Parks & nature

Franklin Township is celebrated for its commitment to land preservation and open space. * **Colonial Park**: A 685-acre Somerset County park located in the western part of the township. It features the acclaimed **Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden**, an arboretum, a paddleboat lake, and picnic areas. * **Six Mile Run Reservoir Site**: Originally slated to be a reservoir, this massive state park tract offers over 3,000 acres of preserved forests, wetlands, and fields. * **Grassland Preserves**: The township manages several dedicated preserves, including the **Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve** and the **John Clyde Memorial Native Grassland Preserve**, which serve as vital habitats for migratory birds and local wildlife.