HAPPENINGS:   ​Fall Programs at Brightwood!

October 16!
History Tour of Brightwood


Led by FOBP's own historian, Rob Lombard

Saturday October 16
​ 10:00-11:30

Join Rob for a tour of Brightwood Park highlighting the history of the AfricanAmerican community that lived in what is now our beautiful nature preserve!
One hour walking tour.

Note:  We will be walking off trail at times.   Wear sturdy shoes.    Protect yourself from insects and poison ivy with long pants.

" Before It Became a Park, It Was A Neighborhood"

We are limiting this event to 12 adults (14 & up). Registration is required.

Fee:  $5 per family donated that day to “Friends of Brightwood Park” .


The History Tour is offered through the Westfield Recreation Department.  Please sign up HERE

If you have trouble registering, contact us at FriendsOfBrightwoodPark@gmail.com
  Friends of Brightwood Park
Fall Education Programs
  • October 21:  Picture This:  Leaf Drawing with Different Kinds.  Make a seasonal bookmark
  • ​November 18th:  Blow Wind Blow!  Make your Own Wind Chimes
  • December 9th:  Let it Snow:  Make paper Snowflakes and a Pine Cone Garland
​Source: Exploring Nature: Activity Book for Kids by Kim Andrews
Class Schedule:
     10 to 10:45 AM      2 - 3 year olds with adult
     11 to 11:45 AM        4 - 5 year olds
​     3:30 to 4:30 PM   6 - 8 year olds

​(ages 2-3 must be accompanied by an adult)
Keep checking this site for new on a special Halloween Event on October 30th!
Registration for these programs at https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/westfield-nj/catalog.

Jack O Lantern Trail
Friday 10/29 5-6

Join Friends of Brightwood Park for a fun forest Halloween event!
Come in costume.
  • Walk the trail through Brightwood Park and enjoy the Jack O Lanterns scattered through the woods.
  • Each family can search for the Halloween decorations amongst the Jack  O Lanterns, a Halloween scavenger hunt.
  • Decorate bags at the picnic tables, then...
  • Trunk n Treat along the trail, that is tree trunks.
Register through Westfield Recreation Department, HERE.
$15 donation per family at sign in.
HELP with SETUP?   ​🎃  
​Come by the home of Leslie and Jim Lewis at 140 W. Dudley Ave on 
Wednesday October 27 between 5 and 7 pm
to carve pumpkins with the Friends of Brightwood Park 
RSVP 
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UPDATE:  The outlook for the health of Brightwood Pond has improved  the installation of aerators by the town

Friends of Brightwood Park is working closely with the town of Westfield to improve  the health of the ponds.  The town is moving ahead with significant improvements to address low oxygen levels seen last summer.  .  More Details
CHECKOUT
Brightwood Kids Page
Spooky Spiders, Herons at Brightwood and a Mouse Cookie Recipe

​
Be a Nature Detective!!

History of Brightwood Park

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.  Learn MORE.
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Hats are great for touring Parakeets!

Hats! Tees!  Lawn signs!

Shop Brightwood
Back by popular demand!

​Beautiful hats and Tee Shirts - all emblazoned with our Green Heron logo - are  available for purchase. 

​ Send your orders ASAP!
See our new Brightwood Shop
Lawn Signs are IN! 
SHOP Lawn signs and we'll let you know the next pick up time.

You Can Make a Difference

Phil and JPL recommend this presentation on biodiversity and how you can make a difference in your own lawn.
Don't Miss Doug Tallamy's Presentation on Biodiversity and replacing Invasive Species
See a spotted Lantern Fly?  Squash it!!

​Alert:  Spotted Lantern Flies all already in Brightwood.  If you see one, kill it and report it to the State.

Science Friday podcast about the Lantern Fly
Help Stop the Spread of the Invasive Lantern Fly!
More Information

HISTORY

Brightwood Park was acquired by the town in the 1960's with Green Acres grants. Later, in the 1980's, Green Acres funding was used to dredge the pond and develop a picnic area and path system.   more

INVASIVE SPECIES

Browsing deer destroy native plants and allow invasive species to expand rapidly.  This "benign neglect" leads to a loss of biodiversity and habitat for native plants and animals.  The park is at a critical stage now.  more

VISIT BRIGHTWOOD PARK

Brightwood Park is on Prospect Street - just up the road from Franklin Elementary School.

Car and Bike parking is available.

Preserve a Quiet Walk in the Park

The Friends of Brightwood Park Organization is working hard to preserve the park, and make it a lovely and interesting and peaceful destination for all.

See more information about the park ecology  

Make a Donation to Support the Work of the Friends of Brightwood Park

Download the latest FOBP Newsletter.   And the newest Brightwood Kids Newsletter.