Borough of Madison and Drew University Reach Agreement to Preserve Drew Forest and Zuck Arboretum
In the Media Claire Whitcomb In the Media Claire Whitcomb

Borough of Madison and Drew University Reach Agreement to Preserve Drew Forest and Zuck Arboretum

Madison, NJ — The Borough of Madison and Drew University are pleased to announce we have reached a landmark agreement, signing a term sheet to preserve the Drew Forest. 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.   

The Drew Forest Preserve, 51 intact acres with mature trees and glacial ponds on Drew University’s 163-acre campus, is an irreplaceable natural resource because of its unique diversity and features. Providing critical recharge for the Buried Valley Aquifer for 31 municipalities in Morris, Essex, Somerset, and Union counties, the preservation of this forest preserve will be a benefit to Madison and the region. Among these benefits are 22 acres of public trails, impossible-to-replicate carbon sequestration, and unique regional opportunities for education. Under the agreement, Drew University will retain the right to continue to use this land, as it currently does, for educational, research and community purposes. 

Going forward, Drew University and the Borough of Madison will work together toward the closing of the Drew Forest acquisition, and the rezoning and subdivision of two other parcels of university property, with an anticipated closing in the second quarter of 2025.

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Forest fire burns in up to two acres at Drew Forest
In the Media Claire Whitcomb In the Media Claire Whitcomb

Forest fire burns in up to two acres at Drew Forest

Madison Eagle Oct 27, 2024 Updated Oct 29, 2024 

MADISON – A fire that ignited in up to two acres at the Drew Forest was under control Saturday, Oct. 26, according to George Efinger, assistant division warden of Division A in the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

There wasn’t too much damage to the plants or the forest itself, according to Sara Webb, a member of the Friends of the Drew Forest Steering Committee and professor emerita of environmental science and biology at Drew University.

Claire Whitcomb, Madison Environmental Commission Chair, pointed out the Forest has undergone a 15-year restoration, and there were two acres that were choked by Asian wisteria, an invasive species. Had the vines been there, they would have served as ladder to the canopy, she said.

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Friends of the Drew Forest try to deliver poster to President Link, ‘puzzled’ by note on the door
In the Media Claire Whitcomb In the Media Claire Whitcomb

Friends of the Drew Forest try to deliver poster to President Link, ‘puzzled’ by note on the door

By BRETT FRIEDENSOHN Managing Editor, Madison Eagle Oct 21, 2024 Updated Oct 22, 2024

MADISON – Members of the Friends of the Drew Forest were left “puzzled” by a note on the door when they delivered a poster with several signatures supporting forest preservation to the office of Drew President Hilary Link Friday, Oct. 18.

The note, addressed to the Friends, said that Drew University is also committed to preserving the Drew Forest and Zuck Arboretum. The Friends left the poster at the foot of Link’s office door which was locked.

“The ball is currently in Madison’s court to approve the redevelopment of Drew’s non-forest surplus land,” the note said. “As soon as that happens, Drew is eager to move forward with preserving the forest.”

Friends Co-Chair Judy Kroll of Madison said there’s a Planning Board process that has to go forward before anything can be developed on the non-forested surplus land.

“We believe that the university also wants to save the forest, but the process they’re describing and that note on the door is not possible,” Kroll said.

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Madison Urges Drew University to Accept Final Offer 
In the Media Claire Whitcomb In the Media Claire Whitcomb

Madison Urges Drew University to Accept Final Offer 

Madison Urges Drew University to Accept Final Offer 

Total offer valued at $65.1 million 


Madison, NJ – September 9, 2024 – In July, after more than two years of negotiations, the Borough of Madison made a final offer valued at more than $65 million. Unfortunately, Drew has not yet accepted that offer. The Borough implores Drew University leadership and its Board of Trustees to accept this offer without delay. While the offer remains on the table, upcoming deadlines for court filings and the potential expiration of grant funds secured for the purchase of the Forest will mean that the offer will be withdrawn as Madison will not fund lost grants with local tax dollars or debt.  

The Borough’s comprehensive proposal includes acquiring and preserving approximately 51 acres of forested land, including the Zuck Arboretum, Hepburn Woods, and properties along Glenwild and Green Village Roads. Additionally, the offer allows for residential development on other parts of the Drew campus, consisting of both affordable and market-rate apartments.  

Madison has collaborated with various stakeholders, including Federal, State, and County officials, the Friends of the Drew Forest, potential private donors, and the Fair Share Housing Center, to support the forest’s purchase. The Borough continues to negotiate in good faith, as our current offer is, in fact, 30% more than a previous offer made in March 2023.

The Borough extends our gratitude to the Friends of the Drew Forest, the 15,000+ community members who signed the change.org petition, environmental advocates, and various government officials—including Senator Booker, Congresswoman Sherrill, New Jersey Senators Bucco and McKeon, Morris County Commissioners, and members of the Morris County Open Space Committee—who continue to support our efforts. The Borough reaffirms our commitment to protecting the Drew Forest and urges the public to remain engaged in this important cause. 

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Allies push to preserve N.J. college’s treasured forest amid court battle
In the Media Friends of the Drew Forest In the Media Friends of the Drew Forest

Allies push to preserve N.J. college’s treasured forest amid court battle

The 53 acres of the Drew Forest holds six wetland areas, sits above the water supply of 26 towns and is home to an endangered bat. Known as “the University in the Forest,” the woodlands are a refuge for students and staff at Drew University. Now, its supporters are raising millions of dollars to preserve it as open space, while a Morris County judge is deliberating on its future because of a land dispute.

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Ruling to come after Drew Forest trial
In the Media Friends of the Drew Forest In the Media Friends of the Drew Forest

Ruling to come after Drew Forest trial

Several interested parties are waiting on a ruling about Drew University’s challenge to Madison’s affordable housing plan, following a trial at the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown Monday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 21.

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In the Media Friends of the Drew Forest In the Media Friends of the Drew Forest

Drew Forest Case Pauses, Ruling to Come at a Later Date

The legal battle regarding the realistic development potential (RDP) of the Drew Forest has come to a temporary pause. With all evidence submitted and all testimony heard, the public now waits on Superior Court Judge Stephan C. Hansbury to apply his knowledge of Affordable Housing laws and make a ruling, according to Judy Kroll, the co-chair of the Friends of the Drew Forest.

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In the Media Friends of the Drew Forest In the Media Friends of the Drew Forest

Day 1 of Drew Forest Trial: Opening Arguments Heard in Forest Preservation Dispute

The trial involving Drew University Forest and whether or not the Forest should have been included as vacant land in Madison’s 2020 affordable housing plan, commenced on Monday May 20th at the Morristown Court House, presided by Judge Stephan Hansbury. The trial will be focused on the preservation and potential sale of forest property located on Drew University’s campus.

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