Parking passes are required on Saturdays. The Orientation Center and Cafe are open Thursdays – Saturdays. The property is closed to the public on Sundays and Mondays.

Duke Farms
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Field Trips

Duke Farms provides the opportunity for teachers to lead their students independently through outdoor habitats.

Here are a few reasons why Duke Farms is the perfect place to bring your class field trip: 

  • Easy access to multiple habitats. Woodland, meadow or wetland areas can all be your field classroom. 
  • Miles of trails - 18 to be exact - that are closed to vehicle traffic. 
  • No gift shop! Teach your students about sustainable consumption and needs vs. wants. 
  • Hillsborough, New Jersey is a short bus ride from many districts, making your trip cost less! 
Plan a field trip

Plan a field trip

  1. Review the Field Trip Planning Guide.
  2. Submit a Field Trip Request Form. Please note: we are unable to accommodate field trips larger than two busloads of students. Please be thorough! Field trips should be an intentional, educational experience for students. Please have specific activities or lessons in mind when planning for your visit.
  3. Your request will be reviewed and approved or denied based on the information provided.
    • If your field trip is approved, you will be sent confirmation and information to schedule a date.
    • If your field trip is denied, review the comments and make changes accordingly, then resubmit. You are welcome to schedule a field trip planning session with our staff.

Important details

  • Self-guided field trips to Duke Farms are free. Priority will be given to local schools from Somerset, Middlesex, Mercer, Morris, and Hunterdon counties in an effort to reduce emissions and better connect students with their local environment.
  • Self-guided field trips are independent. There will not be a staff member joining you. Please make sure you are well prepared.
  • Our café cannot accommodate school groups, and we are unable to store or refrigerate lunches. Students are welcome to eat outside, but please note that picnic tables are very limited.
  • The Visitor Center has minimal information and should not be a main attraction to your visit. Your field trip should be primarily outdoors, giving your students an opportunity to connect with nature. 

Contact

dfeducation@dorisduke.org

Lisa Davies
School Education Coordinator
ldavies@dorisduke.org

Jeff Geist
Manager of Community & Professional Education
jgeist@dorisduke.org

We Are Leaders In Conservation & Sustainability