The Duke of Art
By Joanne Kleinle
It has been a long, cold winter and spring is finally within reach. What better way to celebrate spring than to experience the transition in nature in real time? Andy Warhol once said, “I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want.” Duke Farms in Hillsborough is that perfect, unspoiled work of art. Whether you are looking for some outdoor bike exercise, a leisurely stroll through manicured gardens, to learn more about ecology, or to just experience the seasons change by seeing the migratory birds and the blossoming flora, Duke Farms is the place to do it.
The 2,700-acre estate was once the seasonal home for James Buchanan Duke, the tobacco magnate. It was inherited by his daughter, Doris Duke, who was an avid environmentalist with a passion for horticulture, sustainability, and conservation. During her lifetime she maintained the property with that in mind. Upon her death, her will provided that the estate would be used for agriculture, horticulture, research, and as a place for wildlife conservation.
In 2012, her vision became a reality. Duke Farms was open to the public. Its 9 manmade lakes, 5 miles of paved trails that are easily accessible with strollers or for those with limited mobility, 45
buildings, arboretum, greenhouse, meadows, gardens, and waterfalls all serve as a sanctuary not just for the public but for 523 plant species and 247 species of birds.
The spring is an especially magical time at Duke Farms. Visitors can see the migratory birds returning from their winter travels and the meadows are alive with blossoming native wildflowers. Duke Farms offers a wide array of classes for professional development and some for those who are just curious. The diverse topics pertain to ecology, sustainability, and nature. Information and registration are on their website at https://www.dukefarms.org/our-events/.
Duke Farms is a magical place to simply enjoy nature, history, and art. The trails and meadows are lined with wildflowers as winter awakens into spring and the Great Meadow is a thriving home for grassland birds, many of whom are threatened or endangered. The old Hay Barn is transformed into a magnificent sculpture garden. There is an indoor Orchid Range which houses a multitude of tropical and subtropical varieties native to the United States as well as a Meditation Garden over a small red footbridge that has Asian-style gardens and water features.
If you come to Duke Farms on a Saturday, you may encounter one of their professionals offering a “pop-up class” and talking about what is happening at the Farm that day. If you start at the Orientation Center, located in a historic building that was once a hay and horse barn, you can get maps and information. There is also an app with information on all of the trails, history, and wildlife.
Duke Farms’ commitment to sustainability is also evident in the cafe which is open in the Orientation Center. Chef Lauren incorporates ingredients sourced from the farm itself or local to the area. The specials are constantly changing and always fresh. Menu items are based on what is available locally and seasonally.
Admission to Duke Farms is always free. Come and visit the beautiful work of art that nature offers us this spring!