• Is the Forest saved?

    If you’re confused, we understand.

    On Feb. 6, Judge Hansbury issued an unfortunate ruling saying the Forest is largely developable. The Borough of Madison is appealing; the Friends have issued a statement correcting some of the court’s assertions. Meanwhile, Drew and the Borough say they will continue settlement negotiations. What we all need: a purchase contract.

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The biodiverse 53-acre Drew Forest in Madison, New Jersey is at risk.

Join us—and 15,000+ petition signers—to help preserve the Forest as open space. Learn why a market-value conservation sale is a win-win for the public and Drew University’s financial future. 

How can you help?

The Friends of the Drew Forest is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by environmental leaders from Madison and neighboring towns, dedicated community volunteers and Drew University alumni.

Our vision is that the Drew Forest Preserve will be permanently protected as open space through a conservation sale that will strengthen Drew University and its financial future. Instead of selling to a developer, we propose a win-win: If Drew works with Madison Borough to sell this special land for full market value to a conservation buyer, Drew could benefit financially while securing the Forest for student and public use.

Recent News

Featured Media

Prominent Ecologist Calls for Preserving the Drew Forest

Dr. Douglas Tallamy, entomologist, wildlife ecologist, best-selling author of Nature’s Best Hope, and co-founder of the Homegrown National Park movement, has released a special video that lauds the biodiverse Drew Forest as “regionally important” and “an urban forest of exceptional value.” He says,“It’s extremely important, that all parties come together to preserve the Drew Forest.”

Learn about the biodiversity oasis that is the Drew Forest Preserve, located on Drew University’s campus in Madison, New Jersey.

Videographer Paul Morgan used a drone to show what the Drew Forest looks like from a bird's perspective.

The Legacy of the Drew Forest by Bill Lynch, an independent filmmaker from Florham Park.

15,000+ Petition Signatures

Our petition calls on the officials of Madison, surrounding towns, Morris County, the State of New Jersey, and Drew University to work together to achieve the goal of a permanently preserved Drew Forest.

Make a donation.

Donate today to support our critical and indispensable efforts to permanently preserve the Drew Forest. Your donation will support our tireless education and outreach. We are currently working to obtain further independent analyses of the Drew Forest from leading environmental experts to investigate the Forest’s environmentally significant attributes at risk of being lost forever to development.

With your help, we’ll get the additional data necessary to:

  • Protect the Drew Forest from development;

  • Apply for conservation funding;

  • Manage the Drew Forest when it is preserved as open space for all to enjoy.

Follow our journey.