Breaking: A Giant Step to Preserve the Forest
Madison and Drew take a huge first step towards a purchase agreement. We applaud their hard work and thank all of you who've been at our side.
“Landmark” Agreement: It Wouldn’t Have Happened Without You
A term sheet has been signed to preserve the Drew Forest. According to a joint press release sent out by the Borough of Madison and Drew University, “This agreement marks a significant step forward in the collective effort to protect this vital natural resource for generations to come. The agreement, which involves the Borough of Madison purchasing the Drew Forest for preservation in perpetuity, also paves the way for the sale of additional university land for the development of multi-family, inclusionary residential housing units, with the Borough also acquiring ownership of frontage along Madison Avenue, including Madison House.”
There’s still more to be done, but we applaud the hard work of the Borough and University leaders and thank all of you who’ve written letters, showed up in court and kept our spirits high these past three-and-a-half years. If you can donate to help us with ongoing expenses, we’d be grateful.
Read more:
NJ.com: N.J. university will sell beloved forest in ‘landmark’ deal
Madison Eagle: Agreement reached for Madison to purchase, preserve Drew Forest
Morristown Green: Madison and Drew announce 'landmark' deal to save Drew Forest, while paving way for development
$1 Million in Good News
Remember going to the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund meetings last year? Well, without a peep from us, the committee has recommended allocating $1 million to the Forest—on top of the $5 million grant approved in 2023! We’re thrilled and extend a huge thank you to Mayor Conley and Morris County’s environmental leaders. Read more here.
And Now for the Bad News
You probably heard that a brush fire broke out at the Drew Forest in October. It was spotted by the Greystone Fire Station in Denville and quickly contained by the NJ Forest Service, the Madison Fire Department and neighboring firefighters.
Despite two acres being affected, losses to mature trees appear minimal. As for the understory, Dr. Sara Webb says it’s hard to assess since small trees are already bare. But one thing we know for sure: It’s a good thing that two acres of invasive Chinese wisteria vines (below right) were removed in the Forest restoration. They would have served as a ladder to the canopy, making the damage much worse.
How Did Wisteria Vines Invade the Forest?
They flew in from suburban yards, courtesy of birds. Once in open space, wisteria grows rapidly, wraps around trees, cuts through bark and strangles trees. If you own non-native wisteria, consider replacing it for the sake of the forests and parks near you. It’s horrible to remove once it spreads—just ask Dr. Sara Webb and the Drew students who tackled the job.
What Can You Do to Help?
We are an all-volunteer run organization. Your constant support, whether it’s liking a post on social media, sharing Forest photos or opening this newsletter, keeps us going. What we need right now are additional funds to help cover operational expenses. We could also use social media help and we welcome volunteers to share their love of the Forest at council meetings (we have a three-year unbroken streak of commenting). Your voice can still make a difference.
Reach out using our contact us form and follow us on instagram!
