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Community Garden

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PARTICIPATION

Plot sizes/Annual Fee

Garden plots are available in three sizes: 10 x 10 feet for an annual fee of $20; 15 x 15 feet for $40, and 15 x 30 feet for $60.

Duke Farms also has an Accessible Garden area which conforms to current ADA standards. Individual garden beds on a paver patio rent for $20 each for the season and may be rented to individuals or groups. Please contact Nora DiChiara for more information.

UPDATE: Garden plot registration will open January 2.


Responsibilities

Each gardener is responsible for the maintenance and regular upkeep of their plot, including keeping the plot weed-free and harvesting ripe produce. The Duke Farms Community Garden is open all year, subject to weather, with water available on-site between March and October. Garden plots are offered in AS-IS condition and need to be prepared each season by the participating gardener using strictly organic amendments (NO chemical fertilizers or pesticides will be allowed). Gardeners will also be responsible for providing their own seeds or plants and must use their own garden tools to tend to their plots.


Participation Requirements

Gardeners are required to fulfill the following obligations annually in order to maintain membership in the Community Garden:

1. COMMUNICATION: Maintain a valid email address. This will be the primary form of communication between staff and gardeners. Gardeners also must join the Duke Farms Community Garden messaging system for emergency alerts and updates. Any changes in email are to be reported within 3 business days.

2. MAINTENANCE: Plots must be food-centric with at least 50% fruit/vegetable crops. Gardeners must comply with all maintenance expectations listed in the Duke Farms Community Garden Handbook. Surveys will be done weekly between April 15 and October 31. If a gardener receives a notice, they must address this issue within one week.

3. CONTINUING EDUCATION: Attend 1 environmental course of your choice through Duke Farms or another suitable vendor. Record title in your Online Garden Profile on the Community Garden membership page in order to receive credit. All gardeners are required to attend the Preseason Garden Meeting. NOTE: First-year gardeners must complete 3 courses total: Orientation, Intro to Organic Gardening (online) and 1 elective.

4. VOLUNTEER: Complete 4 hours of volunteer time at Duke Farms for your first garden plot, plus 1 hour for each additional plot. Record hours in your Online Garden Profile on the Community Garden webpage in order to receive credit.

5. CODE OF CONDUCT: Please be courteous in the garden at all times. You are expected to review all safety, security and conduct expectations as stated in the Duke Farms Community Garden Handbook.

 

By registering for membership in the Duke Farms Community Garden, you are acknowledging and will abide by:

  • all guidelines expressed in the Participation Agreement
  • the Duke Farms Community Garden Handbook
  • all written ongoing communications stating guideline clarification or new guidelines.

 

How is the game played?

If using a handheld GPS device (such as a Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, etc.):
  1. Register for a free basic membership on geocaching.com.
  2. Visit the Hide & Seek a Cache page to locate a cache nearby.
  3. Select a cache to view its cache page which lists the cache description, GPS coordinates, and other instructions on how to find the cache.
  4. Load the coordinates into your GPS device and naviagate to the hidden cache.
  5. Sign the logbook inside the cache and log your visit online on geocaching.com.
If using a GPS-enabled smartphone (such as an iPhone or Andriod phone):
  1. Download geocaching.com app from your app store (there is an Intro version which only allows you to navigate to 3 caches before it makes you upgrade and there is the full version which is $9.99).
  2. Log-in using your geocaching.com username or create a free geocaching.com username if you do not have one.
  3. Once logged in, press "Find Nearby Caches."
  4. Choose the appropriate cache from the list. The cache page should appear.
  5. Press "Navigate to Cache." A map should appear showing your location in relation to the cache location.
  6. Navigate to the cache and sign the logbook when you find it. Go back to the cache page and press "Post a Log/Field Note" to post a log online.

Duke Farms GeoTrail

The Duke Farms GeoTrail is a geocaching challenge consisting of 11 different caches placed around the property. It is a unique journey through a variety of native habitats and landscapes.

To complete the challenge you have to fill out the GeoTrail brochure and uncover the secret word, then present your completed brochure to the front desk staff in the Orientation Center to receive your commemorative token (GeoTrail brochures are available at the front desk in the Orientation Center).

Volunteering

Events & Classes

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APR 14

Evening Birding at Duke Farms: Early Spring Migrants & Resident Breeding Birds

APR 14

Evening Birding at Duke Farms: Early Spring Migrants & Resident Breeding Birds

APR 14

Evening Birding at Duke Farms: Early Spring Migrants & Resident Breeding Birds

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Contact

Duke Farms

1112 Dukes Parkway West Hillsborough, N.J. 08844

(908) 722-3700

info@dukefarms.org


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