The Duke Forest and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have been working together as partners since 2023 around the New Hope Creek Restoration Projects. Our mutual goals include protecting and improving habitat within New Hope Creek for freshwater mussels and enhancing the populations of native mussel species. After… Read More
Tropical Storm Chantal brought significant damage to many natural areas in our region, and the Duke Forest was no exception. All six divisions of the Forest sustained damage, with the Korstian Division hit hardest due to intense flooding along New Hope Creek. Water levels there rose to heights not seen… Read More
Duke Forest Executive Director Sara Childs recently gave a keynote address at the Carolina Biodiversity Collaborative (CBC) Annual Symposium, hosted at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. The CBC’s mission is to address the biodiversity crisis by advocating for biodiversity research, promoting education in biodiversity-related careers, and engaging in… Read More
On Wednesday, June 11, Duke Forest staff joined Libby White from the Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab at the Concrete Bridge for the second and final pre-restoration drone flight of New Hope Creek. This flight, along with one from last fall, captured high-resolution LiDAR and visible light data during two… Read More
One of the primary motivations for embarking on the restoration of New Hope Creek is to improve habitat quality and connectivity, particularly for the state threatened Notched Rainbow Mussel (Villosa constricta) and the federally threatened/state endangered Atlantic Pigtoe Mussel (Fusconaia masoni). While the Concrete Bridge over New Hope Creek does have culverts to… Read More
Written by Tyler Gibson, Office of the Duke Forest. As drone technology rapidly evolves, researchers increasingly use these flying tools to gather data where traditional tools and human eyes cannot reach. Lightweight, agile, and equipped with advanced sensors, drones unlock new insights from their unique vantage points. The Duke Forest… Read More
By offering hands-on, place-based learning opportunities, the Duke Forest ignites students’ curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s high school students conducting scientific research for the first time or elementary students discovering the magic of the outdoors, the Forest continues to inspire the next generation of environmental scholars and… Read More
Writing and photographs by Kirsten Khire, University Communications, and Tyler Gibson, Office of the Duke Forest. Three universities. Three distinct research studies. One extraordinary Forest. The Duke Forest, Duke University’s largest outdoor teaching and research laboratory, is more than just a beautiful landscape—it is a dynamic hub for scientific discovery.… Read More
by Jianna Torre Master of Forestry Student In late April 2024, Duke Forest staff and Duke Nicholas School of the Environment Master of Forestry students completed a prescribed burn of a 30-acre hardwood tract in the Hillsboro Division of the Duke Forest. Prescribed fire is a valuable tool for foresters… Read More
Blake Tedder, our Assistant Director of Engagement, shares this letter with the Duke Forest community upon his transition to a new role within Duke’s Office of Climate and Sustainability. March 7, 2024 Dear Duke Forest Supporters, I hope this message finds you well and in touch with natural places that… Read More
