Experience the Resilience of Nature Firsthand

What was once intended to be the site of a formal mansion now serves as a moving example of habitat regeneration.  Construction began in 1911 on an expansive 80,000 square foot mansion.  The two-level basement, accessed by the double metal doors seen on the approach, was the first to be built.  However by 1918 construction was halted and J.B. Duke donated the remaining materials to the war effort, abandoning the plans altogether.  

Today, the Old Foundation serves as a reminder of the resiliency of nature.  

The Great Meadow, seen just to the south of the Old Foundation, is another example of nature’s resiliency.  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. ​

Together, the Old Foundation and Great Meadow exemplify Duke Farms' rich history and commitment to environmental stewardship.