FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, New Jersey—December 15, 2006—The Township of Franklin received Honorable Mention in the 2006 Innovation in Governance Awards. The award was presented by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities in recognition of the Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve’s “wetlands construction project.”

The project is a partnership between the National Resource Conservation Services (NRCS), the New Jersey Audubon Society, Loos Consulting and the Township for the development of 160 acres of open space purchased by the Township a few years ago. The conservation plan included converting approximately 110 acres to native, warm-season grasses, establishment of an extensive 3-mile trail system and the creation of a two-acre wet portion of the site into a wetland/vernal pool area.

The majority of the work was completed by members of the Township’s Department of Public Works. John Loos, the Township’s Open Space Coordinator, said “ This site has become one of the most visited open space sites in Franklin Township. Recently, two Eagle Scout candidates constructed a wildlife viewing blind adjacent to the wetlands and many species of birds utilize these wetlands throughout much of the year.”

The Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve, (part of the Middlebush Greenway), and its trails and wetlands can be reached via the parking lot located at 224 Skillmans Lane. A map of the property is attached.