Research & News Archive

Revisiting the Farm in “Duke Farms”: Seeding a New Community of Regenerative Graziers

Written by:

Science & Conservation Team

Tags:

Sustainability

Mar 6, 2026

If you’ve visited Duke Farms in the last few years, you’ve likely had the opportunity to encounter some of its wildlife—listening in on woodland concerts of birdsong or catching glimpses of our resident foxes and frogs—while out on the trail. But there are other denizens of ours that you probably have yet to meet, despite the important place they hold in our history and in our current work: our livestock.

Outside the stone walls of our core campus, we manage a small but growing beef cattle operation where we explore how to produce food sustainably while also conserving wildlife and their habitats. In many ways the root of Duke Farms, our cattle are vital ecosystem engineers of the grasslands they inhabit. Their impact on that land is the subject of transformative, long-term agroecology research, through which we're identifying innovative ways to use agriculture as a tool for ecological repair.

And thankfully, we're not acting alone. Last month, 24 New Jersey graziers gathered at Duke Farms to explore similar themes during Grazing School, a new initiative developed by North Jersey Resource Conservation & Development.

The State of Agriculture

Despite its idyllic nickname, the "Garden State" doesn't immediately conjure thoughts of farming for most people. Yet in 2025, the state was estimated to have nearly 10,000 farm operations producing more than 100 different agricultural products. Beyond this remarkable diversity, New Jersey is also something of an agricultural powerhouse, ranking among the top ten producers nationally of blueberries, cranberries, peaches, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, spinach, and squash, despite its relatively small land area.

But farming in the region does not come without challenges. Agricultural land is under mounting pressure from development, especially of data centers, affordable housing, and expanded infrastructure. This raises a question that grows more important each season: how can we produce the food needed to support current and future populations without threatening the ecosystem functions that underpin it all? New Jersey's population density, in fact the highest in the country, makes these competing demands particularly pronounced. It also makes our state the ideal place not only to investigate these questions, but to develop and test practical solutions.

Limited land access, high land costs, increasingly extreme weather, and the need for more in-person knowledge sharing are all issues cited by regenerative farmers in the region. Finding ways to support farmers and advance sustainable agriculture in the state will require comprehensive and creative solutions. At Duke Farms, we're excited to figure out how we can best contribute to these efforts, and February's event represented a promising start.

North Jersey RC&D Grazing School: 2026

Over two weekends in February, we hosted North Jersey RC&D as they launched a new initiative: The Grazing School. This program brought together twenty-four graziers from across central and northern New Jersey for a series of workshops facilitated by Craig Haney of North Jersey RC&D. The sessions were designed not only to build the technical expertise needed to implement regenerative grazing practices on participants’ own farms, but also to cultivate a regional community of graziers who can continue learning and growing together.

As Craig aptly noted in his writeup of the event, "[t]he word 'cohort' itself traces back to Latin roots meaning 'enclosure' or 'barnyard', an apt reflection of the spirit of this group.

These graziers are 'in it' together—sharing knowledge, asking difficult questions, and navigating the realities of grazing in New Jersey side by side.

These initial sessions mark just the beginning of Grazing School, and we are excited to see what develops when the right partners and farmers come together in a shared space for learning and collaboration. By working with organizations that have long been pillars of the regenerative agriculture community in New Jersey, like North Jersey RC&D, we can begin to more clearly define what meaningful support for farmers looks like and advance regenerative grazing both regionally and on the ground here at the Farms.

Written by:

Science & Conservation Team

Tags: Sustainability

March 6, 2026

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Eagle Cam

Hillsborough’s Favorite Duo Welcomes Their First Eaglet of the Year!

High in a sycamore tree overlooking the Raritan River, just past the confluence of its north and south branches, a bald eagle bends low into a snow-rimmed nest and disappears […]

Written by:

Science & Conservation Team

Tags:

Eagle Cam

Feb 23, 2026

High in a sycamore tree overlooking the Raritan River, just past the confluence of its north and south branches, a bald eagle bends low into a snow-rimmed nest and disappears into its own feathers. Wind rattles the branches. For a moment, the only sign of life is a flick of white head and yellow beak as the bird adjusts the precious cargo tucked beneath its breast: three eggs, laid on January 12, 15, and 18—the Duke Farms pair's full clutch for this year.

If you catch these dedicated parents on a rare break from incubation duty, you’re rewarded with a glimpse of their first eaglet, hatched on February 22, 2026.

Unfortunately, on February 20th, one of the three eggs failed in the nest, following viewers' concerns of a potential crack or seep in the eggshell. The parent removed the egg from the nest bowl and continued incubating the remaining two eggs.

Eagle egg failures can happen for a number of reasons. Fertilization issues, genetic defects, problems during embryo development, or adverse conditions during incubation can all result in an egg that never hatches. Similar failures were recorded in 2011 and 2021 at this location and are not at all uncommon in nests around the country.

An up-close look at three eggs in the nest bowl, one of which is cracked.

A view of the prematurely cracked egg (bottom) from February 13th, 9 days before the first successful hatch.

This is a nest that has successfully produced offspring for decades and drawn millions of viewers during that time. It does so in a very different world from the one that existed merely 60 years ago, when bald eagles were nearly erased from the state.

From One Lonely Nest to a Statewide Comeback

In the 1970s and early 1980s, bald eagles in New Jersey and around the country were on the edge of disappearing. Decades of inadequately researched, and yet widespread, pesticide use left habitats contaminated with DDT and its even more potent breakdown products. This insecticide, harmful enough to beneficial insect populations, came with the added side-effect of interrupting calcium metabolism and causing fatal eggshell thinning in predatory birds. By the early 1980s, surveys found only a single active bald eagle nest in the entire state, and that nest failed repeatedly because the eggs could not survive incubation.

The story turned only after a set of specific, science-driven regulations. First New Jersey, then the federal government, banned the use of DDT, gradually reducing new inputs of the chemical into water and sediment. Strong water quality laws and habitat protections began to detoxify major rivers and bays. Biologists from the Fish and Wildlife Division of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), along with partner organizations, initiated direct restoration work: importing chicks from healthier populations, fostering them in local nests, and shielding nesting territories from disturbance.

From that single, failing nest, New Jersey’s population has climbed steadily. The 2024 New Jersey Bald Eagle Project Report, prepared by NJDEP Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, documented 293 nest sites, a record 264 active nests that laid eggs, and 288 fledglings. That amounts to an average of 1.2 young per active nest. On the strength of those numbers, the state took the symbolic and meaningful step of formally downgrading the bald eagle' status from "endangered" to "special concern" on January 6, 2025. Bald eagles now nest in every New Jersey county, including places like suburban Hillsborough where such a sight would have been unthinkable 40 years ago.

The Duke Farms pair is a part of that recovery curve. This nest has produced multiple broods since it was first discovered on the property and later fitted with a camera. Over two decades, at least two dozen eaglets have fledged from Duke Farms, joining the growing statewide population.

Today's Tests: Poisons, Wires, and Viruses

Recovery from this one threat has not made bald eagles invulnerable. The pressures they face today are different from the DDT crisis, but just as real.

Development and Habitat Loss

Shrinking and disturbed habitat continues to be a chronic pressure. Bald eagles prefer tall structures near open water, with nearby forest or marsh edge for hunting and roosting. In a densely developed state like New Jersey, that kind of habitat is limited. Shoreline building, tree removal along rivers, and human recreation in nesting areas can all reduce breeding success by forcing pairs to abandon otherwise suitable sites or by increasing disturbance during incubation and chick-rearing. NJDEP’s own status reviews have cited nest disturbance and habitat loss as central reasons they kept the eagle on the state endangered list long after federal delisting.

Collisions and Infrastructure

Collisions and infrastructure add another layer of risk, with over half of documented mortalities in New Jersey attributed to collisions or power line electrocutions in 2024. For a bird with a wingspan over two meters, the airspace is increasingly cluttered by vehicles on bridges, train, wires, towers, and other tall structures. Mortality records compiled by state biologists and rehabilitation centers routinely include eagles struck by vehicles or injured by wires. In a robust population, these individual losses may not alter statewide trends, but they can end the breeding careers of experienced adults and reduce output from specific territories.

Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1)

The most dramatic new threat of the past few years is the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI H5N1, in North American wild birds. Bald eagles, as apex predators and scavengers, are exposed when they feed on infected waterfowl and other birds. A 2023 study in Scientific Reports documented fatal, systemic H5N1 infections in breeding adult and nestling bald eagles along the southeastern United States coast and linked the outbreak to sharp drops in nest success. Nest success decreases of 40 to 60 percent have been reported in some Georgia counties during peak outbreak years, evidence that disease can temporarily override even strong recovery trends in hard-hit regions.

New Jersey has not seen that level of collapse, but the ingredients are all there: wintering waterfowl, migrating shorebirds, and predators like the Duke Farms pair at the top of the local food web. Each carcass they scavenge is both a meal and, in an HPAI year, a potential exposure.

Lead Contamination

One invisible, but pervasive, modern threat is lead poisoning. Eagles consume lead either while scavenging tissues left in the field from animals shot with lead ammunition or from fish that came into contact with lead tackle. Blood and tissue surveys across the species’ range repeatedly find elevated lead levels in a large fraction of sampled birds, and modeling studies show that even modest increases in lead-related mortality can slow population growth. Clinically, lead poisoning can look like clumsiness, weakness, and impaired vision, all of which can make a large, soaring predator that much more likely to collide with a car, building, or power line.

Winter's Many Challenges

As the 2026 nesting season began, the Duke Farms eagles faced another kind of obstacle: weather. The female laid her first egg on January 12 at 2:50 p.m., the second on January 15, and the third on January 18, during a snowstorm clearly visible on the live camera. State climatologists described January 2026 as cold and snowy in their monthly roundup, with multiple winter storms sweeping across New Jersey and freezing conditions on rivers and reservoirs.

For nesting birds, the storm headlines translate into biology. Eggshells must be kept within a tight temperature range: prolonged exposure to sub-freezing air can kill an embryo. Snow and ice reduce access to open water and fish, forcing adults to work harder and travel farther to find food between incubation shifts. Heavy, wet snow loading branches stresses the nest structure itself.

While severe cold is always a physiological stressor, bald eagles, whose breeding range extends well past central Alaska, are no strangers to winter conditions. Observers watched as the Duke Farms female sat motionless while snow accumulated on her back, later joined by her mate as they exchanged incubation duties in the wind. At one point she incubated through more than a foot of snow in the area, maintaining contact with the eggs even as drifts built up around the nest rim. This behavior, refusing to leave the nest bowl for long and keeping the eggs constantly covered, is what allows bald eagles to breed successfully in northern climates. Thick plumage, large body size, and high metabolic capacity give adults the tools to ride out short, intense storms without losing the next generation.

As we welcome this year's eaglets, we will continue to update you on their progress. Stay warm out there!

Written by:

Science & Conservation Team

Tags: Eagle Cam

February 23, 2026

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Wildlife

Understanding Bird Flu Outbreaks

Ongoing monitoring by the NJDEP has recently detected a significant uptick in cases of avian influenza in wild birds, and some nearby Somerset County trails and parks have closed in […]

Written by:

Science & Conservation Team

Tags:

Bird Flu , Conservation , Ecosystems , Wildlife

Feb 23, 2026

Ongoing monitoring by the NJDEP has recently detected a significant uptick in cases of avian influenza in wild birds, and some nearby Somerset County trails and parks have closed in response.

Duke Farms is closely following conditions and staying in contact with state and county officials.

Canada geese (Branta canadensis) have been the most common species affected by HPAI H1N1 in recent cases.

H5N1 101

Avian influenza is a virus that primarily affects birds, especially wild waterfowl (e.g. ducks, geese) and domesticated chickens. Some strains—like HPAI H5N1, the strain responsible for the current outbreak and trail closures—can cause severe illness and death in these species, but public health agencies currently consider the risk to the general public to be low. Although avian influenza is transmissible to humans in rare cases, there has never been an instance of human H5N1 infection in the state of New Jersey. Avoiding close contact with sick or dead birds and practicing good hygiene are, as at any time, strongly recommended.

Outbreaks of avian influenza like this one are better understood as threats to wildlife and ecosystem health. Somerset County’s rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands serve as vital habitat for both waterfowl and the raptors (e.g. hawks, owls, vultures) who feed on them.

Those familiar with bald eagle biology might know that the second half of this description fits them to a tee. Our resident eagle family—which is happily growing after yesterday's successful hatch of the first eaglet—appears healthy and well fed by all accounts. If we feel concern for their safety in light of this outbreak, that's a good sign of our empathy for these animals and a reminder to take the wellbeing of the ecosystem they (and we) belong to seriously.

Raptors risk exposure to bird flu when they predate waterfowl, which are particularly susceptible.
Above, our live cam shows one member of our resident bald eagle pair (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) with a meal of common merganser (Mergus merganser) on February 23, 2026.

Out of responsibility to both its avian and its human visitors, Duke Farms continues to coordinate with NJDEP Fish & Wildlife and state/county health partners, reporting data and adjusting internal procedures as needed to reduce risk to wildlife and people.

How to Help

Do not touch sick or dead birds

Do not pick up, move, or try to rehabilitate birds, and keep children and pets away too. Backyard poultry owners, whose risk of exposure is necessarily higher, should track and follow biosecurity guidance.

Report unusual bird deaths or behavior

"Unusual" in this case means multiple dead birds in one location, particularly if they are waterfowl or raptors. Birds that are weak, unable to stand/fly, or acting abnormally may be exhibiting signs of infection.

If seen at Duke Farms, call our security team: (908) 243-3600

Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form - NJDEP Fish & Wildlife

Keep enjoying the outdoors, safely

We can't hope to notice or address problems in our local ecosystem if we disconnect from it. Birdwatch and recreate as usual, from a distance—the same you'd maintain to avoid disturbing wildlife anyway. As always, don't feed or handle wild birds, and wash your hands after visiting the outdoor spaces we share with birds.

Bottom line

Stay aware, don’t handle sick or dead birds, and report unusual bird deaths or behavior. We’ll continue monitoring and will update guidance if recommendations change.

Further Resources

Bird Flu (H5N1) - Somerset County

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - CDC

Defend the Flock - USDA

Written by:

Science & Conservation Team

Tags: Bird Flu , Conservation , Ecosystems , Wildlife

February 23, 2026

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Over a Century of Community Science: The 2026 Christmas Bird Count

When dawn arrives with a temperature reading to match the hour, you may find yourself in need of a truly convincing reason to get out of bed at 5 a.m. Every year, in […]

Written by:

Science & Conservation Team

Feb 2, 2026

When dawn arrives with a temperature reading to match the hour, you may find yourself in need of a truly convincing reason to get out of bed at 5 a.m. Every year, in the spirit of the season, January presents us with a good one: the annual Christmas Bird Count.

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A short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), Alvin Massy, 2026

This event is a national–actually, a hemispheric–one, hosted by the National Audubon Society and taking place between December 14th and January 5th. Registered groups of volunteers, from beginning birders to expert ornithologists, gather at local sites of ecological significance for an intensive day of field data collection.

While overall a physically taxing day, it was a wonderful experience to travel to the rarely trod nooks of Duke Farms with a group of volunteers dedicated to its health and beauty.
Virginia Osnato, Ecologist Coordinator

The resulting information–over 126 years’ worth now–is used to investigate a vast and diverse set of research questions, especially concerning the impacts of climate change and land use or the progression of biodiversity loss. But the most basic questions addressed are: which bird species are here, how many individuals are there, and how is that different from last time? For its part, Duke Farms has been able to contribute to this large-scale census of winter resident birds for 25 years running, thanks to devoted and highly knowledgeable volunteers, staff, and community scientists.

A winter farm field and the glow of sunrise in the sky overhead.

Sunrise in the farm fields, Suzanne Osnato, 2026

While the Count has its origins in a historic (but unsustainable) tradition of trophy hunting during the holidays, it has evolved over the decades into an invaluable mechanism for monitoring bird population dynamics across the Americas. This change was spurred by New Jersey-native Frank M. Chapman, who co-opted the tradition in 1900 to popularize his idea for a conservation-minded alternative. But it has been upheld and shaped by the work of thousands of passionate community scientists in the time since.

As with most conservation success stories, there are lessons here that are as relevant today as ever. One truth demonstrated is that the way towards a more resilient future will come neither from a few individuals’ bold ideas nor from sustained collective action, but from both forces working together. Another: whatever the prevailing relationship is between a people and their land, it is never immutable.

A field of dry grasses and the moon low in the horizon.

Moonset in the farm fields, Suzanne Osnato, 2026

Led by Jeff Ellerbusch, eight volunteers and staff members braved the cold in search of the birds that are sticking out the winter with us instead of migrating south. The expedition scoured grasslands, lowlands, farms, and woods from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., encountering 5,452 individuals across 67 species. The most numerous birds were Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and, surprisingly, American robins (Turdus migratorius), conservatively estimated at around 1200 and 2800 individuals respectively.

Breakdown of Observed Species

A donut chart shows how many bird species were observed in each of the following categories:
10 raptor,
6 waterfowl,
1 wading bird,
37 songbird,
and 13 passerine species

Meanwhile, the day's highlight came from two migratory owl species, the threatened long-eared owl (Asio otus) and endangered short-eared owl (Asio flammeus). Both specialize in the grassland habitat of our farm fields, which Duke Farms maintains as such through intentional cattle grazing practices. Wildlife photographer and Duke Farms volunteer Alvin Massy captured a short-eared owl in several stunning shots below.

"While overall a physically taxing day”, writes our ecologist coordinator Virginia Osnato, “it was a wonderful experience to travel to the rarely trod nooks of Duke Farms with a group of volunteers dedicated to its health and beauty.” If you see even a little of yourself reflected in that description, there’s another opportunity to get involved right around the corner—and from us to you, you're invited. The Great Backyard Bird Count, a global bird survey running this year from February 14 to 17, is designed to be done from anywhere and by anyone. Follow the link below to learn more.

The Great Backyard Bird Count

Volunteering at Duke Farms

Written by:

Science & Conservation Team

February 2, 2026

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Wildlife

Keeping Nature Connected: Why Landscape Connectivity Matters for New Jersey’s Future

Across our fields, forests, wetlands, and peri-urban and suburban land, wildlife need corridors of quality habitat to move as they seek food, shelter, mates, and safe passage for their young.

Written by:

Science & Conservation Team

Tags:

Biodiversity , Conservation , Habitat Restoration , Wildlife

Dec 16, 2025

In a state as densely populated and developed as New Jersey, it can be easy to assume that nature is something we visit, not something we are a part of. But across our fields, forests, wetlands, plus our peri-urban and suburban landscapes, wildlife continue to move, seeking food, shelter, mates, and safe passage for their young. For this to remain possible in the decades ahead, we must address a growing challenge: landscape connectivity.

What Is Landscape Connectivity?

At its core, landscape connectivity refers to the degree to which viable animal habitats are linked across a region. Just like we rely on roads and bridges to connect communities, wildlife rely on natural corridors, such as forests, grasslands, rivers, and hedgerows, to move across the landscape. These connections are essential for sustaining wildlife populations by facilitating movement, maintaining genetic diversity, and supporting resilience to climate and land use change.

Without connectivity, species become isolated in fragmented habitat patches. Over time, this isolation can lead to population declines, biodiversity loss, and ecological breakdowns. For New Jersey’s wildlife, which already contend with some of the most fragmented habitats in the nation, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

On <date> a bobcat was documented at Duke Farms. This is a female, one of 2 individuals identified south of Interstate 78 with the help of scat collected by NJDEP Fish and Wildlife’s wildlife detection dog, Fly.

In February of 2025, a bobcat was documented at Duke Farms. This is a female, one of 2 individuals identified south of Interstate 78 with the help of scat collected by NJDEP Fish and Wildlife’s wildlife detection dog, Fly.

Why It Matters for Central New Jersey

Central New Jersey is at a crossroads. With increasing development pressure, transportation infrastructure, and climate change impacts, the region faces a real risk of ecological isolation. Small woodlots, wetlands, and grasslands, once part of large, contiguous ecosystems, are now bordered by roads, subdivisions, warehouses, and solar fields. For species like box turtles, bobcats, amphibians, and migratory birds, these disruptions can place populations at risk of local extinction.

A spotted salamander crosses a road to reach a vernal pool. Photo credit: MacKenzie Hall, NJDEP Fish and Wildlife

At the same time, Central New Jersey still holds immense potential. It contains critical habitat corridors that connect the Highlands and the Pine Barrens, the Sourlands and the Raritan River, and numerous state and county parks, preserves, and working farms. If we act quickly and strategically, we can protect and enhance these connections, ensuring our landscapes remain functional, resilient, and vibrant for generations to come.

Enter CHANJ: Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey

Led by New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey (CHANJ) is a statewide, science-based initiative designed to reconnect the state’s fragmented habitats. It provides municipalities, planners, conservation groups, and landowners with the tools and data they need to identify and protect key “cores” (large, intact habitat areas) and “corridors” (linkages that connect them).

Through mapping tools, policy guides, and technical support, CHANJ helps local decision-makers understand where wildlife move. The tools help identify what blocks species movement and how land-use conversion, from zoning to road crossings, can either help or hinder connectivity.

“The state has invested for decades in landscape connectivity,” said Gretchen Fowles, Research Scientist at New Jersey Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program. “But participating in the recent roundtable made it clear that we need to work together to ensure the right information gets into the hands of the right decision-makers. NJDEP agencies like Green Acres, Fish & Wildlife, and Parks & Forestry can work with conservation groups to drive a coalition involving the counties and municipalities."

Why This Matters to Duke Farms

Located in the heart of Central New Jersey, Duke Farms sits at a critical ecological junction. Its 2,700 acres of restored habitat and research infrastructure are surrounded by numerous municipalities—each with its own zoning laws, development priorities, and open space goals. While Duke Farms is large, no single property can maintain biodiversity alone. Without connectivity to neighboring lands, the conservation value of even the best-managed site declines.

We are particularly concerned about the creeping isolation of remaining green spaces. Forests are being edged out by highways. Fields are being fragmented by large-scale solar installations and industrial sprawl. Wildlife that once roamed freely are increasingly trapped in shrinking islands of habitat. If we don’t intervene now, we risk turning Central Jersey into a patchwork of ecological dead ends.

“As a landscape ecologist, I’ve spent my career working across jurisdictional boundaries,” said Dr. Hila Shamon, Director of Science and Conservation at Duke Farms. “Conservation success relies on people working together. Duke Farms is a neutral player in this space, and we hope to be of service to our communities by bridging science, practice, and policy to ensure New Jersey’s landscapes remain connected and climate-resilient.”

New Jersey’s central ecological corridor is shown in purple. Duke Farms in light green – a core habitat connected to the ecological corridor network, with few pathways under development threat.

Convening for Solutions: The Central NJ Roundtable

In recognition of this urgency, Duke Farms, NJDEP Fish and Wildlife, and the Green Acres Program recently convened over 50 leaders representing federal, state, and local governments, regional NGOs, land trusts, and planning entities for a roundtable discussion on landscape connectivity in Central New Jersey. Held on-site at Duke Farms, the gathering marked the first step toward building a coordinated, multi-stakeholder coalition committed to addressing the connectivity challenge at scale.

Participants emphasized that while the challenge is complex, the path forward is clear: shared vision, actionable data, and ongoing coordination. Many also recognize Duke Farms as an ideal convener and coordinator, given our unique position as a neutral, science-driven institution with deep community ties.

Over 50 leaders representing federal, state, and local governments, regional NGOs, land trusts, and planning entities gathered at Duke Farms to discuss landscape connectivity in Central New Jersey.

The Role of the Center for Conservation at Duke Farms

To scale this work, the Doris Duke Center for Conservation, a new national platform based at Duke Farms, will help facilitate the Central NJ Landscape Connectivity Coalition. The Center’s mission is to advance applied conservation science and bring stakeholders together to co-design solutions that solve the most pressing socio-ecological challenges of our time.

At Duke Farms, we believe connectivity isn’t just a wildlife issue. It’s a community issue, a climate issue, and a legacy issue. And we’re committed to working across both ecological and political boundaries to keep nature connected.

Get Involved

If you are a planner, elected official, landowner, or conservation advocate in Central New Jersey, we invite you to join us in this effort. The next roundtable will be scheduled early next year, with working groups forming specific strategies to drive this work forward. Sign up to receive updates about this initiative.

Written by:

Science & Conservation Team

Tags: Biodiversity , Conservation , Habitat Restoration , Wildlife

December 16, 2025

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Duke Farms Honored with Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Climate Change Mitigation

Duke Farms Honored with Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Climate Change Mitigation Duke Farms is proud to share that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has recognized our Natural […]

Written by:

Nora Schnure

Tags:

Climate Change , Conservation , Sustainability

Dec 12, 2025

James Hanson and Jamie Riker receive NJ Gov Excellence Award in 2025

Governor's Environmental Excellence Award

Duke Farms is proud to share that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has recognized our Natural Systems Energy Project with the 2025 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award in the Climate Change Mitigation category. This award reflects the dedication of our teams, partners, and community supporters who believe in the power of large-scale restoration to shape a healthier future.

A Statewide Honor for Transformative Climate Action

Presented at the Historic Masonic Temple in Trenton, the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards celebrate leaders across New Jersey who protect natural resources, advance environmental justice, and develop innovative solutions for a more resilient state. Duke Farms is honored to be part of this group of changemakers working to safeguard the places we all depend on.

Commissioner Shawn LaTourette praised this year’s awardees for their commitment to environmental progress in New Jersey. Duke Farms is grateful to be recognized within this collective effort to protect communities and ecosystems across the state.

About the Natural Systems Energy Project

The Natural Systems Energy Project is a campus-wide initiative designed to sharply reduce emissions while expanding the capacity of our landscape to store carbon. This long-term effort brings together ecological restoration, renewable energy, and sustainability science to reshape how a public landscape can lead on climate action.

Key components include:

Reforestation and habitat restoration that expand carbon sequestration while improving biodiversity and soil health
A new solar energy system that increases onsite renewable energy generation and reduces reliance on fossil fuels
Integrated natural climate solutions that use the landscape itself to reduce emissions and support long-term resilience
A target of reducing overall campus emissions by 80 percent by 2030, in alignment with statewide climate goals

These efforts deepen our commitment to using Duke Farms as a living laboratory. The project also supports research, education, and hands-on learning that help visitors, students, and partners understand how climate solutions take shape on the ground.

Driving Change Through Natural Systems

Duke Farms spans more than 2,700 acres of restored meadows, forests, wetlands, and regenerative farmland. This landscape forms the foundation of our climate strategy, which centers nature as both a teacher and a powerful tool for mitigation.

By designing climate solutions that work with natural systems, we aim to show what is possible when conservation, innovation, and community benefit move forward together.

Gratitude to Our Partners and Community

This recognition reflects the work of many. We extend our appreciation to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for this honor and to the countless partners, scientists, land managers, staff, volunteers, and supporters who help advance our mission every day.

Looking Ahead

The Natural Systems Energy Project is part of a long-term vision to demonstrate how land stewardship can advance climate solutions at scale. Duke Farms will continue to restore ecosystems, invest in renewable energy, and share knowledge that can help communities across New Jersey and beyond.

To learn more about the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, visit dep.nj.gov/awards.

NJ Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards 2025

Written by:

Nora Schnure

Tags: Climate Change , Conservation , Sustainability

December 12, 2025

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Introducing the Duke Farms Digital Guide — Powered by Bloomberg Connects

Planning your visit just got a whole lot easier. Exploring Duke Farms is now simpler, smarter, and more sustainable with the launch of our new Digital Guide powered by Bloomberg Connects — […]

Written by:

barreladmin

Nov 4, 2025

Planning your visit just got a whole lot easier.

Exploring Duke Farms is now simpler, smarter, and more sustainable with the launch of our new Digital Guide powered by Bloomberg Connects — an interactive tool designed to help visitors connect more deeply with the property while making trip planning effortless.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore a favorite trail, the Digital Guide makes it easier than ever to navigate the campus, discover hidden gems, and experience the landscape through your own lens.

Enhance Your Experience

💡 What You’ll Find in the Digital Guide

🗺️ Interactive Map: Find your way around the property with ease. The map includes trails, landmarks, and facilities, so you can explore confidently and at your own pace.
🌼 Self-Guided Tours: Dive into seasonal and phenological experiences that help you connect with nature’s cycles — from blooming wildflowers to migrating birds.
🖼️ Ongoing Exhibits: Learn more about Duke Farms’ conservation, sustainability, and restoration efforts through exhibits and stories across the property.
🌎 Accessibility: Available in 50 languages, the guide also includes audio narration and text-to-speech options so everyone can experience the farm fully.
🕓 Hours, Conditions, and Programs: Get up-to-date information on hours of operation, current site conditions, and upcoming programs, all in one place.

🌱 A Sustainable Step Forward

By introducing this digital-first approach, Duke Farms continues its commitment to environmental stewardship. The guide reduces paper waste and ensures that visitors always have the most current, accurate information — without relying on printed maps or schedules.

📲 How to Access the Guide

Simply scan a QR code on-site or visit the guide directly from your smartphone or tablet before your visit. There’s nothing to download — just open, explore, and enjoy.

✨ Experience Duke Farms Your Way

The Duke Farms Digital Guide is more than a map — it’s a way to experience our campus with fresh eyes. It empowers every visitor to explore, learn, and connect with nature in a way that’s personal, inclusive, and sustainable.

Start planning your visit today and see how the Digital Guide can make your next trip smoother, richer, and more inspiring.

Written by:

barreladmin

November 4, 2025

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Wildlife

Listening to the Land: Experience the Sounds of Nature from Duke Farms

If you pause for just a moment at Duke Farms — really pause — you’ll discover a world that’s alive with sound. The rustle of meadow grasses, the trill of […]

Written by:

barreladmin

Sep 24, 2025

If you pause for just a moment at Duke Farms — really pause — you’ll discover a world that’s alive with sound. The rustle of meadow grasses, the trill of songbirds, the chorus of insects at dusk, even the distant rhythm of water along the Raritan River. These sounds are always there, telling the story of the land. Too often, we move too quickly to notice.

Through our bioacoustics monitoring program, we’ve been able to capture these hidden soundscapes. Using small devices placed across our 2,700 acres, we record the living soundtrack of Duke Farms — not only as data to understand species presence and ecosystem health, but also as an invitation to listen more deeply.

The result is a playlist unlike any other. Each track is drawn directly from our landscapes — the meadow at sunrise, the forest in late summer, the wetlands at twilight. Together, they remind us that nature has a voice, and that voice is both restorative and grounding.

When you press play, you’re not just listening to birdsong or crickets. You’re stepping into a living system that continues whether we are there or not. And in that act of listening, we are reminded of balance, resilience, and our own place within the natural world.

So we invite you to slow down. Put on headphones. Let the sound of Duke Farms fill your space. May it bring you the same calm, curiosity, and connection it brings us every day.

🎧 Listen to the Duke Farms Soundscape Playlist

Written by:

barreladmin

September 24, 2025

All Research & Insights

From Field to Future: Duke Farms Leads New Jersey Into Climate Week 2025

Written by:

barreladmin

Sep 22, 2025

To kick off climate week, Duke Farms hosted climate and conservation luminaries from across the state of New Jersey to elevate real-world solutions to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Land stewards, innovators, and changemakers gathered in Hillsborough to test-drive the future, tackle tough energy questions, and build the networks needed for lasting climate progress.

Getting Our Hands Dirty with Clean Tool Tech

The week kicked off with "It's Electric! Drive & Decarbonize," a hands-on showcase that answered the question every land manager has been asking: can electric equipment really handle the job? Attendees tested everything from autonomous brush mowers to fully electric tractor loaders, getting behind the controls of equipment that's already transforming how Duke Farms maintains its 2,740 acres.

"Over the years of using electric equipment, our team has discovered that it can do everything we need it to and in some cases it's easier to use," explained a Duke Farms staff member. "The team is no longer struggling to start a chainsaw—instead it's up and running with the simple push of a button."

Representatives from over 30 organizations across New Jersey experienced firsthand what companies like Mapi AGRI, Green Climber, and Performance Ford brought to market. When asked what drew them to the event, attendees consistently pointed to the electric tractor and landscaping equipment as their primary interest. Many came with specific goals, particularly looking to replace zero turn mowers with electric alternatives.

The concerns that often hold back electric equipment adoption seemed to fade after hands-on experience. As one attendee noted, they had no concerns about using the equipment “we just need to convince our purchasing department." The biggest surprise for many was discovering the range of what's available with electric power and “how much Duke Farms has done to incorporate electric equipment." The event helped demonstrate that electric equipment solutions are available, effective and will drive down carbon emissions for every public or private entity that puts them to work.

Navigating the Clean Energy Reality

The conversation shifted to broader energy challenges with "Keeping the Charge," a panel discussion featuring some of New Jersey's most influential clean energy voices. Duke Farms' unique position as one of the state's only private entities with onsite solar, battery storage, and rapid EV charging stations provided the perfect backdrop for this critical conversation.

The panel was moderated by Margaret Waldock, Executive Director, Duke Farms and featured perspectives from state agencies, renewable energy companies and advocacy groups:

Veronique Oomen, Head of Clean Energy, Board of Public Utilities

Pam Frank, CEO, ChargEVC

Grace Power, General Counsel & EVP of Government Affairs, Solar Landscape

Mark Warner, Senior Vice President, Gabel Associates

Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, NJ League of Conservation Voters

The discussion addressed pressing challenges head-on. Federal clean energy rollbacks, rising utility costs, offshore wind setbacks, and federal tariffs are creating real headwinds for clean energy momentum. Yet panelists like Mark Warner from Gabel Associates brought perspective from his decades of experience in the renewable energy industry: "The only consistent thing about the clean energy market over the past 25 years is that it has been deeply inconsistent because the policy whiplash has always been a factor. Even though the projects we want to work on are stuck, there are other opportunities to make progress like with battery storage."

"Solar is the cheapest form of energy globally," noted Oomen, and a critical component of accelerating adoption is to shrink the timeline and streamline the upfront costs that can be a barrier to getting renewal projects online.

Pam Frank of ChargEVC emphasized the need for "radical regulatory reform" and regional collaboration to build market power. Frank highlighted three key focus areas for states and regions: working together across states, counties and municipalities to build market power, shifting from talking about incentives to creating actual markets, and implementing radical regulatory reform to overcome the numerous obstacles.

A lot of discussion focused on the astronomical rise of utility costs in New Jersey this year as an opportunity to elevate solar and renewable energy and battery storage as a solution.

Warner emphasized a crucial point often overlooked: energy is unique among commodities in that it must be used instantly, unlike other traditional commodities like wheat or corn that can be stored until it’s needed which also factors into market prices. If we approached battery storage in the same way the market incentives would improve, peak energy usage would smooth out, and grid reliability would improve.

Ed Potosnak from the NJ League of Conservation Voters provided encouraging context about momentum. When Governor Phil Murphy committed to clean energy goals in 2017, only 1% of the country had similar commitments. Because federal policy has swung from one extreme to another and back again, local government has stepped up and now 40% of the country has made similar clean energy commitments, demonstrating that leadership creates followers and the opportunity for local governments to step in the vacuum created at the federal level.

Grace Power from Solar Landscape, who also has experience as the former chief of staff at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities emphasized that "we need to find a different way to process projects and new ideas" given the barriers with grid operators, utilities, and state and local policies.

Building the Network for Change

The events concluded with "Rooted in Resilience," an informal reception that recognized a fundamental truth about climate action: it happens through relationships. This gathering brought together representatives from state agencies, conservation organizations, and community groups working across land, energy, infrastructure, access, and equity.

Brief lightning presentations from changemakers like:

Nicholas Angarone, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Chief Resilience Officer and Manager of the Office of Climate Resilience

Olivia Glenn Carpenter, President & CEO,Baobab Blossom Consulting/ NJCF Clean Cities Working Group and Former Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for Equity, U.S. EPA Region 2

Nicole Miller, Co-Chair, Jersey Water Works Steering Committee

Jenn Rogers, Executive Director, Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space

Keion Walker, Urban Education and Outreach Coordinator, NY NJ Baykeeper

The evening sparked conversations that continued over local food, drinks, and music. It was relationship-building with purpose, creating the networks essential for the coordinated action climate challenges demand.

Headwaters to Bay: Watershed Collaboration in Action

Another highlight of Climate Week at Duke Farms was the Headwaters to Bay Collaborative, a day-long roundtable focused on the Raritan River watershed. Conservation leaders, land managers, scientists, and policy experts came together to share insights, align priorities, and explore how headwaters-to-estuary restoration can build resilience across entire regions.

The program featured voices from across the watershed community, including the Raritan Headwaters Association, NY/NJ Baykeeper, The Watershed Institute, NJ Water Supply Authority, Rutgers Water Resources Research Institute, and NOAA.

Breakout sessions dug into five key themes—restoration and stewardship, monitoring and data, basin-wide policy advocacy, education, and community support—sparking conversations that connected technical expertise with community needs.

As one participant put it, “Water doesn’t recognize boundaries. When we align our work across the basin, the impact multiplies.”

The collaborative reinforced a core lesson of Climate Week: climate resilience depends on working across boundaries. Water connects us all, and by sharing data, best practices, and resources, we can strengthen ecosystems, safeguard communities, and accelerate solutions that ripple from headwaters to bay.

The Momentum Continues

These events represented more than a pre-Climate Week gathering—they were a blueprint for how climate action happens at the ground level. By combining hands-on experience, honest dialogue about challenges, and intentional community building, Duke Farms demonstrated that meaningful climate progress starts with bringing the right people together around shared solutions.

As the world's attention turned to New York City for Climate Week, New Jersey has already rolled up its sleeves, modeling how conversation can drive action. The connections made and the learnings shared will drive climate solutions across the Garden State.

Written by:

barreladmin

September 22, 2025

All Research & Insights

Great Falls Temporarily Paused: Why the Falls Aren’t Flowing

Visitors planning to see Great Falls should note that the reservoir which provides water to the Great Falls is currently below its normal level—and as a result, the Falls are […]

Written by:

Vaulted Oak

Tags:

Conservation

Aug 7, 2025

Visitors planning to see Great Falls should note that the reservoir which provides water to the Great Falls is currently below its normal level—and as a result, the Falls are not operational. Recent data shows the water surface sits at around 98.5 ft, nearly two feet below the standard "full pool" mark of 100 ft

With reservoir levels still recovering, we’ve paused water releases to conserve this essential resource and protect long-term ecosystem health. The current water level is below the operational threshold needed to safely sustain the falls’ flow, and we’re carefully monitoring conditions to prevent unnecessary depletion.

While the falls may be quiet for now, this pause reflects a deeper priority: preserving water for ecological balance, climate resilience, and future community needs. It’s a visible reminder that sustainability sometimes means knowing when not to act.

We’ll resume flow as soon as conditions allow—but until then, thank you for understanding the importance of conserving what connects us all.

Written by:

Vaulted Oak

Tags: Conservation

August 7, 2025

Revisiting the Farm in “Duke Farms”: Seeding a New Community of Regenerative Graziers

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The State of Agriculture

North Jersey RC&D Grazing School: 2026

Hillsborough’s Favorite Duo Welcomes Their First Eaglet of the Year!

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From One Lonely Nest to a Statewide Comeback

Today's Tests: Poisons, Wires, and Viruses

Development and Habitat Loss

Collisions and Infrastructure

Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1)

Lead Contamination

Winter's Many Challenges

Understanding Bird Flu Outbreaks

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H5N1 101

How to Help

Do not touch sick or dead birds

Report unusual bird deaths or behavior

Keep enjoying the outdoors, safely

Bottom line

Further Resources

Over a Century of Community Science: The 2026 Christmas Bird Count

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Breakdown of Observed Species

Keeping Nature Connected: Why Landscape Connectivity Matters for New Jersey’s Future

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What Is Landscape Connectivity?

Why It Matters for Central New Jersey

Enter CHANJ: Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey

Why This Matters to Duke Farms

Convening for Solutions: The Central NJ Roundtable

The Role of the Center for Conservation at Duke Farms

Get Involved

Duke Farms Honored with Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Climate Change Mitigation

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Duke Farms Honored with Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Climate Change Mitigation

A Statewide Honor for Transformative Climate Action

About the Natural Systems Energy Project

Driving Change Through Natural Systems

Gratitude to Our Partners and Community

Looking Ahead

Introducing the Duke Farms Digital Guide — Powered by Bloomberg Connects

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Planning your visit just got a whole lot easier.

💡 What You’ll Find in the Digital Guide

🌱 A Sustainable Step Forward

📲 How to Access the Guide

✨ Experience Duke Farms Your Way

Listening to the Land: Experience the Sounds of Nature from Duke Farms

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From Field to Future: Duke Farms Leads New Jersey Into Climate Week 2025

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Great Falls Temporarily Paused: Why the Falls Aren’t Flowing

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