Management >> Significant cultural & ecological areas
Duke Forest contains many areas with significant ecological or cultural value. These areas are protected from management activities or uses that would threaten their continued existence.
Significant cultural areas
Duke Forest contains many remnants of the past. Stone chimneys and foundations of homes, wells and cemeteries dot the forest. Special care is taken when conducting management activities in the vicinity of these sites so as to not harm their integrity.
One such historical site is the Alexander Hogan Plantation, which is located in the Blackwood Division. The plantation site was formally listed in the National Register of Historic Places in March 1996. During the Civil War period, the plantation, which covered approximately 12 acres, was owned and operated by Mr. Alexander Hogan. He and his family farmed the land with 8 working slaves. Duke acquired the tract in several parcels from 1944 to 1945. At the time of sale, no records of standing structural remains were present. Today the site is primarily marked by foundation remains of at least 4-5 structures and a cemetery marked by a low stone wall enclosure. The site has received some preliminary archaeological work, such as general surveys, mapping and auguring.The site has the potential to address several anthropological questions regarding plantation life in Orange County and slavery social structure.
Significant natural areas
In the fall of 2004, twelve separate sites on the Duke Forest totaling 1,220 acres were included in the North Carolina Registry of Natural Heritage Areas, www.ncnhp.org. The registry agreement between Duke University and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources states that it is the intention of Duke University to maintain the land for the perpetuation of the natural communities and rare species populations.
Registration of these areas is consistent with the Forest's comprehensive management plan, which aims to provide research and teaching areas where human disturbance is minimized. However, selective forest thinning and prescribed burning may be needed in some of the registered areas to perpetuate populations of certain rare plant species.
Couch Mountain, Bald Mountain, Meadow Flats and areas along New Hope Creek and the Eno River are among the locations enrolled in the program. While these sites have been managed for many years to preserve their significant natural values, the Natural Heritage Registry offers a formal recognition of the University's commitment to good stewardship of its most significant natural lands.
