Duke Farms

Situated along the banks of the Raritan River in Hillsborough, New Jersey, Duke Farms serves as a natural gathering place for both global leaders and local neighbors to spark change. This 2,700-acre campus—comprising farmland, restored habitats, high-quality grasslands and peri-urban ecosystems—welcomes scientists, students and land managers to collaborate on scalable conservation solutions that enhance ecosystem services, biodiversity and resilience.

While it was originally constructed by James Buchanan Duke as a private residence, it was the vision of his daughter, Doris Duke, that fully transformed Duke Farms into a center of horticulture, conservation and sustainability. Building on her legacy, we continue to restore ecosystems, address critical challenges at the intersection of working lands, biodiversity and climate, and engage communities and partners through innovative research, nature-positive land use practices and collaborative learning.

The entire campus operates under an ambitious natural systems energy plan, specifically conceived to demonstrate how institutions, municipalities and landowners can decarbonize operations and build long-term resilience in ways that prioritize nature and work in real-world conditions. Today Duke Farms is powered by 100% clean electricity generated through our on-site solar array and battery systems.

Duke Farms also stands as a natural gathering place where mission-aligned organizations, environmental leaders and nature-loving visitors come together in a shared commitment to sustainability and conservation. With its expansive campus of restored habitats and innovative programming, Duke Farms offers an inspiring backdrop for convenings that spark collaboration, creativity and meaningful dialogue. Whether hosting educational workshops or strategic retreats, Duke Farms cultivates connections that grow stronger through nature.