From the Friends of the Drew Forest:
TWO LOCAL FILMMAKERS DOCUMENT THE DREW UNIVERSITY FOREST—
June 29 Community Event
WHO:
Two filmmakers, motivated by the news that Drew University is interested in developing its 53-acre forest, have created short, powerful videos advocating for conservation of the land. Bill Lynch, a documentary filmmaker from Florham Park, saw the “Save the Drew Forest” yard signs and decided he had do do something.
His three-minute video will be screened along with a tree-top view of the Forest, created by Paul Morgan, a Madison-based filmmaker and drone photographer. The event is hosted by the Madison Environmental Commission and Friends of Madison Shade Tree.
WHAT:
The film screenings will be followed by a community meeting. A Drew alum will talk about how the Forest influenced her studies and career choices. Friends of the Drew Forest will explain conservation sales. Break-out groups will brainstorm ways to educate neighbors about the Forest. Homemade cookies will be served.
WHERE:
Madison Community Arts Center, 10 Kings Road, Madison NJ
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 29, 7:30PM
VISUALS (B-Roll) & SOUNDBITES:
Interview filmmakers and Drew alums shaped by their work in forest restoration.
Learn how the Madison Environmental Commission has worked to get six neighboring towns to pass resolutions to preserve the Forest.
Meet the Friends of the Drew Forest team that has gathered more than 13,000 petition signatures through community outreach, social media (1000 instagram followers) and change.org.
WHY:
The 53-acre Drew Forest is a wildlife and recreational corridor that connects to other public parks—Giralda Farms Preserve (purchased with the support of county, municipal and other funds), Loantaka Brook Reservation and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
The Forest is a critical aquifer recharge area for Morris County, purifying drinking water for 30 towns. This ecosystem service is valued at $1,532,336 per year, according to the NJ DEP. Along with other benefits, intact forests remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it, thus mitigating climate warming.
Funds from a public conservation sale would directly benefit Drew, whose students, professors and approximately 500 employees support area restaurants, shops, businesses and medical services.
