By Tyler Barth for TAPintoMadison

During the public forum during Monday's Madison Council meeting, several members of the community spoke about the 45-acre Drew Forest Preserve, located on the Drew University campus.

Lisa Leone of Denville praised Madison town council for their support in preserving Drew University’s campus. According to Leone, the Drew Forest symbolizes the university and provides the university with a positive culture. 

“Imagine explaining to future students that despite us being called the Forest and our mascot is the bear, we don’t have a forest,” she said.

This comes after a possibility arose of the University selling off parts of the Forest for development.

According to Mayor Conley, the town council recently had a meeting with Drew University, and while details of the meeting are private, he noted the meeting was positive.

A conservation petition is currently at 8,104 signatures, with a goal of 10,000.

“We ask that you join us to help permanently protect the entire Forest Preserve and the countless benefits it provides and at the same time help Drew, known as the University in the Forest, continue its educational mission for years to come,” the petition says.

Residents Lisa Garballo and Molly Einhorn also provided input, both supporting the preservation project.