The wildflower trail, shown above, is just one of myriad new features at the estate of the late heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke, which opens again to the public on May 19th.
In accordance with Duke's wishes, the 2740-acre property is now an environmental showcase and learning center, with 18 miles of trails winding through the woods and meadows, lakes and other features on the grand estate. In her will, Duke, a lifelong environmentalist who died in 1993, specified that Duke Farms should be used to protect wildlife and also for agricultural and horticultural research.
The old conservatory, known as The Orchid Range, once home to display gardens depicting landscape styles from around the world, is now a LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building with tropical orchids and a coastal plain garden.
An expansive lawn has been transformed into the Great Meadow, and the old farm barn, shown above, is the new visitor orientation center, with a classroom and cafe, also LEED certified.
Doris Duke was the only child of tobacco magnate J.B. Duke, (The Ameican Tobacco Company) one of the wealthiest men in the United States in the early 1900's. With the help of James Greenleaf, who worked in the firm of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, J.B. Duke transformed a landscape of rolling hills into a wonderland of lakes, meadows, waterfalls, streams, and grand vistas. Doris spent most of her life in New York City, but always regarded Duke Farms as her principal residence.
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