SAVE OUR RAIL TRAIL Riverbank Restoration Project Required to Preserve Kress Family Trail
Due to erosion caused by the Shepaug River that is undermining the Kress Family Trail and threatening its collapse, the Roxbury Land Trust is undertaking a complex stabilization and restoration project that will preserve the historic railbed for years to come.
The impact of recent storms has been substantial, creating instability of the riverbank adjacent to the rail trail that now poses a serious risk to its integrity. Without intervention, there is a very real possibility that a section of the trail could cave in, which would ultimately require RLT to close it permanently.
In response, the RLT has begun a capital campaign to fund the complex and costly project, involving engineered solutions to secure the riverbank and protect the trail for the long term.
The riverbank restoration project will start with excavation and installation of formed cement footings. A headwall will then be constructed to armor the riverbank at an existing granite box culvert that runs under the railbed. Additional reinforcement and stabilization of the riverbank will also be done as part of the project. Due to heavy equipment and an active work site, the trail will be closed for the duration of the project.
As part of the Roxbury Land Trust’s “Save Our Farms” campaign, the 112-acre Orzech Family Preserve was acquired in 2002 from Edward F. Orzech and Elizabeth M. Orzech, whose family established their farm there in 1924. The blue barns and homestead are now privately owned within a conservation easement envelope. The rail trail was named for the Kress family to honor a significant donation made by George and Marcia Kress to the “Save Our Farms” campaign.
The scenic two-mile trail connects to the Golden Harvest and Erbacher Preserves, as well as to the River Road Preserve via a footbridge over the Shepaug River. Together, these four preserves protect in perpetuity nearly 600 acres and offer more than six miles of trails.
If you enjoy using the Kress Family Trail, please donate to the “Save our Rail Trail” campaign. Donate online or call the Roxbury Land Trust at 860-350-4148. Thank you for your generous support!
Save Our Rail Trail Fundraiser!
Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Roxbury Land Trust Inc.’s fundraising event.
Live music, delicious food and libations, and tours will make for a memorable evening, all in support of Roxbury Land Trust.
Every ticket purchased to this event will bring us closer to achieving our fundraising goal.
Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable.