Join NJA Naturalists on this unique adventure that combines two of our most popular activities—watching birds and bicycling! We will visit several different habitats including forests, meadows and lakes, each of which will provide us with a variety of bird possibilities. This trip is open to anyone interested in learning about the birds of Duke Farms.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own mountain bikes and protective headgear for this ride. The ride includes both paved and gravel roads and does include some inclines.

Open to birders, age 12 and up, with bicycles.

Cost: FREE

* Don’t have a bike? Borrow one from us! Duke Farms has bikes available on a first-come first-serve basis.  Bikes are non-reservable, so please arrive early to acquire a bike and fill out the bike lending paperwork.  Duke Farms and the NJ Audubon Society cannot guarantee that a bike will be available for you to use at the time of this program. 

Join NJA Naturalists on this unique adventure that combines two of our most popular activities—watching birds and bicycling! We will visit several different habitats including forests, meadows and lakes, each of which will provide us with a variety of bird possibilities. This trip is open to anyone interested in learning about the birds of Duke Farms.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own mountain bikes and protective headgear for this ride. The ride includes both paved and gravel roads and does include some inclines.

Open to birders, age 12 and up, with bicycles.

Cost: $15 per person (NJ Audubon Members $10 per person).

* Don’t have a bike? Borrow one from us! Duke Farms has bikes available on a first-come first-serve basis.  Bikes are non-reservable, so please arrive early to acquire a bike and fill out the bike lending paperwork.  Duke Farms and the NJ Audubon Society cannot guarantee that a bike will be available for you to use at the time of this program. 

Learn the basics of caring for orchids. This program is designed for those who are new to orchids and who would like to learn more about this amazing plant. Join the orchid specialists of Duke Farms as they share information about the exciting world of orchids and teach the basics of orchid care.

Participants will get an introductory tour of the Orchid Range and Native Orchid Nursery Bed. There will be the chance to see some of the 1,500 orchid varieties grown here.

In addition, each participant will learn, hands-on, how to repot an orchid that they may take home and enjoy!

Cost: $37.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Come climb with us! Children and adults love this fun, safe, and unusual activity. It's easy! Climb into the treetops using a rope and saddle, and relax while you get a close-up look at the tree's canopy and a bird's eye view of the beautiful Duke Farms surroundings.  

Be sure to bring a camera! You'll want to take advantage of many photo opportunities as your family and friends hang in the air or sit on a branch! We'll provide all instruction and gear. You supply the enthusiasm and your readiness for a new adventure. 

Anyone age 6 or over is welcome. Wear closed-toe shoes, leave valuables at home, and tie long hair back into a ponytail. Only climbers will be allowed under the tree, but don't worry! You or your children will be in the reliable care of professionals from Tree Climbers International (TCI).  For 30 years TCI has been putting thousands of first-timers "on rope" — with no accidents!

Reservations are required. We will accept only 28 climbers per hour this program is being offered. Please follow the link below to register for an open time slot.

Cost: $10 per climber.

Come climb with us! Children and adults love this fun, safe, and unusual activity. It's easy! Climb into the treetops using a rope and saddle, and relax while you get a close-up look at the tree's canopy and a bird's eye view of the beautiful Duke Farms surroundings.  

Be sure to bring a camera! You'll want to take advantage of many photo opportunities as your family and friends hang in the air or sit on a branch! We'll provide all instruction and gear. You supply the enthusiasm and your readiness for a new adventure. 

Anyone age 6 or over is welcome. Wear closed-toe shoes, leave valuables at home, and tie long hair back into a ponytail. Only climbers will be allowed under the tree, but don't worry! You or your children will be in the reliable care of professionals from Tree Climbers International (TCI).  For 30 years TCI has been putting thousands of first-timers "on rope" — with no accidents!

Reservations are required. We will accept only 28 climbers per hour this program is being offered. Please follow the link below to register for an open time slot.

Cost: $10 per climber.

Join the staff from the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium and Observatory for an evening of star gazing on the ‘Dark Campus’ of Duke Farms.

Each evening you will see a waxing Moon, seasonal constellations and different celestial objects to view through telescopes.  A simple astronomy activity will also be offered to school aged children.

Come see what you can observe in the night sky when you turn off the night lights!

Cost: $15 per family/group of 5.  $5 per each additional person.

Bring your binoculars and join a NJ Audubon Naturalists for a free guided bird walk before the property opens to the general public.

Meet at the Front Door of the Orientation Center and end somewhere in the core of the property where participants can choose to either return to the Farm Barn or continue to enjoy the day on their own.

Open to anyone with an interest in birds, age 12 and up (or younger with approval of Leader).

Cost: FREE; Registration not required.

Can what you eat really change the way you feel? Would you like to eat healthier but you don’t know where to start?  Do you want to know how to prepare and preserve “REAL” food to maintain nutrient density?  We can help!

Join us for NOFA-NJ’s First Summer Food Symposium where four expert speakers will lead you on this day-long exploration of  healthy food and fun. You will learn about the history and significance of the “Organic Food” movement and why it is important to our farms, our environment, and to you – the consumer.

Watch as fresh fruit and vegetables become nutritious, delicious and satisfying drinks, dishes, and snacks – some to eat right away and some to save for later.  Learn the basics of preserving seasonal fruits and vegetables to enjoy year around. 

For complete information about the Symposium speakers, sessions and to Register - click REGISTER below.

Cost: $80 per person ($70 per NOFA-NJ member) which includes lunch. For complete information about the Symposium speakers and sessions and to Register - click REGISTER below.

Join Certified tree Expert Jack Kuhlman as he teaches you about NJ trees and how to identify them in different seasons using leaves, bark, fruit and flowers as clues.

Sign up for individual classes or for the whole series: 

March 22           Early Spring Tree ID

May 17               Mid-Spring Tree ID

June 21             Early Summer Tree ID

August 23         Late Summer Tree ID

November 15   Autumn Tree ID

December 13   Winter Tree ID

This is an outdoor program involving a lot of walking.  Please dress for the weather.

Cost: $10 per session or $50 for the whole series.

Use the Register Now link below to register just for this session. To register for the whole series please call (908) 722-3700.

This program is for those who have some experience working with orchids and are interested in a more in-depth look at the diverse varieties of orchids and how to grow them.

This program also will include an overview of pests and diseases.

Participants will review potting techniques and will repot an orchid that they may then take home.

Cost: $37 per person. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Are you aware that New Jersey is home to almost 60 species of orchids and over 35 of them are native to our own Piedmont region?

During this program, you will learn about orchids native to NJ through a brief lecture and exploring them in our Native Orchid Nursery Bed, Landscape Beds, and the Subtropical Coastal Display. As many are threatened or endangered, we will also discuss how we can help them to survive, including the possibilities of cultivating them at home.

This program has been scheduled to coincide with blooming periods throughout the year so you can witness the beauty of all of our various orchids in person!

Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Spend Sunday afternoons learning what the Naturalists at Duke Farms know!

During this program children and their parents will learn all about the wonders of nature. From how wildlife survives the winter to summer amphibians. Junior Naturalists will explore the environment in every season and in all kinds of weather, learning to use the tools professional naturalists use.

Upon completion of the program series children will receive a Junior Naturalist Certificate, Junior Naturalist Ball Cap and Badge. Junior Naturalist parents will receive native plants for their yard!

Below is a list of all the sessions offered in this series:

January 27              Winter Survival

February  24           Feeder Birds

March 24                Signs of Spring

April 28                   Hummingbirds

May 19                    Avian Symphony

June 23                   Amphibians

July  28                   Habitats

August  25              Insects

September 22       Plant a Tree Here, Plant a Tree There

October 20            Deciduous Trees

November 24       Turkeys

December 15       Coniferous Trees

This program is designed for ages 6-11, at least 1 parent must accompany their child during this program, please no more than 2 adults accompanying a child. This program will run rain or shine so please dress for the weather!

Cost: $7 per session or $70 for the whole series. 

From the red berries of winterberry holly and the dusky blue berries of our favorite native edible to the white flowers of the many native viburnums, come find out how to include red, white and blue in your landscape while adding multiple seasons of interest. 

Class includes a Lecture and Walking Tour.

Cost:  $5 per person.  Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Join NJA Naturalists on this unique adventure that combines two of our most popular activities—watching birds and bicycling! We will visit several different habitats including forests, meadows and lakes, each of which will provide us with a variety of bird possibilities. This trip is open to anyone interested in learning about the birds of Duke Farms.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own mountain bikes and protective headgear for this ride. The ride includes both paved and gravel roads and does include some inclines.

Open to birders, age 12 and up, with bicycles.

Cost: $15 per person (NJ Audubon Members $10 per person).

* Don’t have a bike? Borrow one from us! Duke Farms has bikes available on a first-come first-serve basis.  Bikes are non-reservable, so please arrive early to acquire a bike and fill out the bike lending paperwork.  Duke Farms and the NJ Audubon Society cannot guarantee that a bike will be available for you to use at the time of this program. 

This 5-day workshop is designed for teachers from grades 5 through 12. This program is an outdoor experience offering practical,hands-on learning that uses a variety of teaching methods, including inquiry, as a basis for effective field studies in a variety of habitats. By taking the classroom outdoors, teachers can inspire students to take a more active role in preserving their environments while acquiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills and supporting STEM learning and 21^st Century Skills.

Cost: FREE with scholarship from NJ Audubon. Follow link below to sign up.

In this field workshop, we’ll learn how to use plant surveys and the Plant Stewardship Index to communicate essential information about plant community health, deer browse, invasive species, and management success.

We’ll get out into the field at Duke Farms and do plant surveys together, using three different methods: quadrats, plots, and the walk-through, and discuss applications and benefits of each method.

The class will also offer a chance to enhance field botany skills, and hands-on experience with using and analyzing results from the Plant Stewardship Index. 

Cost: $15 per person. Please bring your own lunch. Boxed lunches are available at the Farm Barn Café. 

Are you aware that New Jersey is home to almost 60 species of orchids and over 35 of them are native to our own Piedmont region?

During this program, you will learn about orchids native to NJ through a brief lecture and exploring them in our Native Orchid Nursery Bed, Landscape Beds, and the Subtropical Coastal Display. As many are threatened or endangered, we will also discuss how we can help them to survive, including the possibilities of cultivating them at home.

This program has been scheduled to coincide with blooming periods throughout the year so you can witness the beauty of all of our various orchids in person!

Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Join us for a fun, hands-on exploration of orchids.  Learn why orchids come in all shapes and sizes based on the wildlife that uses them for pollination.

This program is designed for kids 8-12, who are accompanied by an adult. It is sure to be fun for all, as we touch, smell and look into different orchid flowers and their landing platforms, check-out how and where they grow, and select a baby orchid plant to repot and take home to nurture.

Cost: $10 per person. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Webcams are wonderful tools for learning about birds, raptors, food chains, biodiversity, endangered species and more.

Come to this informational and fun workshop and discover the many ways that this technology can be used to excite your students into learning about wildlife concepts.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ will present this workshop. CWF's PeregrineCam and OspreyCam will be featured but any webcam can be used with the included lesson plans and associated materials. 

CWF is dedicated to protecting NJ’s rare and imperiled wildlife.  They accomplish this through research, education, conservation, and management projects.  Learn more at www.conservewildlifenj.org

Cost: $10 per Educator

Bring your binoculars and join a NJ Audubon Naturalists for a free guided bird walk before the property opens to the general public.

Meet at the Front Door of the Orientation Center and end somewhere in the core of the property where participants can choose to either return to the Farm Barn or continue to enjoy the day on their own.

Open to anyone with an interest in birds, age 12 and up (or younger with approval of Leader).

Cost: FREE; Registration not required.

Learn the basics of caring for orchids. This program is designed for those who are new to orchids and who would like to learn more about this amazing plant. Join the orchid specialists of Duke Farms as they share information about the exciting world of orchids and teach the basics of orchid care.

Participants will get an introductory tour of the Orchid Range and Native Orchid Nursery Bed. There will be the chance to see some of the 1,500 orchid varieties grown here.

In addition, each participant will learn, hands-on, how to repot an orchid that they may take home and enjoy!

Cost: $37.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Are you aware that New Jersey is home to almost 60 species of orchids and over 35 of them are native to our own Piedmont region?

During this program, you will learn about orchids native to NJ through a brief lecture and exploring them in our Native Orchid Nursery Bed, Landscape Beds, and the Subtropical Coastal Display. As many are threatened or endangered, we will also discuss how we can help them to survive, including the possibilities of cultivating them at home.

This program has been scheduled to coincide with blooming periods throughout the year so you can witness the beauty of all of our various orchids in person!

Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

This nighttime program is part of National Moth Week, a global-scale citizen science project aimed at learning about and appreciating nocturnal biodiversity.

Elena Tartaglia of the NMW team will present a slide show about the important role of moths in the ecosystem followed by up-close observation of the fascinating insects attracted to a blacklight.

Visit http://nationalmothweek.org for more information about National Moth Week.

Cost: $5 per person, $20 per family (up to 5 people).

Spend Sunday afternoons learning what the Naturalists at Duke Farms know!

During this program children and their parents will learn all about the wonders of nature. From how wildlife survives the winter to summer amphibians. Junior Naturalists will explore the environment in every season and in all kinds of weather, learning to use the tools professional naturalists use.

Upon completion of the program series children will receive a Junior Naturalist Certificate, Junior Naturalist Ball Cap and Badge. Junior Naturalist parents will receive native plants for their yard!

Below is a list of all the sessions offered in this series:

January 27              Winter Survival

February  24           Feeder Birds

March 24                Signs of Spring

April 28                   Hummingbirds

May 19                    Avian Symphony

June 23                   Amphibians

July  28                   Habitats

August  25              Insects

September 22       Plant a Tree Here, Plant a Tree There

October 20            Deciduous Trees

November 24       Turkeys

December 15       Coniferous Trees

This program is designed for ages 6-11, at least 1 parent must accompany their child during this program, please no more than 2 adults accompanying a child. This program will run rain or shine so please dress for the weather!

Cost: $7 per session or $70 for the whole series. 

Join NJA Naturalists on this unique adventure that combines two of our most popular activities—watching birds and bicycling! We will visit several different habitats including forests, meadows and lakes, each of which will provide us with a variety of bird possibilities. This trip is open to anyone interested in learning about the birds of Duke Farms.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own mountain bikes and protective headgear for this ride. The ride includes both paved and gravel roads and does include some inclines.

Open to birders, age 12 and up, with bicycles.

Cost: $15 per person (NJ Audubon Members $10 per person).

* Don’t have a bike? Borrow one from us! Duke Farms has bikes available on a first-come first-serve basis.  Bikes are non-reservable, so please arrive early to acquire a bike and fill out the bike lending paperwork.  Duke Farms and the NJ Audubon Society cannot guarantee that a bike will be available for you to use at the time of this program. 

Deepen your understanding of environmental issues facing society from the perspective of the local watershed.  Issues will be drawn from a spectrum of topics including water quantity and quality, sustainable land use and environmental practices, and native species protection and invasive species control.  Each day will focus on a different set of issues and provide field experience, lessons and resources to support your existing curricula.  Also included will be information on the National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools USA program that supports sustainable practices through the development of school-based eco-teams. 

Cost: FREE with scholarship from NJ Audubon. Follow link below to sign up.

This program is designed for those who have experience with orchids and who wish to learn more about specific issues relating to their own orchids. 

Cost: $22. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Join us for a fun, hands-on exploration of orchids.  Learn why orchids come in all shapes and sizes based on the wildlife that uses them for pollination.

This program is designed for kids 8-12, who are accompanied by an adult. It is sure to be fun for all, as we touch, smell and look into different orchid flowers and their landing platforms, check-out how and where they grow, and select a baby orchid plant to repot and take home to nurture.

Cost: $10 per person. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Bring your binoculars and join a NJ Audubon Naturalists for a free guided bird walk before the property opens to the general public.

Meet at the Front Door of the Orientation Center and end somewhere in the core of the property where participants can choose to either return to the Farm Barn or continue to enjoy the day on their own.

Open to anyone with an interest in birds, age 12 and up (or younger with approval of Leader).

Cost: FREE; Registration not required.

Join Certified tree Expert Jack Kuhlman as he teaches you about NJ trees and how to identify them in different seasons using leaves, bark, fruit and flowers as clues.

Sign up for individual classes or for the whole series: 

March 22           Early Spring Tree ID

May 17               Mid-Spring Tree ID

June 21             Early Summer Tree ID

August 23         Late Summer Tree ID

November 15   Autumn Tree ID

December 13   Winter Tree ID

This is an outdoor program involving a lot of walking.  Please dress for the weather.

Cost: $10 per session or $50 for the whole series.

Use the Register Now link below to register just for this session. To register for the whole series please call (908) 722-3700.

This program is for those who have some experience working with orchids and are interested in a more in-depth look at the diverse varieties of orchids and how to grow them.

This program also will include an overview of pests and diseases.

Participants will review potting techniques and will repot an orchid that they may then take home.

Cost: $37 per person. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Spend Sunday afternoons learning what the Naturalists at Duke Farms know!

During this program children and their parents will learn all about the wonders of nature. From how wildlife survives the winter to summer amphibians. Junior Naturalists will explore the environment in every season and in all kinds of weather, learning to use the tools professional naturalists use.

Upon completion of the program series children will receive a Junior Naturalist Certificate, Junior Naturalist Ball Cap and Badge. Junior Naturalist parents will receive native plants for their yard!

Below is a list of all the sessions offered in this series:

January 27              Winter Survival

February  24           Feeder Birds

March 24                Signs of Spring

April 28                   Hummingbirds

May 19                    Avian Symphony

June 23                   Amphibians

July  28                   Habitats

August  25              Insects

September 22       Plant a Tree Here, Plant a Tree There

October 20            Deciduous Trees

November 24       Turkeys

December 15       Coniferous Trees

This program is designed for ages 6-11, at least 1 parent must accompany their child during this program, please no more than 2 adults accompanying a child. This program will run rain or shine so please dress for the weather!

Cost: $7 per session or $70 for the whole series. 

Join NJA Naturalists on this unique adventure that combines two of our most popular activities—watching birds and bicycling! We will visit several different habitats including forests, meadows and lakes, each of which will provide us with a variety of bird possibilities. This trip is open to anyone interested in learning about the birds of Duke Farms.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own mountain bikes and protective headgear for this ride. The ride includes both paved and gravel roads and does include some inclines.

Open to birders, age 12 and up, with bicycles.

Cost: $15 per person (NJ Audubon Members $10 per person).

* Don’t have a bike? Borrow one from us! Duke Farms has bikes available on a first-come first-serve basis.  Bikes are non-reservable, so please arrive early to acquire a bike and fill out the bike lending paperwork.  Duke Farms and the NJ Audubon Society cannot guarantee that a bike will be available for you to use at the time of this program. 

Join the staff from the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium and Observatory for an evening of star gazing on the ‘Dark Campus’ of Duke Farms.

Each evening you will see a waxing Moon, seasonal constellations and different celestial objects to view through telescopes.  A simple astronomy activity will also be offered to school aged children.

Come see what you can observe in the night sky when you turn off the night lights!

Cost: $15 per family/group of 5.  $5 per each additional person.

Bring your binoculars and join a NJ Audubon Naturalists for a free guided bird walk before the property opens to the general public.

Meet at the Front Door of the Orientation Center and end somewhere in the core of the property where participants can choose to either return to the Farm Barn or continue to enjoy the day on their own.

Open to anyone with an interest in birds, age 12 and up (or younger with approval of Leader).

Cost: FREE; Registration not required.

Learn the basics of caring for orchids. This program is designed for those who are new to orchids and who would like to learn more about this amazing plant. Join the orchid specialists of Duke Farms as they share information about the exciting world of orchids and teach the basics of orchid care.

Participants will get an introductory tour of the Orchid Range and Native Orchid Nursery Bed. There will be the chance to see some of the 1,500 orchid varieties grown here.

In addition, each participant will learn, hands-on, how to repot an orchid that they may take home and enjoy!

Cost: $37.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Are you aware that New Jersey is home to almost 60 species of orchids and over 35 of them are native to our own Piedmont region?

During this program, you will learn about orchids native to NJ through a brief lecture and exploring them in our Native Orchid Nursery Bed, Landscape Beds, and the Subtropical Coastal Display. As many are threatened or endangered, we will also discuss how we can help them to survive, including the possibilities of cultivating them at home.

This program has been scheduled to coincide with blooming periods throughout the year so you can witness the beauty of all of our various orchids in person!

Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Spend Sunday afternoons learning what the Naturalists at Duke Farms know!

During this program children and their parents will learn all about the wonders of nature. From how wildlife survives the winter to summer amphibians. Junior Naturalists will explore the environment in every season and in all kinds of weather, learning to use the tools professional naturalists use.

Upon completion of the program series children will receive a Junior Naturalist Certificate, Junior Naturalist Ball Cap and Badge. Junior Naturalist parents will receive native plants for their yard!

Below is a list of all the sessions offered in this series:

January 27              Winter Survival

February  24           Feeder Birds

March 24                Signs of Spring

April 28                   Hummingbirds

May 19                    Avian Symphony

June 23                   Amphibians

July  28                   Habitats

August  25              Insects

September 22       Plant a Tree Here, Plant a Tree There

October 20            Deciduous Trees

November 24       Turkeys

December 15       Coniferous Trees

This program is designed for ages 6-11, at least 1 parent must accompany their child during this program, please no more than 2 adults accompanying a child. This program will run rain or shine so please dress for the weather!

Cost: $7 per session or $70 for the whole series. 

Join us for a Fall walking tour of Native plants.  We will be walking throughout the property as our guide shows you tips and tricks for identifying NJ Native Plants in Autumn.

Dress comfortably we will be walking about 3 miles at a leisurely pace. 

Cost: $10 per person. Space is limited and advance registration required.

An introduction to the sixteen species of diurnal (daytime) birds of prey that soar, swoop and glide through New Jersey’s skies.

In this program, we will participate in the excitement of seasonal hawk migration with our own mock “hawk watch” and find out how expert watchers identify raptors by their shapes and flight behavior.

As we discuss the lives of these fascinating predators, we will also share a few success stories in the ongoing effort to conserve birds of prey.

Cost: $10 per person.

Learn the basics of caring for orchids. This program is designed for those who are new to orchids and who would like to learn more about this amazing plant. Join the orchid specialists of Duke Farms as they share information about the exciting world of orchids and teach the basics of orchid care.

Participants will get an introductory tour of the Orchid Range and Native Orchid Nursery Bed. There will be the chance to see some of the 1,500 orchid varieties grown here.

In addition, each participant will learn, hands-on, how to repot an orchid that they may take home and enjoy!

Cost: $37.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Are you aware that New Jersey is home to almost 60 species of orchids and over 35 of them are native to our own Piedmont region?

During this program, you will learn about orchids native to NJ through a brief lecture and exploring them in our Native Orchid Nursery Bed, Landscape Beds, and the Subtropical Coastal Display. As many are threatened or endangered, we will also discuss how we can help them to survive, including the possibilities of cultivating them at home.

This program has been scheduled to coincide with blooming periods throughout the year so you can witness the beauty of all of our various orchids in person!

Cost: $15 per person. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Join NJA Naturalists on this unique adventure that combines two of our most popular activities—watching birds and bicycling! We will visit several different habitats including forests, meadows and lakes, each of which will provide us with a variety of bird possibilities. This trip is open to anyone interested in learning about the birds of Duke Farms.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own mountain bikes and protective headgear for this ride. The ride includes both paved and gravel roads and does include some inclines.

Open to birders, age 12 and up, with bicycles.

Cost: $15 per person (NJ Audubon Members $10 per person).

* Don’t have a bike? Borrow one from us! Duke Farms has bikes available on a first-come first-serve basis.  Bikes are non-reservable, so please arrive early to acquire a bike and fill out the bike lending paperwork.  Duke Farms and the NJ Audubon Society cannot guarantee that a bike will be available for you to use at the time of this program. 

Yardsticks made out of Bradford Pear, paper made form Garlic Mustard and ink made from Multiflora Rose! View an art installation in the form of banners, framed prints and bas-relief wood carvings created by artist Patterson Clark out of invasive weeds he removed from woodlands he maintains voluntarily.

Learn from a display of raw materials extracted from invasive plants and a slide show that will illustrate the harvest and processing of invasive plants.

The restoration of native plant and animal communities often begins with the removal of exotic invasive vegetation, which yields an abundance of material that can be sustainably processed into fuel, chemical, figments, lumber, paper fibers and cordage. Artist Patterson Clark turns his collected invasives into graphic, educational and beautiful works of art.

Patterson Clark has been harvesting D.C.'s exotic invasive vegetation for nine years, exploring its potential for use as art. At The Washington Post, he is a visual journalist, writing and illustrating the weekly natural history column "Urban Jungle." Patterson maintains a small community garden plot, where he grows garlic, stevia and cow peas.

Cost: $30 per person which includes light refreshments and admission to the exhibit opening.

Bring your binoculars and join a NJ Audubon Naturalists for a free guided bird walk before the property opens to the general public.

Meet at the Front Door of the Orientation Center and end somewhere in the core of the property where participants can choose to either return to the Farm Barn or continue to enjoy the day on their own.

Open to anyone with an interest in birds, age 12 and up (or younger with approval of Leader).

Cost: FREE; Registration not required.

This program is designed for those who have experience with orchids and who wish to learn more about specific issues relating to their own orchids. 

Cost: $22. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

WEED WALK 

Participants will meet at the East Gate parking lot for a one-mile hike with Patterson Clark and Kathleen Salisbury, who will both identify and guide the removal of local invasive plants from a variety of habitats. Some of the vegetation will be removed and carried to the Coach Barn by participants, who are encouraged to bring boots, gloves, pruners, a sharp pocket knife, a bucket and -- If rain is forecast -- a raincoat or poncho.

HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION

After a lunch provided by Duke Farms at the Coach Barn, the 15 participants will be introduced to the following topics: extraction of fibers for papermaking and cordage; papermaking from the inner bark of white mulberry; isolation of plant pigments by cooking, ethanol tincture and soot collection; processing of weed trees into lumber; bamboo pen making; creating weed-ash lye for use in the papermaking process.

Patterson Clark has been harvesting D.C.'s exotic invasive vegetation for nine years, exploring its potential for use as art. At The Washington Post, he is a visual journalist, writing and illustrating the weekly natural history column "Urban Jungle." Patterson also maintains a small community garden plot, where he grows garlic, stevia and cow peas.

Cost: $50 per person which includes lunch.

Join us for a fun, hands-on exploration of orchids.  Learn why orchids come in all shapes and sizes based on the wildlife that uses them for pollination.

This program is designed for kids 8-12, who are accompanied by an adult. It is sure to be fun for all, as we touch, smell and look into different orchid flowers and their landing platforms, check-out how and where they grow, and select a baby orchid plant to repot and take home to nurture.

Cost: $10 per person. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Spend Sunday afternoons learning what the Naturalists at Duke Farms know!

During this program children and their parents will learn all about the wonders of nature. From how wildlife survives the winter to summer amphibians. Junior Naturalists will explore the environment in every season and in all kinds of weather, learning to use the tools professional naturalists use.

Upon completion of the program series children will receive a Junior Naturalist Certificate, Junior Naturalist Ball Cap and Badge. Junior Naturalist parents will receive native plants for their yard!

Below is a list of all the sessions offered in this series:

January 27              Winter Survival

February  24           Feeder Birds

March 24                Signs of Spring

April 28                   Hummingbirds

May 19                    Avian Symphony

June 23                   Amphibians

July  28                   Habitats

August  25              Insects

September 22       Plant a Tree Here, Plant a Tree There

October 20            Deciduous Trees

November 24       Turkeys

December 15       Coniferous Trees

This program is designed for ages 6-11, at least 1 parent must accompany their child during this program, please no more than 2 adults accompanying a child. This program will run rain or shine so please dress for the weather!

Cost: $7 per session or $70 for the whole series. 

Join Certified tree Expert Jack Kuhlman as he teaches you about NJ trees and how to identify them in different seasons using leaves, bark, fruit and flowers as clues.

Sign up for individual classes or for the whole series: 

March 22           Early Spring Tree ID

May 17               Mid-Spring Tree ID

June 21             Early Summer Tree ID

August 23         Late Summer Tree ID

November 15   Autumn Tree ID

December 13   Winter Tree ID

This is an outdoor program involving a lot of walking.  Please dress for the weather.

Cost: $10 per session or $50 for the whole series.

Use the Register Now link below to register just for this session. To register for the whole series please call (908) 722-3700.

Bring your binoculars and join a NJ Audubon Naturalists for a free guided bird walk before the property opens to the general public.

Meet at the Front Door of the Orientation Center and end somewhere in the core of the property where participants can choose to either return to the Farm Barn or continue to enjoy the day on their own.

Open to anyone with an interest in birds, age 12 and up (or younger with approval of Leader).

Cost: FREE; Registration not required.

Learn the basics of caring for orchids. This program is designed for those who are new to orchids and who would like to learn more about this amazing plant. Join the orchid specialists of Duke Farms as they share information about the exciting world of orchids and teach the basics of orchid care.

Participants will get an introductory tour of the Orchid Range and Native Orchid Nursery Bed. There will be the chance to see some of the 1,500 orchid varieties grown here.

In addition, each participant will learn, hands-on, how to repot an orchid that they may take home and enjoy!

Cost: $37.  Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Spend Sunday afternoons learning what the Naturalists at Duke Farms know!

During this program children and their parents will learn all about the wonders of nature. From how wildlife survives the winter to summer amphibians. Junior Naturalists will explore the environment in every season and in all kinds of weather, learning to use the tools professional naturalists use.

Upon completion of the program series children will receive a Junior Naturalist Certificate, Junior Naturalist Ball Cap and Badge. Junior Naturalist parents will receive native plants for their yard!

Below is a list of all the sessions offered in this series:

January 27              Winter Survival

February  24           Feeder Birds

March 24                Signs of Spring

April 28                   Hummingbirds

May 19                    Avian Symphony

June 23                   Amphibians

July  28                   Habitats

August  25              Insects

September 22       Plant a Tree Here, Plant a Tree There

October 20            Deciduous Trees

November 24       Turkeys

December 15       Coniferous Trees

This program is designed for ages 6-11, at least 1 parent must accompany their child during this program, please no more than 2 adults accompanying a child. This program will run rain or shine so please dress for the weather!

Cost: $7 per session or $70 for the whole series. 

Join the staff from the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium and Observatory for an evening of star gazing on the ‘Dark Campus’ of Duke Farms.

Each evening you will see a waxing Moon, seasonal constellations and different celestial objects to view through telescopes.  A simple astronomy activity will also be offered to school aged children.

Come see what you can observe in the night sky when you turn off the night lights!

Cost: $15 per family/group of 5.  $5 per each additional person.

Join Certified tree Expert Jack Kuhlman as he teaches you about NJ trees and how to identify them in different seasons using leaves, bark, fruit and flowers as clues.

Sign up for individual classes or for the whole series: 

March 22           Early Spring Tree ID

May 17               Mid-Spring Tree ID

June 21             Early Summer Tree ID

August 23         Late Summer Tree ID

November 15   Autumn Tree ID

December 13   Winter Tree ID

This is an outdoor program involving a lot of walking.  Please dress for the weather.

Cost: $10 per session or $50 for the whole series.

Use the Register Now link below to register just for this session. To register for the whole series please call (908) 722-3700.

Spend Sunday afternoons learning what the Naturalists at Duke Farms know!

During this program children and their parents will learn all about the wonders of nature. From how wildlife survives the winter to summer amphibians. Junior Naturalists will explore the environment in every season and in all kinds of weather, learning to use the tools professional naturalists use.

Upon completion of the program series children will receive a Junior Naturalist Certificate, Junior Naturalist Ball Cap and Badge. Junior Naturalist parents will receive native plants for their yard!

Below is a list of all the sessions offered in this series:

January 27              Winter Survival

February  24           Feeder Birds

March 24                Signs of Spring

April 28                   Hummingbirds

May 19                    Avian Symphony

June 23                   Amphibians

July  28                   Habitats

August  25              Insects

September 22       Plant a Tree Here, Plant a Tree There

October 20            Deciduous Trees

November 24       Turkeys

December 15       Coniferous Trees

This program is designed for ages 6-11, at least 1 parent must accompany their child during this program, please no more than 2 adults accompanying a child. This program will run rain or shine so please dress for the weather!

Cost: $7 per session or $70 for the whole series. 

Bring your binoculars and join a NJ Audubon Naturalists for a free guided bird walk before the property opens to the general public.

Meet at the Front Door of the Orientation Center and end somewhere in the core of the property where participants can choose to either return to the Farm Barn or continue to enjoy the day on their own.

Open to anyone with an interest in birds, age 12 and up (or younger with approval of Leader).

Cost: FREE; Registration not required.