Saddler's Woods Habitat Restoration

Saddler's Woods surrounds the headwater spring of the main branch of the Newton Creek, called Saddler's Run, which is a tributary of the Delaware River in Camden County, NJ, and contains an old growth forest, young woodlands and wetlands all located within five miles of Philadelphia. The 15 acre parcel is permanently protected by a conservation easement.  Saddler's Woods was officially named in January of 2004 to honor Joshua Saddler, a runaway slave who escaped a Maryland plantation with his wife and two daughters in the early 1800s.  Saddler eventually earned his freedom and thrived, farming on the border of the woods. Saddler attempted to make protections for the woods when he wrote into his will in 1868 that "to commit no waste,… no heirs shall cut the timber thereon." -JS 1868

This habitat enhancement project is crucial for the restoration of the Newton Creek Watershed, which is an essential habitat for a large number of migratory songbirds, waterfowl and fish and necessary in order to help protect the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy Aquifer, from which many in the region – 472,000 people in Camden county alone-draw their drinking water.

It is imperative to rehabilitate one of the last remaining examples of old growth forest in the Eastern United States. Less than 0.05% of the forests in the Eastern United States can be considered old growth which makes this forest a superlative habitat. With its unique historical and cultural contexts, Saddler's Woods merits the highest committed investment for its rehabilitation.

Saddler’s Woods Conservation Association ( SWCA) will remove debris and eradicate invasive species throughout 15 acres of forest and plant native species in four acres of target restoration zones. SWCA will plant native vegetation along 315 linear feet of stream bank to reduce erosion and will reroute 265 linear feet of a pedestrian trail to prevent tree falls and halt erosion of the trail. SWCA will produce a 20 minute video and develop a native flora youth activity book.

SWCA is seeking $20,500 for this project. This project will be executed in concert with other restoration projects, which will leverage costs and expand the impact of SWCA's restoration efforts.