Paul Tractenberg | Chairman Emeritus
Paul is a Board of Governors Professor Emeritus at Rutgers Law School in Newark where he taught for 47 years until his retirement in 2016. Early in his Rutgers tenure, Paul founded the Education Law Center which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, to advance educational rights of New Jersey’s neediest students. He has continued to represent New Jersey students on a pro bono basis since then. While a resident of the West Essex Highlands, Paul organized WE CARE to lead the community fight against the development and rezoning of the 120-acre parcel. In 2006, the West Orange Planning Board held 11 meetings, then ultimately denied the developer’s proposal 5-2. Since 2016, Paul has lived in the Woodlands. Paul serves as Open Space Committee Chair.
Rachel Klein | President
Rachel has lived in West Orange for most of her life, returning to raise her family within a mile of where she grew up. Rachel joined the effort to fight for this forest as soon as she learned that the land was once again in danger of development. Watching every open space not county owned in West Orange get clear cut and developed since the mid 1990's, Rachel is passionate about preservation.
Victor Misarti | Treasurer
Victor is a licensed architect and a licensed professional planner in the state of New Jersey. Victor has experience managing budgets for large construction projects and has a strong desire to see this forest preserved.
Deborah Druce | Secretary
Deborah has lived in West Orange for 34 years with her husband Howard where together they raised their three sons. Deborah is a homemaker and volunteers to coordinate programs for seniors in the community. She has a strong interest in nature conservation and enjoys hiking and gardening and supports the Verona Conservancy and now We Care Open Space Preservation.
Deborah Fruchtman, MD - Butensky | Trustee
As a physician who majored in botany while at Rutgers College, Deborah's belief in saving the environment has put her in the path of trying to save this New Jersey forest . Deborah has seen strong evidence regarding the mind body connection and power of mindfulness.
Deborah feels strongly that a healthy environment has major influences on our overall health. This forest is a magical place that holds untold healing powers; if preserved, this forest can serve as a wellness oasis for the entire community.
John Haydu | Trustee
Marea DePalma | Trustee
Mia Grizzuti | Trustee
Michele Byers | Advisor
Bruce Afran Esq. | Advisor
William Potter Esq. | Advisor