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History Tours of Brightwood
The Brightwood area was once a center of African American society in NJ. The Friends of Brightwood, in an effort led by Rob Lombard, has begun to explore and document this history.
2023 Dates
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Samuel Jarvis, 76, of Fanwood Ave (now part of Brightwood Park).
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Brightwood Park Discovery Day!On May 6, Friends of Brightwood plan to pull out all the stops so that folks can experience what the park has to offer, with a schedule of events all day long, beginning at 7 am with a birding walk. Also photography, history and nature walks, pollinator gardens, meditation & forest bathing...even a fairy house hunt. We invite you to experience the transformation of Brightwood Park!
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Early Spring at Brightwood Park
Signs spring are popping up all over the place at Brightwood.
photos by Chuan-Chu Chou
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Re-establishing Native PlantsThe Seedling Project is Launched in FebruaryFOBP has begun a multi-year effort to re-establish native plants in the park. We have spread seeds in various locations where invasive plants once created monocultures. The goal is to prevent soil erosion while incresing biodiversity and creating habitat for wildlife. We expect the full bounty of colors and flowers in 2024, but look for some Black-Eyed Susans and Partridge Pea blooming yellow this spring and summer.
"What an amazing group of people! We finished in two days what we thought would take four! After two years of working to remove invasive plants, it was very gratifying to re-introduce native plant seeds in the park. We were able to seed in a variety of areas with different seed mixes to complement sun and shade, wet and dry soil conditions. It will be exciting to see what pops up this spring but even more so when these plants mature in future years. " -DR
"It was a wonderful experience working with you all! I have learned so much. I am looking forward to learning more and working with you all more.
What a terrific group of people this team is!” - new member, Bobby |
of interest.....
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2023 NATIVE PLANT SALE is on!!
...start planning your piece of the network of yards... Our yards have the power to provide critical habitat for threatened bird and insect populations and also provide us with beautiful flowers. Create your own important part of the region-wide network of yards that support a sustainable ecosystem – a Homegrown National Park™.
Finding a good selection of appropriate native plants can be difficult., but we make it easier by providing a selection of native plants suited to our local soils and climate . Next Webinar: Evening Briefing: Wasps – The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect Date: February 21 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Zoom Webinar in partnership with the Westfield Green Team
MORE INFORMATION |
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Duke Farms Master Ecology Program
This program is highly recommended by members of the Green Team, who took the course last year. The Master Ecologist certification course is an adult education series designed for environmental educators, land managers and stewards, private landowners, natural resource professionals, and community members with a passion for our natural environment.
Starts Feb 2
MORE INFORMATION |
Conservation Projects at Brightwood Park from the Scouts and Local Students
Several exciting and thoughtful projects are underway up at Brightwood this fall from scouts and student conservationists, They are tackling the hard tasks of documenting the effects of invasive species, working towards reforestation, pollinator gardens and protecting young trees from deer. We will keep you posted on the results of these efforts.
Learn more at PERSPECTIVES ON THE PARK.
Learn more at PERSPECTIVES ON THE PARK.
Oliver Agar is working on an Eagle Scout project to work on re-forestation of an area in the park which was infested with knotweed. He'll be overseeing the planting and care of sugar maple and white oak saplings.
Adrian Gripp is analyzing two sections of the forest to study the impact of invasive plants on forest regeneration. He is working onhis Eagle Scout project.
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Cameron Linenberg will soon present a further proposal to the Recreation Commission to protect young saplings from deer rubbing their forehead and antlers on trees which can damage trees.
Last spring, Edison Middle School students Mahie Panjwani and Madeline Schlitzer helped FOBP plant pollinator gardens in the park. We are looking forward to their next projects!
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RUTGERS Environmental Steward ProgramThe program brings in lots of guest speakers from Rutgers, government, and other sectors who are experts in their fields - it's highly recommended from FOBP members and friends who have completed the program.
For more information go to: https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/ |
Nature Classes for KidsOur educational monthly classes are each a different theme and encourage children to explore the natural setting at Brightwood Park
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A Nature Detective at Work
For children ages 2 through 8 years: 10:00 to 10: 45 a.m. - ages 2 -4 (must be accompanied by a parent) 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. - ages 4 -8 registration is required |
Here is a peek of what we are working on (subject to change!): April 13 Plants and vegetables May 18 Forest Bathing and meditation June 8 Dirt + Water = Mud We are also working with Lincoln School to hold an event on April 20. If you are interested in helping with our programs, please email FriendsOfBrightwoodPark@gmail.com.. |
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Volunteers Needed!
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viewpoints
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The Brightwood area was once a center of African American society in NJ. The Friends of Brightwood, in an effort led by Rob Lombard, has begun to explore and document this history.
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Samuel Jarvis, 76, of Fanwood Ave (now part of Brightwood Park).
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Friends of Brightwood Park GearNEW! Friends of Brightwood Park totes!
Whether you need a beautiful, sturdy full colored embroidered canvas tote, or a simple keep-in-the-car reusable bag, you can look great and show your support for Westfield's beautiful natural park. And don't miss the terrific hats and tee's!. Get your Brightwood Park Gear today! THANK YOU!!
to our wonderful models, Veronica and Samantha, and their parents, Mark and Yvette Rizzolo. AND to James Napoli and Britta Greene for the photo shoot at Brightwood Park |
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Friends of Brightwood Park are working to:
- preserve & restore the park as a nature sanctuary
- remove invasive species that threaten native plants & trees
- promote hiking, walking, fishing, birdwatching and activities in harmony with the habitat
- offer nature and art programs for all ages