Drew University announces deal to save Drew Forest — again
Drew University on Monday night announced a deal with Madison to preserve the 47.3-acre Drew Forest while allowing the school to sell some of its Madison Avenue property for redevelopment as “multi-family, inclusionary” housing.
A similar-sounding announcement was made in November 2024. That deal amounted to a conceptual “term sheet.” The new statement cites signed agreements, $9 million in state funding, and a planned campaign by the nonprofit Friends of the Drew Forest to raise $5 million to help the borough complete the acquisition after years of talks and litigation.
“It will be the commitment of generous donors of today that will complete the deal to save the forest for generations to come,” Madison Mayor Robert Conley said in the announcement.
The total price tag, contributions from philanthropists, and number of housing units contemplated were not spelled out.
“Additional information regarding implementation, redevelopment planning, and opportunities for public input will be shared as the process advances,” the statement reads. “The Borough of Madison and Drew University remain committed to transparency, public engagement, and ongoing communication as this landmark initiative moves forward.”
The liberal arts school, founded as a Methodist seminary in 1867, is known as the “Campus in the Forest.” It has defended the proposed land sale as necessary to shore up its finances amidst declining enrollment exacerbated by the pandemic. The Friends of the Drew Forest contend the forest’s ecological benefits include recharge for a major aquifer.
When Drew failed to obtain rezoning required for redeveloping its land, it sued Madison, contending the borough should have included Drew acreage when calculating the municipality’s affordable housing quota. That suit was filed in 2022.
Key points from the announcement:
Madison will purchase the 47.3-acre Drew Forest Preserve, guaranteeing it will be protected in perpetuity.
The deal also includes:
Sale of other “surplus” Drew land for multi-family, inclusionary housing
Madison’s acquisition of the Madison House property
The preserved area includes the Drew Forest Preserve and Zuck Arboretum, part of Drew’s 163-acre campus, featuring:
Mature woodlands and glacial ponds
Groundwater recharge for the Buried Valley Aquifer
About 22 acres of public trails
Drew University retains full academic access to the forest for teaching and long-term scientific research.
Here is the full announcement:
Drew University and Borough of Madison Reach Agreement
Regarding the Drew Forest
Madison, NJ — [Jan. 12, 2026] — Drew University and the Borough of Madison announced today the signing of agreements that when implemented will permanently preserve the Drew Forest while allowing for the sale and strategic redevelopment of other university-owned land along Madison Avenue. These agreements represent the culmination of years of collaboration among the University, the Borough, elected officials, and community partners.
Under the purchase agreement the Borough of Madison will acquire the 47.3-acre Drew Forest Preserve to ensure its protection in perpetuity. In addition, the settlement provides for the sale of other surplus university land to support the development of multi-family, inclusionary residential housing, and includes the Borough’s acquisition of the Madison House property.
Madison council members and Drew trustees with Drew President Hilary Link and Mayor Robert Conley (second from right). Photo courtesy of Drew University, Jan. 12, 2026.
The Drew Forest Preserve and Zuck Arboretum—an ecologically significant expanse of mature woodland and glacial ponds located within Drew University’s 163-acre campus—plays a vital regional role. The forest contributes to groundwater recharge for the Buried Valley Aquifer and its preservation delivers environmental benefits and access to approximately 22 acres of public trails. Drew University will retain full access to the forest for academic purposes, including long-term research conducted by faculty and students.
This agreement reflects an historic level of collaboration among municipal leaders, higher education, community advocates, nonprofit partners, and representatives at the local, state, and federal levels including Governor Phil Murphy, Governor-elect and former Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, and U.S. Senators Cory Booker., State Senators Anthony Bucco and John McKeon, Assembly members, county leaders, and the Friends of the Drew Forest. By aligning environmental stewardship, community priorities, and institutional sustainability, the Borough of Madison and Drew University demonstrated how shared problem-solving and sustained dialogue can produce outcomes that are both visionary and practical. The partnership serves as a model for how communities and anchor institutions can work together to achieve long-term public benefit.
“Preserving Drew Forest while responsibly redeveloping surplus campus land for multi-family residential housing is a win for everyone involved,” said Gov. Murphy. “I’d like to congratulate Drew University President Link, Mayor Conley and the Borough of Madison, Governor-Elect Sherrill, Senator Booker, Congressman Kean, Senator Bucco, Senator McKeon, the Morris County Board of Commissioners, Friends of the Drew Forest, local officials, and community and non-profit leaders for working together collaboratively over the past few years to reach this milestone agreement. By aligning community, environmental, preservation, research, and redevelopment goals, Madison Borough and Drew University are setting a model for how our municipalities and anchor institutions of higher education can work together to promote the common good.”
“In Congress, I worked with state and local leaders to deliver millions of dollars in federal funding to preserve the Drew Forest, and I am excited that Drew University and the Borough of Madison have reached an agreement that both protects our natural resources while expanding access to housing that is affordable in Morris County. As Governor-elect, I look forward to continuing to collaborate with community leaders to deliver on the issues that are most important to New Jersey residents,” said Gov.-elect and former Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill.
“This historic agreement is the culmination of years of determined, collaborative work among federal, state, and local stakeholders who share a deep commitment to protecting our invaluable open space,” said Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco. “By permanently preserving this land while allowing for reasonable development elsewhere, this agreement ensures the long-term protection of Drew Forest’s natural beauty and ecological significance. I commend the Borough of Madison and Drew University for striking the right balance between environmental stewardship and community development, and I am proud to have worked with our legislative partners at every level of government to help secure $9 million in State funding that made this agreement possible.”
Mayor Robert Conley expressed his gratitude for the cooperation between the Borough and Drew University, saying, “This agreement is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal. We are thrilled to have reached this major milestone and grateful that the Drew Forest will remain a treasure for our community and region. I would also like to thank the Friends of the Drew Forest for their dedication and advocacy over these last few years, which ultimately helped us get to this point. Special thanks to Dillard Kirby, Ray Chambers, former Governor Tom Kean, and their professional team for their assistance in this joint effort.”
“This milestone ensures the long-term protection of an extraordinary environmental and educational asset while also strengthening the University’s financial foundation and ability to serve future generations of students. This agreement comes at a moment of tremendous excitement and momentum for Drew as a national leader in innovating a liberal arts education for the future,” said Drew University President Hilary Link, PhD. “I am deeply grateful for the partnership with the Borough of Madison and look forward to our continued collaboration for the vibrant future of Madison and Drew University.”
At the signing ceremony Mayor Conley and President Link highlighted the Friends of Drew Forest’sprivate fundraising goal of $5 million to complete Madison’s purchase package. As Mayor Conley stated, “It will be the commitment of generous donors of today that will complete the deal to save the forest for generations to come.” Now that a settlement has been reached the Friends are poised to launch the campaign
Additional information regarding implementation, redevelopment planning, and opportunities for public input will be shared as the process advances. The Borough of Madison and Drew University remain committed to transparency, public engagement, and ongoing communication as this landmark initiative moves forward.