Happy February!
​

Walking Brightwood Park can be beautiful...and, turn up some unexpected surprises
photos by Kevin Redden and Chuan-Chu Chou

of interest.....

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
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.  
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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.
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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.
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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!

RUTGERS Environmental Steward Program

The 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 Kids

Our educational monthly classes are each a different theme and encourage children to explore the natural setting at Brightwood Park


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
​

For more information and to sign up, see

Westfield Recreation Page
Here is a peek of what we are working on (subject to change!):

March 2    
 Read Across America Story Walk

March 16  
 Spring is in the Park

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..

Volunteers Needed!

  • Invasive Species removal - Wednesdays at 10 AM
  • Help with posting  Friends of Brightwood Park activities on Social Media
  • ​f you are interested in helping with our programs, please email FriendsOfBrightwoodPark@gmail.com..

viewpoints

Daily Reflections on Nature

After the recent rainfall and the change of temperature, the leaves started to turn colorful.  Autumn is here!
-Chaun-Chu Chou 
​-more-

New Life and new purpose...Join FOBP for  love of nature and comaraderie!

We are coming up on our second year anniversary!  We have accomplished much in the past two years but have a long way to go to fulfill our mission of a restored and biodiverse nature park.
​-Denise Ricci
  -more-
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.
 check back here for updates!
Samuel Jarvis, 76, of Fanwood Ave (now part of Brightwood Park).

 
Check back for new Dates

History Tour of Brightwood​

Friends of Brightwood Park Gear

NEW!   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
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​​​
General Membership is Free and includes a quarterly newsletter
​Help Preserve Natural Spaces
​Become a Member!