Oh Deer! The Sourland Conservancy is partnering with Duke Farms for the next “Talk of the Sourlands.” The Duke Farms Deer Management Program (DMP) is one of the most successful in the state. Prior to 2004, exceedingly high resident deer herd densities on the Duke Farms property resulted in severe ecological degradation, native plant extirpation and a dramatic loss of biodiversity. Over the last two decades Duke Farms has implemented a strategic, aggressive and consistently applied combination of deer management strategies which has resulted in a prolific rebound of native plant communities and overall ecosystem health. Join Mike Bellaus on October 12th to learn about the program’s inception, methodologies and quantifiable results.
Mike Bellaus has been professionally managing both flora and fauna for the purpose of ecological restoration for the last 13 years. He began his tenure at Duke Farms in 2013 where he is the Manager of Habitat Restoration. His primary responsibilities include working with his team to continually improve and measure the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the many habitat types that comprise the 2700+ acre property. Mike specializes in deer management with a focus on herd population reduction as well as deer management program creation and implementation.
The second presentation of the Sourland Conservancy “Talk of the Sourlands” series, Duke Farms Deer Management Program will take place on October 12th, at 7:00 pm at Duke Farms. Seating is limited, but a hybrid model will be implemented, allowing participants to join from the comfort of their own homes.
Admission to all talks is free, but registration is required. Donations are always greatly appreciated. Membership support and donations provide the resources for the Sourland Conservancy to create educational events like this.
