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Eagle Cam

Eagle Cam Q&A with Conserve Wildlife Foundation

It’s been an exciting few weeks for the Duke Farms Eagle Cam. To celebrate the arrival of two chicks, we hosted a question and answer session with Larissa Smith, Senior […]

Written by:

barreladmin

Mar 27, 2024

It’s been an exciting few weeks for the Duke Farms Eagle Cam. To celebrate the arrival of two chicks, we hosted a question and answer session with Larissa Smith, Senior Wildlife Biologist at the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF).

CWF partners with Duke Farms to support the success of the eagle nest on our property. They also work to support the restoration and maintenance of a healthy bald eagle population in New Jersey by coordinating nest monitor volunteers, maintaining maps of eagle nests, as well as providing assistance when injured bald eagles are found.

We received many great questions, and the conversation demonstrated why partnerships like the one between Duke Farms and Conserve Wildlife are so critical to the recovery and support of state-endangered and state-threatened species like the bald eagle.

Some fun facts that we learned during our conservation with Smith: 

  • The bald eagles at Duke Farms mainly bring fish back to the nest, so restoration efforts of ecologically important areas like the Raritan River are critical to our local native wildlife. (And be sure to watch the video on YouTube around the 13-minute mark to see the chicks being fed.)
  • This year’s eagle family includes a new male as well as a new nest, which points to both how well-suited this habitat is for their needs and how resilient bald eagles can be. 
  • Conserve Wildlife partners with the state of New Jersey to band eagle chicks around 6 weeks of age. A host of factors are weighed when deciding whether to band chicks at a particular nest, including whether or not the tree is strong enough to support a human climbing it. A decision has yet to be made about whether the Duke Farms chicks will be banded this year, but we will let our email list know once a decision has been made.  
  • Technology like our Eagle Cam enables viewers to get a rare glimpse into the daily lives of bald eagles without negatively impacting the animals. It also allows volunteers and scientists to monitor, identify and learn more about the species, ultimately adding more knowledge to how we can protect them. 

Duke Farms serves as an example of how to steward land, connect with nature and live sustainably in our environment. The preservation and restoration work led by Duke Farms is a contributing factor to why bald eagle pairs choose to nest at our property. 

Be sure to tune into the cam over the next few weeks to watch the chicks feed, grow and fledge. 

Please sign up for the Duke Farms email list to follow along on this journey with us this year. We will send out updates from the nest, let you know when to tune in for life events such as hatching and fledging, and connect you with ways to help support wildlife conservation and habitat restoration in New Jersey.


Written by:

barreladmin

March 27, 2024


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Eagle Cam

How Restoration Efforts Boost Bald Eagle Nesting Habitat

In very recent history, the collapse of a bald eagle nest would be cause for grave concern. While bald eagles were removed from the federal Endangered Species List in 2007, […]

Written by:

barreladmin

Feb 13, 2024

In very recent history, the collapse of a bald eagle nest would be cause for grave concern. While bald eagles were removed from the federal Endangered Species List in 2007, they remain threatened and endangered in many states, including New Jersey, where the species is state-endangered during the breeding season and state-threatened for the non-breeding season.

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the greatest threats to bald eagles in New Jersey are disruptive human activity in nesting and foraging areas and habitat loss, which is why the work Duke Farms and partners have done and continue to do around habitat restoration and preservation is such a critical element in the successful recovery of this majestic species.  

Duke Farms has enrolled hundreds of acres of undeveloped sections of our property into preservation efforts. Additionally, we have actively worked to improve other areas by restoring natural wetland hydrology, installing vernal pools for wildlife use and water retention, planting and seeding native vegetation and removing invasive plants. Invasive plant species, like Callery pear and European alder, offer little biological value to local native wildlife and often crowd out or outcompete native flora. Adding more native species back to the property, such as American sycamores, white oak, black willow and northern spicebush, helps provide food and shelter to native wildlife.

This work has been a contributing factor to why bald eagle pairs choose to nest at Duke Farms. There is an abundance of the habitat they need to nest, raise and rear their chicks. These restoration efforts have cascading positive effects beyond our beloved bald eagles as well. For example, removing drainage features and planting more perennial vegetation cover creates more floodwater storage opportunities through a reduction in runoff compared with cultivated and developed lands. Planting more native woody species also provides carbon storage and helps hold soil in place. And creating and preserving more diverse, resilient habitat better equips local native wildlife to survive extreme weather conditions.  

Please sign up for the Duke Farms email list to follow along on this journey with us this year. We will send out updates from the nest, let you know when to tune in for life events such as hatching and fledging and connect you with ways to support wildlife conservation and habitat restoration in New Jersey.


Written by:

barreladmin

February 13, 2024


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Wildlife

Duke Farms’ Pioneering Efforts in the American Kestrel Nest Box Program

Nestled in the heart of central New Jersey, Duke Farms, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, stands as a beacon of conservation and environmental stewardship. The latest report from […]

Written by:

Nora DiChiara

Tags:

Habitat Restoration , Wildlife

Dec 8, 2023

Nestled in the heart of central New Jersey, Duke Farms, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, stands as a beacon of conservation and environmental stewardship. The latest report from the 6th Annual Kestrel Nest Box Program, dated November 28, 2023, sheds light on Duke Farms' contribution to this pivotal environmental initiative.

A Haven for Kestrels

As reported by Clifford Berek, Duke Farms has established itself as a key player in the American Kestrel Nest Box Program. This effort is significant, given the declining numbers of American kestrels, North America's smallest and most colorful falcon. Duke Farms has installed 21 kestrel nest boxes across the expansive property, providing safe and secure habitats for these magnificent birds.

Leadership in Conservation

Duke Farm's leadership in this program is a testament to the organization's commitment to biodiversity and ecological preservation. The data collected from these nest boxes is invaluable. It contributes to a broader understanding of kestrel populations and behaviors, aiding in the development of strategies to protect and nurture this species.

A Collaborative Effort

Duke Farms' role in the Kestrel Nest Box Program extends beyond just providing nest boxes. They are part of a larger, collaborative effort that spans several states in the Northeast region. This partnership between various environmental organizations, including Duke Farms, is a shining example of how collective action can lead to significant environmental impacts.

A Model for Others

Duke Farms serves not only as a sanctuary for kestrels but also as an inspiration for other organizations and individuals looking to make a difference in conservation. Their proactive approach and successful implementation of the Kestrel Nest Box Program are models for effective environmental stewardship.

The 6th Annual Kestrel Nest Box Program Report sheds light on the vital role Duke Farms plays in conservation efforts. Their leadership and commitment to protecting the American Kestrel demonstrate the power of dedicated environmental stewardship and serve as a guiding light for similar initiatives worldwide.


Note: This blog post is inspired by the information from the 6th Annual Kestrel Nest Box Program Report (2023) and is intended to celebrate and highlight the contributions of Duke Farms to environmental conservation.


Written by:

Nora DiChiara

Tags: Habitat Restoration , Wildlife

December 8, 2023


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Duke Farms Unveils New Jersey’s First Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station Powered by Electricity From On-Site Solar, Demonstrating Leadership in the Transition to Clean Transportation

Duke Farms, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, is proud to open the state’s first electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station in Somerset County powered by electricity from an […]

Written by:

Nora DiChiara

Tags:

Climate Change , Sustainability

Sep 27, 2023

Duke Farms, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, is proud to open the state's first electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station in Somerset County powered by electricity from an on-site solar energy system. Located along the busy Route 206 corridor, this facility will serve Duke Farms visitors and the local community while also supporting EV drivers passing through the area. The project will not only help Duke Farms reduce its carbon footprint, but also contribute to the clean energy and climate goals of the state.

"The new EV charging station, powered by our on-site solar array, demonstrates our commitment to sustainability leadership. By investing in this critical infrastructure and pursuing innovative public-private partnerships, we are accelerating the transition to clean transportation,” said Margaret Waldock, executive director of Duke Farms. “We hope this project will encourage others to take bold steps towards emission-free mobility as well. The climate crisis demands urgent action, and Duke Farms is proud to help lead the way to support creative, transformative solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future."

This station is one of the first in New Jersey to combine powerful utility incentives from PSE&G with grant funding from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Solar panels on-site will supply 100% of the electricity needed for the chargers.

Peg Hanna, Director of the NJDEP Division of Climate Change Mitigation and Monitoring shares excitement regarding the charger. “The DEP commends Duke Farms on the opening of this fast-charger station, which is a natural fit for a place that has long stood for environmental stewardship and sustainability. In addition to being ideally situated within the Route 206 corridor, the location for this station provides amenities such as restrooms and a café amid a beautiful natural setting. Projects such as this bring us one step closer to achieving Governor Murphy’s bold, nation-leading clean energy goals that will lead to a healthier, sustainable and more resilient future for New Jersey.”

PSE&G Renewables and Energy Solutions Vice President Karen Reif explains, "As we inaugurate Duke Farms' charging facility, PSE&G reaffirms our commitment to sustainable energy solutions, spanning from transmission and energy efficiency to resilient grid infrastructure. Together, we are driving the state and its communities towards a cleaner and electrified future, one that resonates with our vision for a greener tomorrow."

EVs are critical to reducing transportation emissions, which make up the largest source of greenhouse gases in New Jersey. Widespread public charging availability is essential for driving consumer adoption of EVs as the state attempts to meet its bold goals of 400 fast chargers for electric vehicles, 1000 level 2 chargers by 2025, and 2 million light duty plug in electric vehicles by 2035. As the first high-speed public charging site in the area, this station will help eliminate range anxiety (and charging anxiety) concerns, cited as among the biggest barriers to widespread EV adoption.

“By coupling the EV chargers with on-site solar, the project also demonstrates the important link between renewable energy and electric transportation, both of which are key pillars of the clean energy transition”, said Jon Wagar, Deputy Executive Director of Operations. “This project advances Duke Farms' mission of restoring the natural environment and investing in sustainability innovation by transitioning to zero emission energy sources. As a representation of nationwide development changes, the strategies demonstrated at the center serve as a proof of concept for more practical learning, enabling other organizations and municipalities to take steps towards becoming carbon-negative and nature-positive.”

With convenient amenities and a prime location in the New York City to Philadelphia travel corridors, the new charging station will benefit Duke Farms visitors, nearby residents, and all New Jersey EV drivers. Duke Farms applauds the state for its leadership in supporting this infrastructure and accelerating the transition to emission-free transportation.


About Duke Farms, a Center of the Doris Duke Foundation
Duke Farms is a 2,700 acre center for environmental stewardship in Hillsborough, NJ, that restores the natural environment, invests in sustainability innovation while offering visitors free inclusive and accessible resources for finding their place in nature.


About the Doris Duke Foundation
The Doris Duke Foundation supports the well-being of people and the planet for a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We operate five national programs — in the performing arts, the environment, medical research, child and family well-being and mutual understanding between communities — as well as Duke Farms and Shangri La, two centers that directly serve the public. Visit www.dorisduke.org to learn more.


Written by:

Nora DiChiara

Tags: Climate Change , Sustainability

September 27, 2023


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Eagle Cam

Get to Know Our Eagles ft. Jim Wright

Duke Farms’ eagles may have connected more students with nature over the past decade than all the literature on the scientific bookshelf. Jim Wright As you may know, one of […]

Written by:

Nora DiChiara

Tags:

Ecosystems , Wildlife

Jan 16, 2019

Duke Farms' eagles may have connected more students with nature over the past decade than all the literature on the scientific bookshelf.

Jim Wright

As you may know, one of the brightest highlights of Duke Farms is the Eagle Cam, which quietly illuminates us with the intricacies of life as a Bald eagle. From youth to seniors, educators, students, lifelong learners, professional to citizen scientists, many have tuned in or at least heard of the local winged celebrities. Not only are these birds beautiful to witness, but being able to see their daily activity teaches us about their role in the ecosystem and how their lives bring value to our local wildlife diversity. 

Jim Wright, blogger, author, and writer for "The Bird Watcher" column shared this gorgeous e-book with us, Duke Farms' Bald Eagles. A note from Jim's blog, The Celery Farm & Beyond:

"Three years ago, I did an e-book about Bald Eagles for Duke Farms and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation, and I am pleased to announce that it's back online. One of the many cool things about the e-book is you can go any chapter quickly by just clicking it on the contents page.

The e-book was designed by Mimi Sabatino and includes a ton of information about Duke Farms' Bald Eagles as well as the Bald Eagle's amazing comeback in New Jersey and beyond -- plus plenty of excellent links. Also featured: Some great photography by Kevin Watson. If your electronic device's "volume control" is on, you can even hear the digital pages turn."

Jim's e-book makes a great companion resource to the Eagle Cam.


Written by:

Nora DiChiara

Tags: Ecosystems , Wildlife

January 16, 2019