Harnessing Natural Climate Solutions at Duke Farms

At Duke Farms, our approach to addressing climate change is deeply rooted in the landscapes we steward and the ecosystems we restore. As part of the Doris Duke Foundation, we are committed to integrating Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) into our conservation practices, leveraging our 2,700 acres to demonstrate the power of nature in combating climate change.

What Are Natural Climate Solutions?

Natural Climate Solutions involve the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems to mitigate climate change by enhancing carbon storage or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions. These solutions not only tackle climate issues but also foster biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services like water filtration, flood control, and soil health.

Duke Farms’ Commitment to NCS

Our commitment to NCS is evident across several strategic priorities. These efforts align with our broader mission to restore nature, demonstrate equitable climate strategies, and engage leaders in transformative environmental stewardship​.

1. Restoring Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

At Duke Farms, we are pioneering efforts to restore biodiversity within heavily fragmented and degraded suburban landscapes. Urbanization, pollution, and invasive species have severely impacted native species, many of which are now endangered. By actively managing our lands, we aim to reverse these trends. This includes strategic efforts like deer management to reduce overpopulation, invasive species control, and wetland restoration​​.

These actions not only improve habitat for local wildlife but also enhance carbon sequestration. For example, our restoration of grasslands and riparian buffers has increased biodiversity and promoted carbon storage, with thousands of native plants being reintroduced to support these ecosystems​.

2. Innovative Agroecology

Our agroecology practices at Duke Farms demonstrate how sustainable agriculture can coexist with biodiversity conservation. By integrating managed grazing and native grassland restoration, we are creating habitats that support threatened species like grassland birds while also enhancing soil health and increasing carbon sequestration​.

This dual approach allows us to maintain a landscape that is both productive and ecologically rich, serving as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

3. Cutting-Edge Research and Monitoring

To ensure that our NCS strategies are effective, we employ rigorous ecological monitoring and cutting-edge technologies like bioacoustical monitoring, multispectral drone analysis, and eDNA sampling. These tools allow us to track the success of our restoration efforts, adapt our practices, and share valuable insights with the broader conservation community​.

Our collaboration with the Rutgers Climate Institute, for instance, has led to a comprehensive carbon mitigation research program that explores how different land management strategies impact carbon stocks across our forests, wetlands, and grasslands​.

Engaging the Community and Leaders

Beyond our on-the-ground efforts, Duke Farms is committed to engaging leaders and the public in the importance of NCS. By becoming a hub for conferences and educational programs, we are influencing the next generation of environmental stewards and decision-makers. Our goal is to share our successes and challenges with others, encouraging widespread adoption of NCS as a critical component of global climate strategies​.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to refine and expand our natural climate solutions, Duke Farms remains focused on maximizing our impact. Whether through large-scale habitat restoration, sustainable agriculture, or innovative research, we are dedicated to demonstrating that nature itself holds some of the most powerful tools for combating climate change. By sharing our knowledge and strategies, we hope to inspire others to join us in this vital work.

Duke Farms stands as a living laboratory where nature’s solutions to climate challenges are not just theorized but actively put into practice.