Last-minute details are dominating the minds of Duke Farms officials, who will open about 1,000 acres of the 2,700-acre property to the public, starting Saturday.
The former estate, once the home to the Duke family of tobacco and energy fame, will expand its educational programs and recreational opportunities.
Visitors will be able to explore 18 miles of new trails through woodlands and meadows and past lakes and waterfalls. More than two dozen interpretive signs and audio tours explain the history of the property, the significance of the native habitat and the stewardship practices in use.
The opening-day ceremonies will take place in the orientation center, located on Duke’s Parkway West between Route 206 and Roycefield Road. The foundation has renovated the century-old Farm Barn, a 22,000-square-foot former horse and dairy barn that has been renovated using the highest energy standards in building materials and daily use.
Activities will include a bird walk, fun run, bike ride, program on bald eagles, tethered balloon rides, walks to look for mushrooms and swamp animal life. Open-air artists will paint landscapes, 20 rain barrels will be decorated, visits to the organic community garden visits are encouraged and you can learn how to transplant a native plant.
On Sunday, there will be a program on bats, geocaching and bird, tree and meadow walks.
All activities are free, although many programs require advance registration as space is limited. Events are rain or shine, though some events may be rescheduled for Sunday if it rains.
Visitors may walk, bicycle or roller blade into the cultural core of the former estate, or hop aboard a two-carriage tram that will take them into the core area north of Duke’s Parkway West, where the trail network will be open.
The site offers four miles of paved lanes that are wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, and cyclists are welcome to bike more than 12 miles of paved and gravel paths.
Picnic tables are available at several locations, but there is a carry-in, carry-out policy, so visitors should bring along trash bags to carry out refuse. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed and pets are prohibited in deference to the native wildlife.
The tram will stop at only three locations in the core of the property, to encourage walking, biking and strolling.
Recreational activities include a GeoTrail that will open on Sunday, May 20. Visitors should bring their GPS to find 11 geocaches located on the site; those who do will receive a commemorative Duke Farms token.
7:30 to 9 a.m.: Bird Walk. Learn about the birds of Duke Farms and some identification tips on this walk. Advance registration is required. Meets at the Farm Barn.
8:30 to 10 a.m.: 5K Fun Run. Scenic run through the core of the property. Advance registration is required. Check-in for registrants is 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Freedom Ride trailer located adjacent to the Farm Barn.
11 to 11:30 a.m.: Grand opening ceremony at the Farm Barn.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Family and Friends Bike Ride. Six-mile light bike ride for families. Advance registration required.
12:30 to 3 p.m.: Tethered Hot Air Balloons. Gain a new perspective when you view Duke Farms from the air. Balloons will be located near the Farm Barn and in the vicinity of the Orchid Range.
1 to 2 p.m.: Program, “Bald Eagles: Back from the Brink,” with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. Advance registration is required. Meets in the Farm Barn classroom.
2 to 3 p.m.: In “Fungus Foray” program, join members of the N.J. Mycological Association on a walk to learn about mushrooms and fungi; learn where to find them, how to identify them and about their role in the ecosystem. Advanced registration is required. Meet at the Farm Barn orientation center.
3 to 4 p.m.: Swamp Slog. Bring your boots and join us on a search of the wetlands for frogs, insects and other fun creatures with a naturalist from N.J. Audubon. Advance registration is required. Meet at the Farm Barn orientation Center.
All-day activities on Saturday:
Paint Out: Artists from the New Jersey Society of En Plein will paint landscape locations throughout the property.
One Barrel at a Time: Local artists will paint 20 rain barrels. Vote for your favorite at the Partner Tent.
Seeds of The Future: Join staff horticulturalists and learn how to transplant a native plant to then take home. Outside the Farm Barn.
Community garden open house: Visit with gardeners and see organic gardening in practice. Garden representatives will be there to answer questions.
Partner Tent: Enjoy exhibits and hands-on activities hosted by Rutgers University, New Jersey Audubon, Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, The American Chestnut Foundation, The New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team.
Door prizes: Two bicycles will be given away. Register at the Farm Barn. You need not be present to win.
Activities on Sunday, May 20
8:30 to 9:30 a.m.: Bird Walk. Learn about the birds of Duke Farms and some identification tips on this walk. Advance registration is required. Meets at the Farm Barn.
10 to 11 a.m.: Tree Walk. Join us for a leisurely walk with a certified tree expert and learn how to identify tree varieties, their leaf characteristics and their roles in the ecosystem. Advance registration is required. Meets at the Farm Barn.
1 to 2 p.m.: Discover Bats! Representatives from the New Jersey Bat Sanctuary will be on hand to help dispel common myths about bats. Learn about the how bats benefit humans and learn about a new threat to their survival in our area due to White-nose Syndrome. And, meet a bat in person! Advance registration required. Meets in the Farm Barn classroom.
2 to 3 p.m.: Meadow Walk. Explore a restored meadow in search of butterflies, bees and other valuable insects and wildlife. Bring your digital camera for tips on photographing and identifying the insects of the meadow. Appropriate dress, long pants and boots are recommended. Advance registration is required. Meets at the Farm Barn.
Beginning May 19, Duke Farms will be open six days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at no fee. It closes on Wednesdays.
For a schedule of opening-day activities or to register for programs, visit www.dukefarms.org.

