The Duke Forest, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and Duke Campus Farm all serve as outdoor classrooms where climate and sustainability principles are brought to life. They engag with the Durham and Orange Country communities, cultivate connections with nature, and prepare students to be climate-conscious leaders.

  • In 2023-24, Duke Forest staff led field trips and tours for a number of courses, including Let’s Talk About Climate Change and Restoration Ecology. Forest staff also hosted the Health and Environmental Scholars Program and a session on habitat connectivity.
  • Duke Gardens held 97 programs for over 4,500 participants during the same time period, covering diverse topics like Yoga for Community Resilience, basket weaving, and a Native Plant Solutions series. Duke students support these programs as assistants and participants.
  • Duke Campus Farm opened its doors to the Duke and Durham communities every Friday afternoon for workdays, reaching over 400 participants who engaged in sustainable practices and carbon-sequestering farming.