Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve, part of the Middlebush Greenway

The Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve was purchased in 2003 by Franklin Township.  This 164 acre property is between Skillmans Lane to the east, Bennetts Lane to the north, and the Six-mile Run Reservoir site to the west and south.  There are 111 acres of grassland and 53 acres of woodland. 

Unique Wildlife

Sensitive species found on this site include the Grasshopper Sparrow and Cooper’s Hawk (both New Jersey state threatened species), and the Eastern Meadowlark and American Kestrel (both New Jersey special concern species).  The American Kestrel remained at this location throughout the breeding season.  With different bird houses located throughout this site, opportunities to view nesting American Kestrels, Wood Ducks, Bluebirds and Purple Martins may be present in any given year.  A checklist of birds and butterflies of Middlebush Greenway may be downloaded as PDF files by clicking here:  Birds   Butterflies

Habitat Restoration

Habitat restoration at this site included the creation of a 2.5 acre wetland and the restoration of 111 acres of active cropland and alfalfa fields to native grasslands. Grass plantings include Canada wild rye, little bluestem, big bluestem, Indiangrass, and sideoats grama.  Wildflower plantings include heath aster, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, wild bergamot, butterflyweed, common milkweed, spiked gayfeather, wild blue lupine, Joe Pye weed, and blue vervain.

Passive Recreation Activities

Franklin Township mapped three trails at Middlebush Greenway.  These trails take visitors through restored grasslands, scrub-shrub habitat and mature forests.  Interpretive signs at select locations provide a brief background of the surrounding area.  Eagle Scout projects on this site include constructing a kiosk and wildlife viewing blind.  Visitors are encouraged to explore the 2.8 miles of trails and can download a trail map and rules and regulations in PDF format by clicking here.

Directions

From 206 at Woods Tavern take 514 East (Amwell Road).  Turn right on 615 South (South Middlebush Road).  Turn left on Skillmans Lane. Entrance off west side of Skillmans Lane, between the two 90 degree curves on Skillmans Lane.

This is a carry-in/carry-out facility.  There are no restrooms on site.

Return to Franklin Township page.