Winter Solstice Wander
2024-12-21 14:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Celebrate the sun’s return with an expedition to find all the life it still sustains.

Depending on your outlook, the winter solstice is either the longest, darkest night of the year—or a threshold to brighter days ahead. But let’s save the philosophy for nightfall and make the most of the daylight we do have. After all, even on the shortest day of the year, there’s still photosynthesis to get on with, food to scrounge up, shelter to seek, and (for us humans) a quiet continuity of wintertime life to get out there and find.
This program will take place entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Participants will travel about 2 miles on paved, gravel, and dirt surfaces.
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.

Accessibility
Duke Farms is committed to equitable nature access, and participants in our programs can expect or request the following accommodations:

Paved, flat trails
Instructors with voice amplifiers
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) for indoor programs
American Sign Language Interpreters, with ten (10) days’ notice
KultureCity sensory bags
We welcome working, trained service animals as described by the ADA

We may be able to provide additional, reasonable accommodations not listed here; please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Closed for Wildlife & Ecosystem Recovery
2025-01-06, 2025-01-12, 2025-01-13, 2025-01-19, 2025-01-20, 2025-01-26, 2025-01-27, 2025-02-02 and 12 more dates | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Duke Farms is closed for Wildlife & Ecosystem Recovery. All trails and the Farm Barn Orientation Center are closed to the public.

Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls Walk
2025-01-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Let’s get birdy!

Let’s ring in the new year with some birdy friends! Start 2025 off right, looking for Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls around Duke Farms. Grab your favorite adventure buddy and join us for a bird walk on Saturday, January 18 from 3-5 pm. We will also look out for other raptors, wading birds, songbirds, waterfowl, and anyone else on the property.

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.

About the Instructor
Lindsay McNamara has over 12 years of experience working in conservation, environmental nonprofit communications and development. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and an M.A. in Public and Organizational Relations. She has been birding since she was nine years old when she saw her first Great Blue Heron along the Raritan River. She’s been leading bird walks since 2018 and is always looking to engage new birders in her lifelong passion. You can join her on her monthly bird walks through her new LLC Beachy Birder Adventures, and her favorite bird is the one she’s looking at.
Photo by Lindsay McNamara.

Winter Dendrology Workshop
2025-02-15 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
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the trees of Duke Farms through the interconnected lenses of biology, ecology, and biodiversity. By examining the roles trees play within local ecosystems—both in the present and in the context of future environmental challenges, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of these complex organisms. A significant emphasis will be placed on tree identification skills, essential for engaging in topics in forest ecology and conservation. While prior experience in tree identification is recommended, it is not required. This course is designed to meet the needs of educators, land managers, ecologists, conservationists, shade tree commission members, and other professionals working in related fields.
Featured Topics

Winter tree identification
Dichotomous keys

Continuing Education Credits
The Winter Dendrology Workshop is approved for credits from the following organizations.
American Society for Landscape Architecture: 4 hours
Ecological Society of America: 1 CEU
International Society for Arboriculture: 4 CEUs
New Jersey Board of Tree Experts: 4 CEUs
New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry (NJ UCF): 4 CEUs

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.

Master Ecologist
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Become a Master Ecologist while using Duke Farms as a living laboratory and network with field experts and professionals.

Course Overview
Master Ecologist is an immersive and accelerated learning experience that utilizes the diverse habitats at Duke Farms as a living laboratory. Over the course of the program, participants will explore ecological principles, management strategies and conservation practices under the guidance of experts from academia, government and private sectors. Designed for environmental educators, land managers, stewards, private landowners, natural resource professionals and environmentally conscious community members, this program emphasizes hands-on field experiences, analytical skills and collaborative learning.
Participants will study four key habitats—wetlands, freshwater ecosystems, meadows and forests—spending two months focusing on each through field sessions and classroom lectures. A companion, asynchronous component will provide a deeper understanding of ecological processes and survey methods.

Continuing Education Credits
Master Ecologist is approved for credits from the following organizations.
American Society for Landscape Architecture (ASLA): 32 hours
Ecological Society of America (ESA): TBD
New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry (NJ UCF): TBD

Instructors
Jeff Geist, Community and Professional Education Manager, Duke Farms
Mike McGraw, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Princeton Hydro
Dr. Kristi MacDonald, Director of Science, Raritan Headwaters
Brianna Casario, AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador, NJ DEP
Dr. Mike Van Clef, Program Director, NJ Invasive Species Strike Team
Dr. Kim Russell, Assistant Professor, Rutgers University

Prerequisites
This program assumes participants have a very basic knowledge of native NJ flora and fauna and understand general ecology concepts. Please note that field sessions will take place partially outdoors and will require travelling several miles on various trail types (paved and unpaved) and uneven terrain for up to 2 hours in various weather conditions (cold and hot temperatures, rain, snow, etc.)

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.

Course Schedule
2/20: Master Ecologist Orientation (via Zoom) from 7:00pm-8:00pm
3/22: Wetland Ecology – Amphibians from 4:00pm-8:00pm
4/19: Wetland Ecology – Birds from 7:00am-11:00am
5/24: Freshwater Ecology – Riverine Systems from 9:00am-1:00pm
6/21: Freshwater Ecology – Stream Lab from 9:00am-1:00pm
7/19: Meadow Ecology – Botany Lab from 9:00am-1:00pm
8/23: Meadow Ecology – Pollinators from 9:00am-1:00pm
9/20: Forest Ecology – Deer and Invasives from 9:00am-1:00pm
10/18: Forest Ecology – Vegetation Monitoring Lab from 9:00am-1:00pm

Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, participants will be able to

Communicate ecological and environmental concepts effectively.
Identify and evaluate key environmental challenges.
Apply technological tools and analytical methods to ecological data.
Develop evidence-based strategies for ecological management.
Propose innovative, science-driven solutions for pressing conservation issues.

Course Structure
Field SessionsThese monthly sessions combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning in the field, offering students opportunities to engage directly with ecological concepts and habitats at Duke Farms. Each session is designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills related to the habitat of focus.
Practical LabsDedicated four-hour sessions that emphasize outdoor hypothesis development, data collection and experimental design. These labs are integral to applying ecological principles in real-world contexts. Students will gather and analyze data, interpret ecological patterns and collaboratively explore solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
Asynchronous ContentThe asynchronous e-learning component is an essential complement to the hands-on sessions, designed to deepen students’ understanding of ecological principles and methodologies. Delivered through Canvas, this self-paced coursework includes readings, instructional videos, quizzes, peer-reviewed article analyses and guided discussions. Across four structured units, students will engage with materials that connect directly to the in-person sessions, enabling them to synthesize field experiences with academic concepts. Each unit culminates in assignments and discussion prompts, fostering collaboration and critical thinking among participants. This component ensures a well-rounded learning experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Identifying Birds of Prey
2025-03-01 09:30 - 10:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
An introduction to eagle-eyed birding!

Our nest cam is back online for the season! But if you want to know what our resident bald eagles—or their fellow raptors like hawks, falcons, and vultures—get up to when they leave the nest, you’ll need a few tips for spotting and recognizing birds of prey in the field. So grab your binoculars, or borrow ours, and join us for this beginner-level class to get acquainted with some of Duke Farms’ common raptors!

This program will take place entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Participants will travel about 2 miles on paved surfaces.
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.

Accessibility
Duke Farms is committed to equitable nature access, and participants in our programs can expect or request the following accommodations:

Paved, flat trails
Instructors with voice amplifiers
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) for indoor programs
American Sign Language Interpreters, with ten (10) days’ notice
KultureCity sensory bags
We welcome working, trained service animals as described by the ADA

We may be able to provide additional, reasonable accommodations not listed here; please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Eagles at Duke Farms: A Restoration Story
2025-03-08 10:00 - 12:00 | 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Join us for a special program that connects the past, present, and future of ecological restoration along the Raritan River. Over the course of this two-hour experience, we will travel to the Raritan River to explore how dam removals and waterway restoration have improved habitat for fish, wildlife, and water quality. We’ll discuss the direct impact these efforts have had on bald eagles, whose recovery is one of the greatest conservation success stories in the state.

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.

Duke Farms is committed to equitable nature access, and participants in our programs can expect or request the following accommodations:

Paved, flat trails
Instructors with voice amplifiers
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) for indoor programs
American Sign Language Interpreters, with ten (10) days’ notice
KultureCity sensory bags
We welcome working, trained service animals as described by the ADA

We may be able to provide additional, reasonable accommodations not listed here; please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Looking for Life in the Winter
2025-03-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
An invitation to appreciate nature’s tenacity.

Winter can seem like a time to put things on hold, for both the natural world and those of us who study and enjoy it. But knowing where and how to look will reveal an abundance of life making the most of the season. After all, even during the shortest, darkest days of the year, there’s still photosynthesis to carry on with, food to scrounge up, shelter to seek, and—for us humans—a quiet continuity of wintertime life to get out there and find.
This program will take place entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Participants will travel about 2 miles on paved, gravel, and dirt surfaces.
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.

Accessibility
Duke Farms is committed to equitable nature access, and participants in our programs can expect or request the following accommodations:

Paved, flat trails
Instructors with voice amplifiers
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) for indoor programs
American Sign Language Interpreters, with ten (10) days’ notice
KultureCity sensory bags
We welcome working, trained service animals as described by the ADA

We may be able to provide additional, reasonable accommodations not listed here; please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org

Orchids Under the Full Moon
2025-03-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Families are complicated—Orchidaceae most of all.

A bracing winter night’s walk, illuminated by March’s full moon, transports us to the Orchid Range, and from there: Panama? Nepal? Ghana? The incredible diversity of color and form in this global flower family is ours to explore, and their hidden evolutionary stories ours to read—if we know how. Are orchids’ unique, co-evolved entanglements with pollinator, fungus, and land what give rise to their reputation as fragile and fickle plants, or is this what simply what happens whenever a species is displaced from its native habitat?
This program will take place entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Participants will travel about 2 miles on paved surfaces.
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.

Accessibility
Duke Farms is committed to equitable nature access, and participants in our programs can expect or request the following accommodations:

Paved, flat trails
Instructors with voice amplifiers
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) for indoor programs
American Sign Language Interpreters, with ten (10) days’ notice
KultureCity sensory bags
We welcome working, trained service animals as described by the ADA

We may be able to provide additional, reasonable accommodations not listed here; please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Early Migrants Walk
2025-03-15 07:00 - 09:00 | Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, NJ, 08844, United States
Let’s get birdy!

Will we get lucky right around St. Patrick’s Day and see some great birds? Grab your favorite adventure buddy and join us for a bird walk on Saturday, March 15 from 7-9 am to find out. We will look out for warblers, raptors, wading birds, songbirds, and anyone else on the property.

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.

About the Instructor
Lindsay McNamara has over 12 years of experience working in conservation, environmental nonprofit communications and development. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and an M.A. in Public and Organizational Relations. She has been birding since she was nine years old when she saw her first Great Blue Heron along the Raritan River. She’s been leading bird walks since 2018 and is always looking to engage new birders in her lifelong passion. You can join her on her monthly bird walks through her new LLC Beachy Birder Adventures, and her favorite bird is the one she’s looking at.
Photo by Lindsay McNamara.

Intro to Conifers
2025-03-15 14:00 - 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 eastern red cedar and white pine 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 yew, and discuss the fascinating ecology and evolutionary history that sets these trees apart.
This program will take place entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Participants will travel about 2 miles on paved surfaces.
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.

Accessibility
Duke Farms is committed to equitable nature access, and participants in our programs can expect or request the following accommodations:

Paved, flat trails
Instructors with voice amplifiers
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) for indoor programs
American Sign Language Interpreters, with ten (10) days’ notice
KultureCity sensory bags
We welcome working, trained service animals as described by the ADA

We may be able to provide additional, reasonable accommodations not listed here; please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.
