All Research & Insights Arrow Left Eagle Cam Banding the Duke Farms Bald Eagles On April 10, 2025 our official Nest Monitor with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ joined biologists from the New Jersey DEP Endangered and Nongame Species Program in the field to […] Written by: Vaulted Oak Apr 11, 2025 Share: Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Save The Article Arrow Right On April 10, 2025 our official Nest Monitor with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ joined biologists from the New Jersey DEP Endangered and Nongame Species Program in the field to band the eagles at the Duke Farms Bald Eagle Nest and shared her experience with us. The Duke Farms eaglets were banded! The weather was perfect in the morning, sunny and not too warm. I have seen many questions regarding banding, and will try to answer each. Photos are mine taken during the day, as well as a few screenshots of the cam once I returned home. Parents’ behavior during banding is a question I saw pop up many times. As the team began our walk to the nest, I scanned the sky for adults. I spotted one at a great distance perched above the river on a tree. Diane Cook Photos As we reached the nest area, an adult vocalized and then flew from the nest tree. It was hard to see which adult it was, but it continued circling the nest area and vocalizing.The team reached the nest tree, and preparations began. The tree climbers prepare for a safe climb at the tree. The long climb begins, first one then the other. The nest sits 80 feet off the ground. You can see the cam above and slightly right of the first climber. Diane Cook Photos Both adult eagles continue to circle the area very high in the sky. We could hear them vocalizing during their fly-overs. I have read that due to their large size, bald eagles are not quick and agile enough to take on something larger than themselves. Their size makes it difficult to escape quickly, and they do not put themselves in danger taking on something like people. You can be sure they are watching though! As the first tree climber reached the nest, an adult could still be seen flying high above (center of the red circle). Meanwhile on the ground the banding area has been set up. Measuring devices, bands, and items needed to take blood are all laid out on a blanket that has been spread on the forest floor in a shady area. Bands - green for easy spotting and identification as a NJ bird. Silver is a long number and is the federal band. Once the climbers are in place and the ground crew is ready, the first eaglet is caught. The climber does not seek eaglets in hatch order. He gets the first eaglet that is closest to him. They tend to move to the opposite side of the nest, and huddle together. This is one reason the team aims to band eaglets at 6 weeks of age. They are easier to handle and are not likely to jump from the nest. The eaglet's talons are wrapped to protect everyone, and a falconer’s hood is placed over the head to calm the bird. It is then placed in a canvas bag and slowly lowered to the ground. The bag and eaglet is weighed. The weight of the bag will be subtracted to get the bird’s weight. The eaglet is taken from the bag, held by a team member, and the process begins. Measurements are taken, recorded on a data sheet, and studied by the professional team. These measurements are compared with those of research tables/charts to determine the probable sex of each bird. H57’s numbers strongly indicate he is male. Based on behavior observed in the nest from hatch and after banding, and by measurement of his 8th primary feather, it appears he is the former E3, 3rd hatch. H57’s 8th primary feather is measured. The straw-like objects are a thin tissue covering the developing feather. It is filled with blood to nourish it. As the feather grows, the covering dries up, falls off, except close to the body, and a beautiful dark feather is unfurled. H57 has his bands, gets a check up from the state’s vet (just like your physical: eye check, a look down the throat, listen to the heart), and placed back in the bag for the ride back to the nest. H57 has his bands, gets a check up from the state’s vet (just like your physical: eye check, a look down the throat, listen to the heart), and placed back in the bag for the ride back to the nest. As soon as the bag on the next eaglet is open, it is clear this is the first hatch and female. H58 is huge! The procedure is repeated for each eaglet. Blood taken, measurements, bands, and checkup before returning to the nest. H58 is banded. Green bands are placed on opposite legs in nests with 2 eaglets. This helps monitor to know who fledges first. In a nest with more eaglets things are a bit tricky. Since H58 is a large female and H57 a smaller male, the green band is on the same leg. If size holds up, it may be easy to see which of these 2 fledges first. The middle eaglet’s band is on the right. She’s a big girl, and she made it clear how she felt about her experience. As she was lifted off the blanket for her trip back to the bag and nest, H58 left a present on the blanket and the team’s vet! She’s a big girl, and she made it clear how she felt about her experience. As she was lifted off the blanket for her trip back to the bag and nest, H58 left a present on the blanket and the team’s vet! H59 was last to be banded, and is a mystery. Based on behavior observed all season and after hatch, coupled with the length of the 8th primary feather, this is hatch 2. As for whether H59 is male or female, this eaglet was unclear. Numbers will be studied more and compared with the research tables and charts. When all was done, H59 rode back up to the nest along with a bag of 6 fish. During banding, the adults continue to fly over the nest, vocalizing to let us and their offspring know they are near. In the last hour the adult activity settled down, and they were out of our view. Fish are left in the nest so when the parents return, there is something to eat without having to hunt for the meal, making for a stress free return to normal life. All 3 eaglets self-fed on the fish as seen on the live cam when it came back online following banding, and continued until an adult returned. An adult off cam view could be heard vocalizing beginning about 2pm, and the eaglets could be seen tracking something above them. Just after 4:30pm, the female came down to the nest. The eaglets all began talking at once. Were they telling her stories of their crazy adventure. She looked around the nest at all the fish. Was she wondering where they all came from? After an eventful day for the Duke Farms eagle family, the 3 eaglets settled down with their mother. Written by: Vaulted Oak April 11, 2025
All Research & Insights Arrow Left Raritan River Reforestion Project Raritan River Reforestation Project This spring, a large-scale natural restoration project begins at Duke Farms. The vision? Restoring forested wetlands and vernal pools across 112 acres of former agricultural fields […] Written by: Lauren Guastella Apr 1, 2025 Share: Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Save The Article Arrow Right Raritan River Reforestation Project This spring, a large-scale natural restoration project begins at Duke Farms. The vision? Restoring forested wetlands and vernal pools across 112 acres of former agricultural fields along the Raritan River, which will provide extensive new wildlife habitat and help protect communities downstream from river flooding. In conjunction, we will also open a new public-access recreational trail along the Raritan River. History The Raritan River shapes the natural environment and history of Duke Farms and much of central New Jersey. This vital waterway flows out of New Jersey’s mountains, cuts across the Piedmont plain (where Duke Farms sits on the riverbank), and then drops down across the low-lying coastal plain before emptying out into Raritan Bay just south of Staten Island. Wildlife and human beings alike have depended on this river for millennia. Bald Eagles, like the pair at Duke Farms, nest in tall American sycamore trees on the riverbank and catch fish from the river channel to feed their hungry chicks. Salamanders spawn in vernal pools in the river’s wetlands, while wildlife from deer to bobcats to coyotes rely on the river’s forests and wetlands. A myriad of fish and other aquatic species depend on the river, too. The river’s rich sediments created valuable farmland for people, and its course provided strategic places to build communities, transportation hubs, and industrial sites over the years. The Raritan’s flow was harnessed for power and water by a series of dams in the 19th and 20th centuries, including a dam built by J.B. Duke in the 1920s. But all that use took a toll—the Raritan River got squeezed, blocked, stagnated, and polluted, and the once-fertile forests on its banks were cut down and paved over in many places. Wildlife populations declined. Bald Eagles became scarce, and American shad and other fish could no longer complete their annual migrations up the river. Squeezed too tightly, the river started flooding communities. By many people near its banks, the river started to be viewed as a threat, rather than as a resource. Over the last 20 years, numerous nonprofit organizations, government agencies, private companies, and individuals have been working hard to restore the health of the Raritan River for the benefit of all. Three dams have been removedalong the river, and American shad and other fish now swim freely again. One of these dams, at Nevius Street, was the dam once built by J.B. Duke. Duke Farms made the decision to remove that dam in conjunction with partners in 2013. The New Project The new restoration project beginning this spring will restore 112 acres of former agricultural fields overrun with invasive plant species, into rich, productive forested wetlands and vernal pools. Over the next two years, the project will involve earthworks to improve water flows, planting 50,000 native trees and shrubs, managing invasive plants, and protecting new plantings from white-tailed deer. As USFWS explains on its website, the project is funded by a 2024 court settlement that “addresses liability for past releases of hazardous substances at or near the American Cyanamid Superfund Site ("American Cyanamid Site") in Bridgewater, New Jersey that impacted floodplain, riparian, upland, and wetland habitat adjacent to the Raritan River. The settlement will support the implementation and monitoring of a restoration project that will restore resources that were lost and/or injured as a result of contamination from the American Cyanamid Site.” The restoration plan was developed by Stantec Consulting Company, Inc. after several years of intensive scientific investigation, surveying, and testing. The restoration plan was presented for public comment in 2023, and was approved as part of a consent decree by a federal court in July 2024. A new recreational trail, accessible to all, will also be opened along the Raritan River at this restoration site in the coming months. The trail will feature interpretive signage and will be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, to maximize its use and enjoyment to everyone in the community. There will not be any new buildings or other permanent structures erected on the restoration land, though there will be construction equipment moving back and forth during the restoration. Public Benefits Restoring 112 acres of forested wetlands along the Raritan River at Duke Farms will have many benefits to people and wildlife alike: Improvements to water quality and sediment retention, forested wetlands help absorb excess nutrients and capture sediment from river water. Floodwater storage, forested wetlands help slow down and soak up excess river water during floods Habitat for threatened and endangered species 15 years of monitoring and maintenance to lock in benefits Scientific research to inform other restoration projects across New Jersey and beyond Carbon sequestration as trees and shrubs mature Another benefit to the public is the chance to bear witness to the project as the landscape changes over time. This restoration will have a significant impact on our downstream communities and invite them to become a part of the restoration work by documenting the changes through photos over time. It brings an exciting opportunity for the community to see the effects of conservation and natural climate solutions first hand. Written by: Lauren Guastella April 1, 2025
All Research & Insights Arrow Left Habitat Restoration Nature Positive, Carbon Negative: The Duke Farms Approach Duke Farms has published a new paper in the international business journal Amplify about our work to restore nature and cut greenhouse gas emissions across our beautiful 2,700 acres. […] Written by: barreladmin Mar 18, 2025 Share: Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Save The Article Arrow Right Duke Farms has published a new paper in the international business journal Amplify about our work to restore nature and cut greenhouse gas emissions across our beautiful 2,700 acres. The article, “Nature Positive, Carbon Negative: Re-imagining the Role of Campuses and Peri-Urban Communities,” uses Duke Farms to illustrate how other communities and campuses (corporate, education, health care, etc.) can follow the Duke Farms approach to improve biodiversity and reduce their carbon footprints. As Duke Farms visitors and partners know, we have been working to restore nature for many years, including Raritan River restoration that supports our world famous Bald Eagles, white-tailed deer management that supports forest health, rotational grazing to support threatened grassland bird habitat, invasive species management, and our native plant nursery. Our new paper summarizes our approach to restoring nature at Duke Farms to inspire other landowners and land managers to take a similar journey. In the last few years, Duke Farms has also worked hard to demonstrate climate change solutions. We have quantified and reduced our carbon footprint, which we believe is an imperative for every institution across the country and around the world. This new paper explains how we’ve approached that work at Duke Farms, presenting a roadmap for other campus owners and managers to take a similar approach. This fall, Duke Farms switched on an advanced new solar array and battery system that provides all of our electricity needs. And as regular visitors and community members know, we have EV fast chargers in our parking lot, available to all. We’re also pioneering natural climate solutions, which means using nature to help address climate change. These win-win approaches, like planting trees in the Raritan River floodplain and regenerative agricultural practices, give nature a boost and pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, storing it in soils and plants. Our new paper in Amplify gives an overview of what we’ve learned about implementing effective natural climate solutions in partnership with Rutgers University scientists. Duke Farms also has a mission to engage leaders who make decisions about land management, energy use, and other key topics that affect nature, climate, and our communities. By sharing our experiences and a call to action in publications like Amplify, we are telling our story in a way that can inspire and equip others to make a difference. If you are a professional working in a related field, please contact us to discuss further, and if you are a Duke Farms visitor or volunteer, we hope this will give you an even deeper appreciation for everything going on here at Duke Farms. Written by: barreladmin March 18, 2025
All Research & Insights Arrow Left Eagle Cam Progression of a Hatch Progression of a Hatch February 25, 2025 The hatching of a bald eagle’s egg begins with a tiny opening in the inner membrane of the egg. The chick starts to […] Written by: Vaulted Oak Mar 3, 2025 Share: Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Save The Article Arrow Right Progression of a Hatch February 25, 2025 The hatching of a bald eagle’s egg begins with a tiny opening in the inner membrane of the egg. The chick starts to breathe through the porous shell. Soon a tiny pip shows as the chick has broken through the outer shell of the egg. Sunday, February 23 11:44 AM The eggs are briefly left in the open. A spot of interest is seen on the left most egg. It could be dirt, but it deserves watching. Monday, February 24 12:07:55 PM The female is up turning the eggs and fluffing the grass in the egg cup. A spot is visible on the egg to the right, closest to her body, Monday, February 24 2:09:47 PM The eggs are in full view, and so is the pip in the middle egg. In real time watching the cam, the egg tooth could be seen working on that shell. Monday, February 24 7:44:51 PM Monday, February 24 2:19:46 AM The chick continues to work on that shell through the night. Monday, February 24 4:26:09 AM The shell is now beginning to crack around its middle with every push of the chick. Monday, February 24 5:44:41 AM The chick is almost out. The shell still cradles it. Monday, February 24 6:32:48 AM With one more roll of the egg from the female, the chick slips out. The tiny chick is no bigger than her foot. Monday, February 24 6:43:29 AM There is an exchange of adults in the nest, and the male sees his chick for the first time. Monday, February 24 6:43:29 AM The cam switches from night vision. The male is still learning what to do with these little chicks. Monday, February 24 6:50:35 AM He finally settles down to incubate the other 2 eggs, and brood his new chick. The chick is already drying, and feathers are beginning to fluff. The empty shell will begin to break apart and become part of the nest. Sometimes the adults eat the shell. Monday, February 24 February 25 10:07:32 The process repeats. It looks like there is a pip in egg 2. That spot deserves careful observation. Written by: Vaulted Oak March 3, 2025
All Research & Insights Arrow Left Agroecology Duke Farms Announces new Deputy Executive Director of Science and Conservation Duke Farms is thrilled to welcome Hila Shamon, Ph.D., as our new Deputy Executive Director of Science and Conservation. In this role, Hila will lead efforts to enhance biodiversity, implement […] Written by: barreladmin Feb 19, 2025 Share: Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Save The Article Arrow Right Duke Farms is thrilled to welcome Hila Shamon, Ph.D., as our new Deputy Executive Director of Science and Conservation. In this role, Hila will lead efforts to enhance biodiversity, implement natural climate solutions, and advance applied research to further the restoration of nature at Duke Farms. Her work will support the Doris Duke Foundation’s integrated efforts to advance ideas that foster a creative, equitable, and sustainable future. With over 18 years of experience, Hila is a seasoned leader in place-based conservation, restoration, and rewilding initiatives. Her extensive work has focused on the impact of land use, land cover changes, and climate change on ecosystems, making her a transformative addition to our team. Before joining Duke Farms, Hila directed the Smithsonian’s Great Plains Science Program at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, where she designed and led interdisciplinary research on species recovery, large-scale grassland conservation, and applied ecology. Prior to that, she was the Lead Quantitative Ecologist for Israel's National Ecosystem Assessment Program (HaMaarag), where she developed and implemented long-term ecological monitoring frameworks to assess biodiversity trends in relation to environmental change and anthropogenic impacts. Previously, she worked as an Ecologist at the Rothschild Foundation’s Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park, focusing on habitat management, species conservation, and ecological research to inform sustainable land stewardship. Hila holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Zoology from Tel Aviv University and a B.Sc. in Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences from Tel Hai College, Israel. She has held faculty affiliations with George Mason University, Clemson University, and Montana State University, mentoring graduate students and contributing to education. An engaging communicator of scientific insights, Hila has shared her expertise with diverse audiences through prominent platforms such as PBS, the BBC, and the Smithsonian. Her extensive body of work includes over thirty peer-reviewed papers on topics like the impacts of climate change on mammal communities and the diversity of grassland birds, reflecting her passion for using science to inform, educate, and inspire. Hila is excited to bring her science-driven conservation vision to Duke Farms, where she will lead efforts to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and implement sustainable land and wildlife management strategies that serve as a model for conservation in a changing world. Written by: barreladmin February 19, 2025
All Research & Insights Arrow Left Winter 2025 Deer Management Closures Duke Farms will be closed to the public on the following dates for deer management efforts: On these days, all trails, bike paths, the Orientation Center, and the Farm Barn […] Written by: barreladmin Jan 21, 2025 Share: Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Save The Article Arrow Right Duke Farms will be closed to the public on the following dates for deer management efforts: Friday, January 24th Saturday, January 25th Friday, January 31st Friday, February 7th Saturday, February 8th Friday, February 14th On these days, all trails, bike paths, the Orientation Center, and the Farm Barn Café will be closed to visitors. This temporary closure allows our team to focus on managing the deer population effectively within key areas of Duke Farms. While we love welcoming visitors to this exceptional space and sharing the legacy of Doris Duke, safety is always our top priority. These closures enable our team to conduct their work as efficiently and safely as possible. “For over 20 years, deer management has been a cornerstone of our conservation efforts at Duke Farms, which is home to numerous protected and endangered species,” said Executive Director Margaret Waldock. “In Central New Jersey, managing deer density is a crucial tactic when it comes to restoring nature.” The success of this program is tracked by conducting herd population surveys in winter and comparing them with vegetation surveys in summer. Over the past twenty years, we’ve observed a significant rise in native plant cover, improving habitat quality, ecosystem health, and biodiversity. This thriving environment benefits nature and wildlife and also our visitors, who enjoy a lush, vibrant landscape from spring through fall. “Deer management is one of our most vital responsibilities at Duke Farms,” said Mike Bellaus, Manager of Habitat Restoration. "Excessive deer populations hinder forest regeneration, preventing young trees from maturing into the towering giants that help define a thriving forest. By maintaining balanced deer populations, we ensure that visitors can experience the natural beauty of healthy, thriving ecosystems firsthand," continued Bellaus. This year presented unique challenges to our deer management program, including extreme weather events and damage from fallen trees and downed fences. Despite these hurdles, we remain committed to balancing recreation and research. Our goal is to maintain a deer density of 16 per square mile. For context, prior to 2004, the density was as high as 200 deer per square mile. Through these efforts, we’ve seen a marked improvement in the health of the deer population and the overall ecosystem at Duke Farms. We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue this vital work to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Duke Farms. Thank you for being a part of our journey and stewardship of this land. Written by: barreladmin January 21, 2025
All Research & Insights Arrow Left Habitat Restoration 2025 Green Acres Stewardship Application Duke Farms will be seeking a grant from New Jersey Green Acres in the program’s 2024-25 funding cycle to support an array of projects aimed at a maximizing biodiversity and […] Written by: Lisa Davies Tags: Conservation , Habitat Restoration Dec 13, 2024 Share: Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Save The Article Arrow Right Duke Farms will be seeking a grant from New Jersey Green Acres in the program’s 2024-25 funding cycle to support an array of projects aimed at a maximizing biodiversity and habitat quality while improving public access and building on prior ecological investments on protected lands. The funding to be requested will support the following activities to be completed over a multi-year period include: Invasive Species Removal and Replanting: Enhancing habitat through targeted removal of invasive species and replanting native shrubs and plants. Deer Fencing Installation: Protecting restored areas through the installation of deer fencing, essential to accelerating restoration efforts and ensuring long term success. Improved Public Access: Enhancing trail systems and accessibility, including educational signage to increase public engagement and awareness. The development of stewardship tool for public lands management across New Jersey. The cost of phase I of the project is estimated at $1 million. The Green Acres application request is for the maximum 50% of the project costs. The success of this grant initiative depends upon the community’s support and input. Your perspective will help us shape these projects in a way that will advance Duke Farms’ goals and objectives but also reflect the views of the region’s population. Project Description Map Budget - Proposal Survey Page Written by: Lisa Davies Tags: Conservation , Habitat Restoration December 13, 2024
All Research & Insights Arrow Left Advanced Sustainable Energy Solutions: Duke Farms’ Solar Array with Battery Storage System Duke Farms is proud to announce the completion of an advanced solar array integrated with a state-of-the-art battery energy storage system. This initiative represents a significant leap in our ongoing […] Written by: Jeff Geist Tags: Climate Change , Sustainability Aug 26, 2024 Share: Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Save The Article Arrow Right Duke Farms is proud to announce the completion of an advanced solar array integrated with a state-of-the-art battery energy storage system. This initiative represents a significant leap in our ongoing commitment to sustainability and climate resilience and creating a carbon negative, nature positive future. By combining renewable energy generation with energy storage capabilities, this project serves as a crucial demonstration of effective climate change transition strategies. This advanced system, along with the accelerated electrification of Duke Farms' vehicles, equipment, and space heating, will allow Duke Farms to operate entirely on sustainable electricity and eliminate all fossil fuel use. Technical Overview: Solar Array and Battery Storage Integration The solar array at Duke Farms features high-efficiency bifacial photovoltaic (PV) panels, specifically chosen for their optimal performance in various weather conditions. These panels are strategically positioned to maximize solar irradiance capture throughout the year. The array is designed to generate substantial amounts of electricity during peak sunlight hours, contributing directly to the power needs of Duke Farms' operations. However, the real innovation lies in the seamless integration of a sophisticated battery storage system. Utilizing lithium-ion batteries, known for their high energy density and long cycle life, the system is capable of storing significant amounts of energy generated by the solar panels. This stored energy can be deployed during periods of low solar output, such as nighttime or cloudy days, ensuring a continuous supply of clean energy. The battery storage system employs advanced energy management software that optimizes the charging and discharging cycles based on real-time energy demand and supply. This software utilizes predictive algorithms and machine learning to anticipate energy usage patterns, ensuring that energy is available when needed most. This system not only enhances energy reliability but also improves the overall efficiency of the solar installation by minimizing energy wastage. Demonstrating Climate Change Transition Strategies The integration of solar power with battery storage is a critical strategy for addressing the intermittency challenge of renewable energy sources. By demonstrating this technology, Duke Farms is setting a precedent for how renewable energy can be harnessed and utilized effectively. This approach is especially relevant for regions prone to grid instability or those seeking to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This project is a model for distributed energy resource systems, which are key to creating more resilient and decentralized energy grids. The ability to generate, store, and manage energy locally reduces the strain on centralized power systems and can provide a buffer against grid outages. This is particularly important as climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of weather events, which can disrupt traditional energy supply chains. Enhancing Energy Resilience and Efficiency The solar array with battery storage system significantly enhances the energy resilience of Duke Farms. In the event of a grid outage, the stored energy can be used to power essential operations, reducing downtime and ensuring continuity of critical activities. This capability is vital for maintaining operational stability during emergencies and can serve as a model for other institutions and communities looking to bolster their energy resilience. Additionally, by optimizing energy use and reducing dependence on external energy sources, Duke Farms is achieving greater energy efficiency. The system is designed to minimize energy losses and maximize the use of locally generated renewable energy. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also lowers operational costs over time, demonstrating a strong economic case for investment in similar technologies. Leading the Way in Sustainable Innovation The solar array with battery storage project aligns with Duke Farms' strategic priorities of restoring natural resources, demonstrating equitable climate strategies, and engaging leaders in sustainability. By investing in and showcasing cutting-edge renewable energy solutions, Duke Farms is providing a valuable demonstration site for education and research. This project offers insights into the practical challenges and solutions associated with large-scale renewable energy integration, making it a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and energy professionals. Demonstrating Climate Change Solutions The implementation of the solar array with battery storage system at Duke Farms represents a significant implementation of sustainable energy technology. By demonstrating how renewable energy can be reliably integrated into daily operations, Duke Farms is not only reducing its environmental impact but also setting a standard for others to follow. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, projects like this are crucial for demonstrating viable pathways towards a sustainable, resilient, and equitable energy future. Duke Farms remains committed to pioneering innovative solutions and inspiring others to join us in the pursuit of a cleaner, more sustainable world. Written by: Jeff Geist Tags: Climate Change , Sustainability August 26, 2024
All Research & Insights Arrow Left Habitat Restoration Harnessing Natural Climate Solutions at Duke Farms At Duke Farms, our approach to addressing climate change is deeply rooted in the landscapes we steward and the ecosystems we restore. As part of the Doris Duke Foundation, we […] Written by: Lisa Davies Tags: Conservation , Habitat Restoration Aug 23, 2024 Share: Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Save The Article Arrow Right At Duke Farms, our approach to addressing climate change is deeply rooted in the landscapes we steward and the ecosystems we restore. As part of the Doris Duke Foundation, we are committed to integrating Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) into our conservation practices, leveraging our 2,700 acres to demonstrate the power of nature in combating climate change. What Are Natural Climate Solutions? Natural Climate Solutions involve the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems to mitigate climate change by enhancing carbon storage or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions. These solutions not only tackle climate issues but also foster biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services like water filtration, flood control, and soil health. Duke Farms’ Commitment to NCS Our commitment to NCS is evident across several strategic priorities. These efforts align with our broader mission to restore nature, demonstrate equitable climate strategies, and engage leaders in transformative environmental stewardship. 1. Restoring Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services At Duke Farms, we are pioneering efforts to restore biodiversity within heavily fragmented and degraded suburban landscapes. Urbanization, pollution, and invasive species have severely impacted native species, many of which are now endangered. By actively managing our lands, we aim to reverse these trends. This includes strategic efforts like deer management to reduce overpopulation, invasive species control, and wetland restoration. These actions not only improve habitat for local wildlife but also enhance carbon sequestration. For example, our restoration of grasslands and riparian buffers has increased biodiversity and promoted carbon storage, with thousands of native plants being reintroduced to support these ecosystems. 2. Innovative Agroecology Our agroecology practices at Duke Farms demonstrate how sustainable agriculture can coexist with biodiversity conservation. By integrating managed grazing and native grassland restoration, we are creating habitats that support threatened species like grassland birds while also enhancing soil health and increasing carbon sequestration. This dual approach allows us to maintain a landscape that is both productive and ecologically rich, serving as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. 3. Cutting-Edge Research and Monitoring To ensure that our NCS strategies are effective, we employ rigorous ecological monitoring and cutting-edge technologies like bioacoustical monitoring, multispectral drone analysis, and eDNA sampling. These tools allow us to track the success of our restoration efforts, adapt our practices, and share valuable insights with the broader conservation community. Our collaboration with the Rutgers Climate Institute, for instance, has led to a comprehensive carbon mitigation research program that explores how different land management strategies impact carbon stocks across our forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Engaging the Community and Leaders Beyond our on-the-ground efforts, Duke Farms is committed to engaging leaders and the public in the importance of NCS. By becoming a hub for conferences and educational programs, we are influencing the next generation of environmental stewards and decision-makers. Our goal is to share our successes and challenges with others, encouraging widespread adoption of NCS as a critical component of global climate strategies. Looking Ahead As we continue to refine and expand our natural climate solutions, Duke Farms remains focused on maximizing our impact. Whether through large-scale habitat restoration, sustainable agriculture, or innovative research, we are dedicated to demonstrating that nature itself holds some of the most powerful tools for combating climate change. By sharing our knowledge and strategies, we hope to inspire others to join us in this vital work. Duke Farms stands as a living laboratory where nature’s solutions to climate challenges are not just theorized but actively put into practice. Written by: Lisa Davies Tags: Conservation , Habitat Restoration August 23, 2024
All Research & Insights Arrow Left New Jersey Agricultural Climate Summit Report When farmers, researchers and advocates come together: The New Jersey Agriculture and Climate Summit On one of the first beautiful days in April more than 60 agricultural and climate leaders […] Written by: Nora DiChiara Tags: Climate Change , Conservation , Habitat Restoration Jun 18, 2024 Share: Twitter Icon Facebook Icon Save The Article Arrow Right Together to reconnect, generate bold ideas, recognize common ground and cultivate a shared vision. When farmers, researchers and advocates come together: The New Jersey Agriculture and Climate Summit On one of the first beautiful days in April more than 60 agricultural and climate leaders gathered at Duke Farms to identify ways New Jersey farms can both increase profitability and accelerate climate change mitigation. The New Jersey Agriculture and Climate Summit was convened by Duke Farms, a center for the Doris Duke Foundation, in partnership with the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, the New Jersey Climate Change Alliance, and the New Jersey Farm Bureau. Through panel discussions with local farmers and advocates and presentations by climate change and soil health experts these five takeaways emerged: Climate change is and will continue to make farming more difficult for New Jersey farmers.Taking a whole farm approach can increase resilience, profitability, and biodiversity while driving down carbon emissions.Improving soil health has multi-factor benefits for both producers and the planet.Streamlining processes and enhancing collaboration are essential to maximizing existing state, federal and non-profit resources.There is a strong desire for regular peer-to-peer learning pathways. From the inception of this gathering we worked together to foster an environment where we could build reconnection, generate bold ideas, recognize common ground and cultivate a shared vision for how to move forward. As you’ll see in summary of the full-day gathering, we discovered a lot of exciting opportunities that need more collaboration. This summit is part of our strategic purpose here at Duke Farms where we restore nature, demonstrate equitable climate transition strategies, and engage leaders through the work we do on our 2,700-acre campus and through the influence of the Doris Duke Foundation. We’re looking forward to working with our partners to drive this important work forward. Written by: Nora DiChiara Tags: Climate Change , Conservation , Habitat Restoration June 18, 2024
