Duke Farms is a living lab where we develop model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation, and clean energy transition.  Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, our campus is a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to spark change.

Duke Farms is a center of the Doris Duke Foundation which strives to build a more creative, equitable, and sustainable future.

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 50-acre patch of woods within Duke Farms that’s surrounded by a deer fence and comprises some of our best preserved woodlots on campus.  This location was the first sight for many of our restoration activities here at Duke Farms. This section of our campus contains old non-agriculturally modified forests, over twenty years of ecological research work and an evolving horticultural culture that began with exotic invasive plant species but is now rearing some of the most valuable native plant species seen at Duke Farms.

Research Woods

The lake system was designed by James Buchanan Duke in the early 1900s as part of his vision to transform what was once farmland into a scenic and innovative landscape. This lake is part of the original hydrological design that helps flush and circulate water through Duke Farms’ artificial lake system, supporting water quality and aquatic health.

Otter Lake

Historically maintained as a manicured lawn from the 1930s until 2008, the Great Meadow has undergone significant ecological restoration.  Efforts to convert the lawn into a meadow filled with native grasses and wildflowers have been implemented to create essential habitats for pollinators, grassland birds, and other wildlife.​ 

This restored meadow now supports a diverse array of flora and fauna, including several threatened and endangered grassland bird species, highlighting Duke Farms' dedication to promoting biodiversity and sustainable land management practices. ​

Duke Farms

New Jersey

4 chronologs managed by Duke Farms

Otter Lake

Raritan River Floodplain Reforestation Project

Research Woods

Great Meadow

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