultimately come to understand this group of living things so different from–and yet so familiar to–us. Between each specimen we’ll take time to introduce some important botanical tools, techniques, and terms (like dichotomous keys, plant family characteristics, and the “native/invasive” divide). Supplies for taking notes or sketching are recommended!
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.

Wilderness First Aid
2023-05-24 18:00 - 2023-05-27 17:00
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
M﻿ay 24 from 6:00PM-10:00PM
M﻿ay 25 from 6:00PM-10:00PM
M﻿ay 27 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 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.

Map & Compass Navigation
2023-05-13 09:00 - 17:00
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.

Spring Invasive Species Workshop
2023-05-12 08:30 - 15:00
Learn spring season-specific invasive management techniques

Course Overview
The Spring Invasive Species Workshop is designed for land stewards or property owners who want to manage their natural resources more effectively. This expert-led short course will provide you with the essential background knowledge to further develop an understanding of safe stewardship practices.
Additionally, a follow-up Fall Invasive Plant Management Workshop will cover invasive plant management at the end of the growing season in the fall through winter.
Featured Topics:

Invasive plant identification
Prioritizing invasive management
Spring season-specific invasive plant management techniques

Continuing Education Credits
The Spring 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.

Spring Dendrology Workshop
2023-05-06 09:00 - 13:00
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 tree biology, structure, and reproduction and will be followed by 2.5-hours in the field to discuss tree identification in the spring.
Featured Topics:

Spring tree identification
Tree biology, structure, reproduction
Biodiversity

Continuing Education Units
The Spring 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.
