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 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.