By: Tina Kelley, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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.

For the forest to be preserved, the university must agree to sell it, a decision tied to the lawsuit it brought against Madison in 2022, essentially seeking clarity over how its land could be used most profitably.

“Madison refused to consider our property for development, when it is legally required to do so,” Drew attorney John Inglesino said at the time. “We should have the right to develop our excess property.”

Drew has said it wants to preserve the forest and also wants the chance to sell two nearby parcels totaling 11 acres for affordable housing. But Superior Court Judge Stephan Hansbury may rule that all three parcels are developable for housing. His decision on the land’s futureis expected in the fall.

About a month ago, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th Dist., and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., requested $5 million in federal funds to help Madison preserve the forest, which is valued for its wildlife and its position above an aquifer used by nearby communities. That amount would be in addition to the $4.1 million the two legislators secured last year.

“I’ve worked arm-in-arm with local elected officials and advocates to protect Drew Forest from development,” Sherrill told NJ Advance Media. “I’m fighting for more federal resources to preserve the Drew Forest – which benefits our environment, drinking water, and community with valuable educational and recreational opportunities.”

The borough has also received a $5 million Open Space grant from Morris County, and is seeking more, said Judy Kroll, co-chair of the nonprofit Friends of Drew Forest, which advocates for the area’s preservation. There are also state Green Acres funds and borough funds available to use to purchase land for preservation as open space, she said.

“We are hopeful and confident that a win-win solution can be attained, and the borough and the university can agree on terms,” she said. “Our role is to be the voice of the forest, and make sure people understand the value of the forest from an environmental standpoint.”

An expert witness hired by the group testified in court about its wetlands, steep slopes, and areas the state Department of Environmental Protection considers habitat for the endangered Indiana bat. In its report, Davey Resources Group concluded, “The Preserve has limited development potential but extremely high value as a preserved open space.

In addition, seven nearby towns and six municipal environmental commissions passed resolutions in support of preserving the forest.

Drew officials issued a statement calling the forest “an invaluable resource” and added, “Our priority continues to be the preservation of the Forest and to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for Drew University.”

Like many small colleges, Drew has experienced financial challenges in recent years, and its enrollment fell 23% from 2019 to 2022.

Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley said the borough hopes the forest could become a park which Drew could continue using as a laboratory for students.

“It is clear that there is universal recognition of the importance of preserving the Drew Forest,” he said.

Conley noted that the borough expects the preservation of Drew Forest to increase Madison’s affordable housing obligations, but a plan to meet them has been developed.

“It is frustrating that in the most populated state in the country, that preserving open space is not given the same priority that is given to providing housing through overdevelopment,” he said. “We must provide affordable housing throughout New Jersey, but if we don’t protect our water recharge and open space, it will be at a price that our state cannot afford to pay.”