Sustainable management of the Duke Forest Teaching & Research Laboratory protects biodiversity, conserves habitat, and ultimately allows the forest to sequester carbon, be resilient in the face of changing climate, and be a refuge for a multitude of living creatures. To support this mission, key efforts in FY 24 have included:

  • Controlling invasive species, such as managing Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna), across eight acres to protect native species and maintain natural ecosystems.
  • Employing prescribed fire to control invasive species, promote native vegetation, and reduce wildfire risks, supporting long-term ecosystem resilience.
  • Facilitating New Hope Creek restoration projects, including reintroducing freshwater mussels, such as the Notched Rainbow Mussel.
  • Monitoring and measuring oak regeneration across the forest since Hurricane Fran (1996).