Saddler's Woods, Haddon Twp., NJ

In the Spotlight!

Did you ever want to be famous? Well that's how team SWCA feels these days after two media outlets featured Saddler's Woods!

The TV news channel, PHL17 offered viewers an introduction to Saddler's Woods that aired in June on the "Weekend Philler" segment.

You can view it here. On the more academic side, Saddler's Woods was mentioned in the International Society for Science magazine, Science News in the July 3rd edition. This edition was dedicated to accounts of tree preservation across the globe. From Madagascar to Saddler's Woods, the magazine profiled methods of preserving and restoring woodlands for the vital ecosystem services trees provide.

The article, written by Susan Milius, mentioned Saddler's Woods and included a photo of students from Haddonfield Friends School exploring the stream, as well as a photo of key steward, Doug Hefty's 80 page report that thwarted development in the 1970s.

Joshua Saddler, for whom the woods are named, was featured in both pieces and we are thrilled to expand the awareness of the woods' cultural significance.

If you love trees as I do, and if, like me, you are aware of the important place they play in our survival, you will be interested in Saddler's Woods and this centuries old effort to save and conserve a small patch of woodland that has miraculously survived the suburban sprawl that surrounds it. The iformation above came from an e-mail I received today because I subscribe to the Saddler's Woods conservation group e-newsletter. I took a course with this group once that included a tour of the woods and I have been devoted to their efforts ever since and fascinated by Saddler's Woods. I hope you can go there for a short hike and read up on this wonderful resource. It is located just off Cuthbert Boulevard in Collingswood. There is a traffic light between the two shopping centers, just across from Newton Creek Park. You turn right and on the right hand side you will come across a small patch of woods. Look for the marker identifying the woods and there is a trail you can follow, only 20 to 30 minutes long, but a cool, shady, forest sanctuary, worth the visit. Enly!

Happy Trails - Jo Ann wrightj45@yahoo.com