Duke Farms is a living lab where we develop model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation, and clean energy transition. From global leaders to local neighbors, we are a natural gathering place to spark change.

Duke Farms is a center of the Doris Duke Foundation. The mission of the Doris Duke Foundation is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future by investing in artists and the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research, child well-being and greater mutual understanding among diverse communities.

Duke Farms

The Raritan River Floodplain Reforestation Project is a large-scale effort to restore 112 acres of former agricultural fields into forested wetlands and ephemeral pools along the Raritan River, enhancing wildlife habitat, improving water quality, and reducing flood risks. Funded by a 2024 court settlement related to the American Cyanamid Superfund Site, the project includes planting 50,000+ native trees and shrubs, managing invasive species, and opening a new accessible trail along the river. Restoration will be supported by 15 years of monitoring, and the public is invited to engage by observing and documenting the transformation. Ultimately, the project aims to benefit both ecosystems and downstream communities through natural climate solutions.

Raritan River Floodplain Reforestation Project

Research Woods is a woodlot that extends behind the Hay Barn and Orchid Range. Historically, most of the forest was used as agricultural fields and lawn. Recently, Research Woods has been restored through plantings of native shrubs and wildflowers, while also managing the populations of invasive plants which outcompete our native, beneficial plants. Without management, invasive plants will quickly take over the entire habitat, negatively impacting wildlife.

Research Woods

Duke Farms has a fascinating history and one of the biggest transformations that took place was the installation of the lake system. The addition of these waterbodies created habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and gives people the opportunity to observe the species that utilize the lakes. The lake system is home to species like osprey, wood ducks, great blue herons, painted turtles, and various species of fish.

Otter Lake

The Great Meadow was primarily managed as manicured lawn from as early as 1930 to 2008. Recent restoration efforts to transform the lawn to a meadow of native grasses and wildflowers provides critical pollinator habitat. The Great Meadow is regularly mowed or burned during the dormant season to reduce woody cover. 

Duke Farms

New Jersey

3 chronologs managed by Duke Farms

Otter Lake

Research Woods

Great Meadow

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