Sustainability

Making an Impact

Habitat Restoration AgroEcology Sustainability Eagle Cam

Stewardship at Home Distance Learning In the Classroom Community Garden Research

Sustainability

Adaptive Reuse of Building Renewable Energy Sustainable Landscapes

Sustainable Landscapes

The lawns and horticultural features throughout the property are being restored to functioning habitats reflecting the native plant communities of the Central Piedmont Plains region. The restoration of healthy, ecologically functioning systems and the ability to educate and inspire visitors on the process of stewardship and developing a conservation ethic are essential aspects in the transformation of Duke Farms.

	Native Plantings Removing invasive species and replacing them with native plants creates a healthier environment for both people and wildlife. In addition, native areas at Duke Farms require significantly less maintenance. Once established, they require no irrigation or fertilization and are resistant to most pests and diseases.
	Bioswales Slicing through the parking lot, these landscape elements capture surface runoff water and naturally filter pollution and silt before the runoff enters the watershed.
	Rain Garden Rain gardens capture water in low areas where water can soak naturally into the soil. They protect lakes and streams from pollutants and provide habitat for birds, pollinators and beneficial insects.
	Constructed Wastewater Wetlands Constructed wetlands clean and filter wastewater from the building using native plants. The clean wastewater is then discharged it back into the groundwater.
	Wetland Restoration Wetlands filter out impurities in water, provide a buffer for flooding and supporting a diverse population of plants and animals. Duke Farms is restoring and preserving wetlands in the vicinity of the Farm Barn and along the Raritan River.

How is the game played?

If using a handheld GPS device (such as a Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, etc.):

Register for a free basic membership on geocaching.com.
Visit the Hide & Seek a Cache page to locate a cache nearby.
Select a cache to view its cache page which lists the cache description, GPS coordinates, and other instructions on how to find the cache.
Load the coordinates into your GPS device and naviagate to the hidden cache.
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):

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).
Log-in using your geocaching.com username or create a free geocaching.com username if you do not have one.
Once logged in, press "Find Nearby Caches."
Choose the appropriate cache from the list. The cache page should appear.
Press "Navigate to Cache." A map should appear showing your location in relation to the cache location.
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).

Renewable Energy