‘It’s Time to Get This Done’—86 Messages About the Drew Forest

TO THE EDITOR: It’s always great to table at Bottle Hill Day and meet fellow Drew Forest lovers. This year, Friends of the Drew Forest explained that the Forest is not yet saved—despite negotiations between Drew University and the borough, there is no contract for a purchase agreement. We then asked passersby if they’d like to express their thoughts to the Mayor and council and 86 did.

Many of the notes we received centered on the importance of the forest as a recharge area for the Buried Valley Aquifer, which supplies 100 percent of Madison’s drinking water.

Sen. Anthony Bucco wrote, “It’s time to get this done, you have my full support.” And residents wrote, “Mayor Conley, thank you for your efforts to support open space” and “Keep trying! We need more nature in this town and less building.”

We heard from a very special person in Mayor (Bob) Conley’s life, whose note said: “Please listen to your favorite principal. Save the Drew Forest!” The writer, Bob Newhouse, is 100 years old and was the fifth and sixth grade principal when Mayor Conley was enrolled in Madison Public Schools.

My favorite cards were from children. Ana and Duncan, very new wielders of a pencil, came with their parents and wanted to be involved. They block printed their names. Lisa wrote “Animals need a home.” All had smiles and usually picked up the feathers we have on display at our table.

On behalf of Friends of the Drew Forest, I would like to sincerely thank Toni and J&M Home and Garden for lending us an October Glory Maple tree that added a special attraction for our booth.

Of course, none of this would be possible without Lisa Ellis, the Downtown Development Committee and the Madison municipal staff. Many, many thanks, it was a very special year.

MARIJANE LUNDT

Highview Terrace, Madison

Editor’s note: The writer is a board member of the Friends of the Drew Forest.