Community Profile

Pledge Status

Active

Pledge Date

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Program Year

2024

Links and Uploads

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Action Item Report

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Township of Franklin

Franklin Township (mailing address - "Somerset"), NJ

Phillip Kramer

Mayor

Pledge Summary

Franklin Township is a 47 square mile municipality that is home to approximately 65,000 people. The Township has always focused on the importance of open space and farmland preservation, trails design and maintenance, and natural resources conservation. With nearly 63 miles of trails and over 34% of municipal land preserved, Franklin is now focused on the stewardship of those lands, including the development, conservation, and enhancement of wildlife habitat. Through this Pledge, Franklin Township recognizes the significance of creating and preserving land for pollinator habitat, with an overarching goal concentrating on the Monarch Butterfly. Additionally, the Township is committed to educating the public about this initiative, and encouraging our residents and businesses to replicate these efforts.

Community Spotlight

Action Items Committed for 2024

Communications and Convening ▸

Issue a proclamation to raise awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species’ need for habitat. This proclamation must incorporate a focus on monarch conservation.
Launch or maintain a public communication effort to encourage residents to plant monarch gardens at their homes or in their neighborhoods. (If you have community members who speak a language other than English, we encourage you to also communicate in that language; Champion Pledges must communicate in that language.)

Program and Demonstration Gardens ▸

Display educational signage at monarch gardens and pollinator habitat.
Earn or maintain recognition for being a wildlife-friendly city by participating in other wildlife and habitat conservation efforts (i.e., National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat program).
Plant or maintain a monarch and pollinator-friendly demonstration garden at City Hall or another prominent or culturally significant community location.

Systems Change ▸

Integrate monarch butterfly conservation into the city’s Park Master Plan, Sustainability Plan, Climate Resiliency Plan or other city plans.
Change weed or mowing ordinances to allow for native prairie and plant habitats.

Past Pledge Archive

Mayor Name	Program Year	Pledge Date	Achievement
Mayor Phillip Kramer	2024	12/7/2023		View Pledge
Mayor Phillip Kramer	2022	1/18/2022	Leadership Circle	View Pledge
Mayor Phillip Kramer	2021	4/28/2021	Signatories	View Pledge

The National Wildlife Federation