Duke Forest

With around 43,000 dog visits each year, responsible recreation is essential to protecting the Duke Forest’s role as a teaching and research laboratory. All dogs must remain leashed and stay on established roads and trails. Even a single paw stepping off-trail can damage sensitive native wildflowers, disturb wildlife habitat, or impact ongoing research. Keeping all dogs on leash is not only a Forest rule – it is a county ordinance in both Durham and Orange Counties.

Leashing your dog also helps ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all visitors. By following Forest rules and encouraging others to do the same, you help protect this special place.

Volunteer Highlight: Bob Waggoner and Rise Rusher

When Bob Waggoner and Rise Rusher moved to Durham from Indiana in 2023, they were eager to explore the area's hiking and biking opportunities. After attending one of the first post-COVID Duke Forest management tours, they quickly found themselves becoming part of the Duke Forest community.

Since then, Bob and Rise have participated in the Forest Steward and Community Scientist Herpetofauna programs, attended research tours and annual gatherings, and volunteered their time to support stewardship projects across the Forest. Bob has also joined the ad hoc Steward Field Crew, helping staff with maintenance projects and even participating in a deer survey. Through it all, they have embraced opportunities to learn, serve, and connect with fellow volunteers and staff.

Reflecting on their experience, Bob shared, "The Duke Forest team is full of wonderful folks who are a joy to be around. We are very grateful to be allowed to join with them as we've learned so much and met so many great people."

Join us in thanking Bob and Rise for their enthusiasm, dedication, and support of the Duke Forest mission.

From Trail Walks to Picnic Shelters, Duke Forest Offers Room to Recharge | Duke Today Image Duke Forest consists of roughly 7,100 tree-covered acres. Photo by Travis Paul. Caption Close Image Duke Forest consists of roughly 7,100 tree-covered acres. Photo by Travis Paul. From Trail Walks to Picnic Shelters, Duke Forest Offers Room to Recharge Ahead of National Trails Day on June 6, e...

Please join us in welcoming Lige Nie as the 2026 Roberts Management Intern!

Lige is pursuing dual Master of Forestry and Master of Business Administration degrees at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and Fuqua School of Business, with a focus on the intersection of sustainable land management and sustainable finance. She was drawn to the Roberts Management Internship for its immersive approach to forestry operations and mentorship opportunities with Duke Forest staff.

As the Roberts Management Intern, Lige will support a wide range of forest management activities throughout the summer, including field operations, inventory work, infrastructure and boundary maintenance, and stewardship initiatives across the Duke Forest.

We are excited to have Lige on the team this summer and to support her continued growth as an emerging forestry professional!

Butterflies are more than colorful signs of spring. They are important indicators of ecosystem health! During a recent Duke Forest event, community members joined butterfly expert Jeff Pippen to learn how scientists and volunteers track butterfly populations across the Carolinas.

Guests explored the differences between butterflies and moths, butterfly species identification, and the role these insects play in healthy habitats. The morning concluded with a guided survey walk through the forest, where participants spotted several native species while experiencing community science in action.

Read more about the event: https://dukeforest.duke.edu/2026/05/19/brushing-up-on-butterflies-in-the-duke-forest/

Photos courtesy of Susan Reeves

The Duke Forest recently welcomed the 2026–2027 cohort of Duke University’s CAST Fellows Program for a hands-on exploration of climate and sustainability education in action. The Climate and Sustainability Teaching (CAST) Fellows Program supports faculty as they redesign courses to incorporate climate and sustainability concepts through interdisciplinary, place-based learning experiences. By equipping educators with new tools and perspectives, the program helps prepare students to address pressing environmental and societal challenges.

During the Duke Forest portion of the workshop, fellows explored long-running research sites, discussed forest management and climate resilience, and examined topics such as wildfire, biodiversity loss, and mesophication. Participants also engaged in creative exercises involving storytelling, writing, movement, and sensory observation to demonstrate how arts-based teaching can deepen engagement with complex environmental issues.

Together, these experiences highlighted the value of experiential learning and reinforced the important role Duke’s natural landscapes play in cultivating future climate and sustainability leaders.

Read more here: https://dukeforest.duke.edu/2026/05/19/duke-forest-hosts-climate-and-sustainability-teaching-fellows/

Green Devil Intern Eddie McDonald, MEM/MF ’26, presented at the Climate and Sustainability Research and Campus Impact Showcase about his internship experience with the Duke Forest. Eddie reflected on the wide range of projects he supported throughout the academic year, strengthening both his field operations and administrative skills as he prepares to enter the job market following his December graduation.

From invasive species removal and recreation monitoring to timber cruising, Eddie’s hard work, adaptability, and positive attitude made a meaningful impact on the stewardship and management of the Duke Forest!

Our friends from the Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing (MaRRS) Lab frequently use our two drone flight facilities. They hone their piloting skills by accruing flight hours, test equipment and research methodologies, and give us a bird’s-eye view of the Forest from above!

Please note: Recreational drone use is not permitted in the Duke Forest. Drone use is reserved for approved teaching and research activities only.

Host your next gathering in the Duke Forest! 🥳🌳

Whether you're planning a graduation party, birthday celebration, work retreat, or casual get-together, the Duke Forest has two scenic shelters available for public rental. Both are conveniently located just off NC-751 and offer a rustic, peaceful setting perfect for connecting with friends, family, or colleagues.

The Bobby Ross, Jr. Memorial Shelter at Gate C features a Duke stone fireplace, picnic tables, a grill, and is located next to the 0.8-mile Shepherd Nature Trail. While this site does not have electricity, it offers a wonderful off-the-grid experience surrounded by nature.

The R. L. Rigsbee Shelter at Gate F includes an outhouse, access to electricity and lights, a grill, several picnic tables, and even a volleyball court! Guests can explore the nearby gravel road trail for a peaceful post-meal walk.

To learn more about each shelter, check availability, and reserve your spot, visit our website: https://dukeforest.duke.edu/recreation/picnicking-receptions/