Teams of experts on local flora and fauna will gather on the morning of Sunday, June 26, as Duke Farms hosts its second “BioBlitz,” a one-day treasure hunt to identify and record species of plants and animals found on the property. Members of the public are invited to share in the spirit of discovery by participating in programs that day.
The public may visit a staging area for the researchers that will be set up near the Visitors Center between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to view the work that is going on and to learn about the latest discoveries as teams report in. There will be a special focus on birds, butterflies and plants, including mushrooms and fungi.
Participating organizations include N.J. Audubon, N.J. Mycological Society, South Branch Watershed Association, North Jersey Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association and the N.J. Invasive Species Strike Team.
Visitors may participate in these programs:
Beginner Bird Walk, 8 to 10 a.m. Designated an “important bird area” by N.J. Audubon, a total of 226 species of birds have been identified at Duke Farms. On this naturalist-led walk, learn about the basics of bird identification and see some of the species being recorded during the BioBlitz.
Explorations in the Stream, 10 to 11 a.m. Join naturalists to explore Duke’s Brook and look for plants and animals in the stream and surrounding habitat. Learn how streams are good indicators of ecosystem health.
Tree Walk, 11 a.m. to noon. See specimen trees on a one-hour walk and learn tips on tree identification and how local trees have been impacted by climate change.
Fungus Foray, 1 to 2 p.m. Learn where to look for varieties of mushrooms and fungi and how to identify them and learn about their role in the ecosystem.
Butterfly Meadow Walk, 2 to 3 p.m. Join experts on a walk through native wildflower meadows to search for species of butterflies and the plants on which they rely.
These programs are free, but advance registration is requested at www.dukefarms.org. Participants should wear sturdy walking shoes and may wish to bring binoculars, sunscreen and insect repellant.
The “Walk on the Wild Side,” a 1.25-mile self-guided nature trail that winds through woodlands and native meadows, will remain open for visitors during the BioBlitz.
Results of the BioBlitz will be posted on Web at www.dukefarms.org.
Duke Farms is located at 80 Route 206 South in Hillsborough, about 1.75 miles south of the Somerville traffic circle. Enter via the gate at Dukes Parkway East.
The 2,700-acre property is one of the largest privately owned parcels of undeveloped land in the state. The mission of Duke Farms is to be a model of environmental stewardship in the 21st century.

