Thanks to the generous donation of land owned by a long-time Roxbury resident, the Roxbury Land Trust (RLT) has preserved an additional 14.12 acres in Roxbury as open space. The Geraldine R. Stutz Preserve, donated by Ramarax Holdings LLLP and Defer LLLP, protects woodlands and watercourses and is adjacent to Roxbury Town Open Space off Minor Bridge Road. Currently there are no trails on the preserve, but the Land Trust is preparing the property for public access.
RLT Executive Director Ann Astarita thanked the donors for entrusting Roxbury Land Trust with the land that will be maintained in perpetuity, stating “With generous property owners like Ramarax Holdings LLLP and Defer LLLP, the Trust is able to successfully carry out our mission to conserve and protect open space and waterways and preserve Roxbury’s history. Eventually we will be able to provide passive recreational access to these woods for the enjoyment of the public.” Geraldine Stutz, a Roxbury resident, served as the innovative and dynamic President of Manhattan’s Henri Bendel department store for 29 years until her retirement in 1986.