An extraordinary estate known as Duke Farms can be found in the municipality of Hillsborough in the state of New Jersey. This estate encompasses more than 2,700 acres of stunning natural land. James Buchanan Duke, an American tobacco and electric power industrialist, was the former owner of the property. He was responsible for transforming the land into a serene and scenic haven during his time as owner.
The estate is currently owned and managed by the Duke Farms Foundation, whose mission is to encourage visitors to connect with nature, promote environmental stewardship, and provide opportunities for research and education. It is not difficult to understand why Duke Farms is such a well-liked destination among both out-of-towners and those who live in the area.
The estate is home to a large number of different species of wildlife, including fish, amphibians, and hundreds of different kinds of birds. The property features over 18 miles of trails and pathways that visitors can explore. These trails and pathways offer breathtaking views of the property’s lakes, forests, and meadows. Hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders are welcome to use the trails, and there are also areas set aside for fishing and picnicking.
The Orchid Range at Duke Farms is one of the most notable features of the property because it is a greenhouse that is home to more than one thousand different orchid species. The range is accessible to the general public and provides guests with the opportunity to gaze in awe at some of the most stunning and unusual flowers in the world.
The Farm Barn Orientation Center is another attraction that should not be missed because it offers an interactive learning experience that is suitable for visitors of all ages. Exhibits at the center highlight the history of Duke Farms, the various species of wildlife that call the property home, and the significance of environmentally responsible agricultural practices. In addition, there is a butterfly house where guests can observe a wide variety of butterfly species in an environment that simulates their natural habitat.
In addition, Duke Farms is home to a number of gardens, each of which possesses a special allure and personality of its own. Orchid Lawn and Horseshoe Garden are two of the most visited areas of the park because they both provide visitors with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape and are brimming with a vibrant assortment of colorful plants and flowers.
The property’s dedication to sustainability is readily apparent throughout, as evidenced by the presence of a significant number of energy-efficient features and sustainable practices. For instance, the estate has installed solar panels that produce renewable energy and has put into place measures to conserve water in order to lessen the impact it has on the surrounding environment.
In addition to the recreational opportunities it provides, Duke Farms is also a significant center for academic study and scientific investigation. Throughout the course of the year, the property plays host to a number of different workshops and programs that are designed to inform guests about the natural world and encourage them to conserve the natural environment. In addition, the Duke Farms Foundation collaborates with educational institutions in the surrounding area to provide students with experiential learning opportunities in the fields of ecology and sustainability.
A program for sustainable agriculture is currently being developed at Duke Farms, which is one of the most exciting ongoing research projects at the farm. The estate is working with regional farmers and food producers to promote sustainable agriculture in the community that surrounds the property. The historic farm buildings on the property are being repurposed so that they can serve as a center for environmentally friendly farming methods.
Additionally, Duke Farms is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the estate and its previous proprietors. The property’s historic buildings have undergone painstaking restoration work and are now available for tours by the general public. The Duke Mansion, which was constructed in the early 1900s and served as the family’s residence for many years, as well as the various outbuildings and cottages that once housed estate workers, are both open for exploration by guests of the property.
Overall, Duke Farms is a destination that is truly one of a kind, thought-provoking, and inspiring in that it provides something for everyone. Duke Farms is an absolute must-see if you find yourself in New Jersey. It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in history or the natural world; if you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is the place to go. Duke Farms is a shining example of how we as a global community can work together to create a more sustainable and harmonious world through its dedication to the preservation of the natural environment, sustainable agriculture, and education.
