Friends of Brightwood Park
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  • Home
  • PRESERVE & RESTORE
    • Ecology >
      • RutgersSiteVisit
      • Ponds
      • Reforestation
    • Invasive Species
    • NativePlants
    • Trails Maintenance
    • Clean Ups
    • ScoutProjects
    • noelTaylor
  • ENJOY
    • Calendar
    • Photos
    • GreenHerons
    • Birding
    • Trail Maps
    • coyotes
  • B W Kids
    • Nature Detectives - the latest news
  • History
    • neighborhood
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Chuan-Chu Chou Blog
    • Perspectives on the Park
    • MemberInfo >
      • archive
    • presidentReport-Jan-21
    • Volunteer Spotlight
    • newsletters
    • PastEvents >
      • Halloween-24
      • brightwoodDay-24
      • Halloween-23
      • halloween-22
      • PleinAirPainting
      • brightwoodDay-23
  • Shop
  • JOIN
  • JPL blog
Noel Taylor was a Westfield High School biology teacher who was instrumental in saving Brightwood Park as a natural area, and used the park to teach geology and ecology.  There is a plaque dedicated to his efforts at the entrance to the parking lot.

He, and his students, meticulously inventoried and documented the species found in Brightwood Park.  

His efforts continue to inspire us today.


​Noel Taylor's Book on the Ecology of Brightwood Park
Newly discovered Brightwood Park History!

40 Year Old TV Interview with Noel Taylor Discovered

 Mark Taylor, Noel Taylor's son have unearthed a TV video clip from the fall of 1983 that included an interview with Mr. Taylor, and parts of a tour he gave to Franklin School students.  

Thank you to Mark and Dinny Taylor for making this video available to the Friends of Brightwood Park, and for their supportive efforts to continue to preserve Brightwood as a natural park.

Enjoy a view into the early days of Brightwood Park!
"A park in Westfield is being threatened.  Vandals break the picnic tables and leave behind rubbish.  Some local residents would like to change the character of the park completely.  But one local resident is trying to preserve it's natural beauty...."  - from the TV Clip, 1983
Picture
NOEL TAYLOR AND BRIGHTWOOD PARK

1983 TV clip Featuring Noel Taylor and his fight to Save Brightwood Park as a Natural Park

"A park in Westfield is being threatened.  Vandals break the picnic tables and leave behind rubbish.  Some local residents would like to change the character of the park completely.  But one local resident is trying to preserve it's natural beauty...."  - from the TV Clip, 1983

Location

Brightwood Park is on the North end of Prospect Street.  Go past Franklin School and look for the entrance on the left.

What Our Members Are Saying

"I love the work you are doing at Brightwood.  Your efforts have shone a light on the essential elements of the park that we all cherish: its natural beauty and tranquility."

"I have a deep fondness for Brightwood park and would like to see it restored, remain natural and continue to be a site of passive recreation."

"I loved growing up in Brightwood Park !"


"I found Brightwood a few years ago and it's a great place to find wildlife, fish, and enjoy nature. Nice and quiet; good place to un wind and relax. Love it!!!"

​"As a resident for almost thirty years in the Brightwood area of Westfield, I am thrilled to see what is happening to improve and preserve Brightwood park for today and future generations. "


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