Duke Farms

Explore the soil critters that break down nature’s waste and help ecosystems thrive.As summer fades into fall, nature begins its quiet process of renewal. In this class, we’ll dig into the fascinating world of decomposers, including fungi, insects, and other tiny organisms that break down dead matter and return nutrients to the soil. Through hands-on exploration and discussion, we’ll discover how these often-overlooked creatures play a vital role in keeping ecosystems healthy, especially as the seasons change.Program GuidelinesAll programs begin at the Farm Barn Orientation Center unless otherwise noted.Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer

We are pleased to host our 18th annual New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team Conference!Widely considered the most comprehensive state-wide forum on invasive species and continues to evolve to address new and emerging issue, the conference has typically involved nearly 100 participants and speakers, representing academia, industry, government agencies, NGOs, the general public, and other stakeholders involved in the issues. Many are seeking opportunities for cooperation and collaboration to address invasive species from a state-wide perspective.Available Continuing Education Units:3 CEU CreditsUrban and Community Forestry ProgramSociety for Ecological Restoration - SER Continuing Education Credits5 CEU CreditsNJDEP Pesticide Control Program - Category

Moths and fireflies and bats, oh my!Learn about the importance of these nocturnal insects that do so much but are appreciated so little. We will take a brief walk to observe Duke Farms landscapes in the evening and do some "mothing" to observe and identify a variety of moths.Program GuidelinesRegistration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable. Programs at Duke Farms are RAIN or SHINE, but in the event

We are pleased to host our 17th annual New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team Conference!Widely considered the most comprehensive state-wide forum on invasive species and continues to evolve to address new and emerging issue, the conference has typically involved nearly 150 participants and speakers, representing academia, industry, government agencies, NGOs, the general public, and other stakeholders involved in the issues. Many are seeking opportunities for cooperation and collaboration to address invasive species from a state-wide perspective.Continuing Education Units:Urban and Community Forestry Program - 5 CEUsNJDEP Pesticide Control ProgramCategory 2 - Forest - 2 CEUsCategory 3A - Ornamentals - 2 CEUsCategory

With the return of Spring comes a nightly chorus of chirps and peeps, but those aren’t birds you’re hearing!Join us as we seek out the frogs responsible in their unique, ephemeral habitat: the vernal pool. One of Spring’s most fascinating—and fleeting—features, vernal pools come and go with the changing of seasons. Discover how to find vernal pools, what other wildlife calls them home, why they play such an important role in their larger ecosystem, and what we can do to protect them.Program PreparationPlease dress for the forecasted weather and bring water and anything else you may need. This class is

Come get lost in the moss (and lichen).You’ve seen those curious patches of green, blue, and yellow filling sidewalk cracks and plastered on trees, but have you ever leaned in for a closer look? Mosses and lichens are everywhere, from cities to old-growth forests, but they remain overlooked and understudied. They are tiny, their features almost microscopic, but they can tell us big stories about our ecosystems–as big as the role they play in shaping them. On this walk, we’ll learn some of those stories, along with the biology, ecology, and identification of common NJ species. So grab a hand

Pining to spruce up your evergreen knowledge? This is the class fir yew!When the bare branches of winter start to get you down, turn to the conifers for a breath of fresh, pine-scented air. More ancient and more steadfast than the deciduous divas of autumn, our native coniferous trees like red cedar and black spruce deserve a spotlight too. On this walk, we'll acquaint ourselves with several common species, learn what to look for to tell a spruce from a cedar or a hemlock from a pine, and discuss the fascinating ecology and evolutionary history that sets these trees apart.Please

In this course, we will explore the trees of Duke Farms through the lens of biology, ecology, and biodiversity.Course OverviewLecture material on how trees fit into our local ecosystems—both today and into the future—will contextualize the strong focus on tree identification necessary to understand these complex organisms. Some background in basic tree identification is recommended, but not required. This course will be geared toward educators, land managers, ecologists, conservationists, shade tree commission members, and other professionals. A 1.5-hour lecture will cover communities, microclimates, and site history and will be followed by 2.5-hours in the field to discuss tree identification in

A make-and-take class that combines native plants and an alternative photo technique. No experience necessary!Capture the ephemeral charm of our native plants through the process of anthotype printing. This form of alternative photography takes advantage of the fragility of plant pigments under strong sunlight and is often used to create colorful impressions of foliage and flowers. What better time to try it out than during the longest and sunniest days of the year? While we work under the Green Roof, we’ll discuss the science behind plant pigmentation and anthotype printing and become better acquainted with the ecologically vital species selected

This full-day, hands-on workshop is for individuals wishing to create landscapes that are stunning and earth-friendlyCourse OverviewThe class focuses on weaving ecologically sound concepts into traditional residential design. It also includes graphics instruction to communicate ideas efficiently and boldly on paper. Content centers on the paradigm of curvilinear drift design and encourages the use of native plantings that are both visually pleasing and environmentally sound. If you’re serious about learning how to meld sustainable elements into traditional design, this participant-centered workshop is for you!Materials ProvidedCircle templateDrafting pencils (8B, HB, 4H) Eraser and erasing shieldFlexible curveTracing paperGriddled vellum100 page workbook Featured