By: Acer Paiste, Saddler’s Woods Conservation Association Intern, Rewild NJ Network Member
When I first moved from the sprawling forests of Medford to the Haddon Hills apartments on Pyle Avenue, I felt displaced. Medford’s dense woods had always felt like a second home to me. It was a stabilizing presence in my life, nurturing me into the nature-inspired person I am today. In contrast, my new surroundings were blocks of concrete, stuffy apartments, and thin slivers of green space. In many ways, my new home in Haddon Township felt alien. It wasn’t until one night, upon taking a different route home from work, that I stumbled into Saddler’s Woods—and everything changed.
At the time, my life had taken a difficult turn. I struggled to cope with severe trauma and my mental health plummeted soon after. For years I felt lost in the numbing static of it all. Dropping out of school and working a thankless job left me with an ever-present sense of hopelessness. Yet on that night, I finally felt something familiar stir within me. The whispering air and towering trees brought back a sense of belonging that had been long forgotten. Saddler’s Woods has since become a constant companion—guiding me through hard times and grounding me during better ones.
One tree in particular has become my touchstone. It is hundreds of years old, a living witness to centuries of history. Few places in a bustling metropolitan area hold such ancient presence. Saddler’s Woods is sacred, a sanctuary. To truly cherish it, I must also acknowledge the threats it faces. Each year, erosion steals away soil vital for plant life. Foot traffic, litter, and pollution disrupt the fragile ecosystem. Seeing these pressures firsthand, I’ve felt an undeniable responsibility to help protect the woods so future generations can feel the same sense of home I did.
I first connected with Saddler’s Woods Conservation Association (SWCA) through volunteer cleanup days. At first, I thought volunteering meant pulling weeds and gathering wayward bottles. What I quickly discovered was an entire community of passionate people committed to preserving this sacred space. The work runs deep: removing invasive species, restoring trails, protecting waterways, and educating visitors about the woods’ unique natural and cultural history.
Eventually, I joined as an intern with SWCA, and my appreciation grew even more. I’ve spent mornings pulling invasives from the soil, afternoons sharing the stories of the woods with visitors, and evenings marveling at how much care goes into protecting this special place. Every effort, whether large or small, contributes to the continued survival of Saddler’s Woods.
Saddler’s Woods isn’t just a patch of trees in Haddon Township—it’s a reminder that wildness and wonder still exist even in the most developed landscapes. It’s a refuge for biodiversity, a space for growth, and a place where healing can take root.
I strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t yet visited to take a walk among these trees. You may find, as I did, that the woods have something to offer you too. And if you feel inspired to give back, consider joining us in the journey to keep the woods safe. Whether it’s picking up litter, restoring habitat, or supporting events, all of our efforts will help keep Saddler’s Woods alive and wild for centuries more.
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