About Duke Farms

Restoring Nature, Demonstrating Climate Transition Strategies, and engaging with the wonder of nature

Duke Farms by the Numbers

0

Acres of Land
0

Plant species
0

Years of public access
0

LEED platinum buildings
0

Bird species

People & Planet

About Duke Farms, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation

The mission of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) 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.

The Doris Duke Foundation operates Duke Farms and Shangri La, two centers that serve the public directly, and funds Rough Point, which is operated by the Newport Restoration Foundation. These properties, all former residences that belonged to Doris Duke, now serve the public in ways that extend her legacy and advance the DDF mission. For more information, visit www.dorisduke.org.

A Leader In Environmental Stewardship

Duke Farms is a leader in conservation & sustainability

Duke Farms is a center for environmental stewardship in Hillsborough, NJ, that restores nature, demonstrates equitable climate solutions and engages leaders through the work we do on our 2,700 acre campus and through the influence of the Doris Duke Foundation.

Did You Know?

In her will, Doris Duke requested her properties in New Jersey, Hawaii and Rhode Island be used for educational and mission-advancing programs.

Did You Know?

In her will, Doris Duke requested her properties in New Jersey, Hawaii and Rhode Island be used for educational and mission-advancing programs.

A History of Stewardship

1893

James Buchanan Duke transformed more than 2000 acres of land into an extraordinary landscape known as Duke Farms

Consisting of nine manmade lakes, over 18 miles of roads, over 45 buildings and a bucolic landscape, Duke Farms is a testament to J.B.’s ingenuity, resourcefulness and determination.

1925

After James Buchanan's death in 1925, his fortune was inherited by his daughter, Doris Duke

Doris Duke was an environmentalist long before it was fashionable. She demonstrated a keen interest in conservation and horticulture. In her will, she envisioned that Duke Farms should serve to protect wildlife as well as be used for agriculture, horticulture and research.

2012

Duke Farms opens to the public

Inspired by Doris Duke’s guidance, Duke Farms opened to public visitation in May 2012, with a mission to be a leader in environmental stewardship and to inspire visitors to become informed stewards of the land.