DURHAM, N.C. – The 2007 Duke Forest Annual Gathering will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at the New Hope Improvement Association Center in Chapel Hill.

The Annual Gathering is a great way to learn about research and management activities conducted in Duke Forest during the past year. 

This year’s gathering will feature an update by Jane Korest, open space administrator for Durham County, on the implementation of the New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan, a multi-year effort to protect New Hope Creek, which flows from western Orange County into Jordan Lake.

Judson Edeburn, Duke Forest resource manager, will present the annual summary of all research and management activities in the Forest. 

Lorna Wright, a Master of Environmental Management and Master of Forestry candidate at the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, will present highlights of her work on an invasive species management plan for the Forest. 

The 2007 Clarence F. Korstian Award for exemplary support of Duke Forest will be presented to Durham Academy’s Community Service Program, in recognition of their student volunteer activities over recent years.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is strongly encouraged. To register, call (919) 613-8013 or go online at .

Members of the public can also sign up for a tour of Duke Forest research facilities, to be held Friday, October 19 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The tour will leave from the New Hope Improvement Association Center. Transportation to the sites on the tour will be provided.  Space is limited. Advance registration is required.

The New Hope Improvement Association Center is located at 4012 Whitfield Road in Chapel Hill.