Drew has long been known for its lush grounds, exhibiting a wide variety of flora and fauna to create its beautiful atmosphere. But there’s a reason we get to see everything from bluebells to fox kits to cabbage moths on our daily walk to classes— and that is our consistent dedication to fostering a sustainable ecosystem for our native life here on campus.
Organizations like the Drew Environmental Action League are one of the driving forces behind eco-friendly activism, and each year they host Drew’s very own Fern Fest, a campus-wide reforestation effort to promote sustainability and celebrate the abundant biodiversity we are surrounded by everyday. This year, students gathered on April 24 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. to support peer vendors and expand the collection of native ferns and wildflowers in front of Ehinger Center.
Three student creators tabled at the Fern Fest market to fundraise for Coal River Mountain Watch, a non-profit organization fighting to protect our mountaintops which serve as ecosystems for natural life. Ten percent of all proceeds went toward donations, and each table sold homemade and upcycled products. The vendors featured Allison Cannon’s ( ’28) charming custom-sewn creations, dazzling beaded jewelry by Hawk Rickets (C ‘26, ‘28) and Roxy Milosis’s ( ‘29) creative handmade illustrated stickers and prints.
DEAL provided all students participating in the event with the materials to plant their own ferns, such as gloves, trowels and watering cans. There was a wide selection of uniquely-named saplings to choose from, including cinnamon ferns, ostrich ferns, sensitive ferns, royal ferns and evergreen wood ferns. Each fern planted not only contributes to Drew’s hallmark scenic greenery adored by many, but also the rich foliage that makes Drew a wonderful place to inhabit for our local critters.
Jadelyn Villa is a junior majoring in English creative writing and minoring in teaching.
