Friends of Brightwood Park
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  • Home
  • PRESERVE
    • Ecology
    • Invasive Species
    • Ponds
    • Clean Ups
    • Trails
  • ENJOY
    • halloween-22
    • Photos
    • Birding >
      • greenHeron
    • Trail Maps
    • Calendar
  • B W Kids
    • Nature Detectives - the latest news
  • History
  • Who We Are
    • Chuan-Chu Chou Blog
    • Perspectives on the Park
    • MemberInfo
    • presidentReport-1Q-21
  • Shop
  • JOIN
  • biancaTemp
  • loisTemp

Preserving Brightwood Park

The ecosystem in the park is threatened from out-of-control growth of invasive species, aggravated from deer browsing of the native species, erosion of the trails, and excessive nutrients in the lake and pond. 

Friends of Brightwood Park is working in all these areas to strengthen and preserve the park.

You can help by becoming a member and attending the clean up events.
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Invasive Species Abatement

Invasive species are usually plants and animals that have  been introduced into environments where they had never been before.
Some were accidental introductions; others were deliberate and thought to be useful additions to farmland or of horticultural interest. 

The problem with invasive species is that their new environment usually doesn’t have the natural enemies that exist in the environments from which they originate.

​Without diseases, predators or foragers, these species tend to dominate the new situation to the detriment of  native plants, animals and environment generally.


More on invasive species in Brightwood Park
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Park Clean-Up Events

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The Friends of Brightwood held a number of volunteer clean up days at Brightwood during the fall.  


Take a look at the the energy and progress!

Nature Trail Development 

Vickie Williams has found another interesting publication, Nature Trail Development on Small Acreages published  by University of Arkansas.  At page 8 there is a table of recommended design standards for different types of trails.  Interestingly, the recommended distance for a mountain bike trail is 5-20 miles (more than 2 times the length JORBA proposes).

The publication has other interesting discussion of trails’ impact on vegetation and habitat. 

Rahway River Association and Previous Restoration Efforts​

At one time, Brightwood Park was the subject of serious nature study with a publication by Noel Taylor in 1981 that described the natural history, geology and ecology of the site. The booklet described all the species of fauna and flora that lived at Brightwood Park at the time.    

In one of the most ambitious restoration effort thus far, the RRA retained the services of Ecological Solutions, LLC to develop a habitat restoration plan for Brightwood Park. Thanks to a generous grant by Conservation Resources, Inc., the RRA is planned to remove invasive plants, re-introduce native vegetation en masse, reconnect water bodies to reduce eutrophication and launch a public education initiative on site with local volunteers.  Unfortunately, this plan was not acted upon.


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. "


Contact Us


Become a Member!  We'd Love to Have You Join Us.