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Take a Wonder Walk
Take a wonder walk, just 20 minutes in nature improves cognitive function and memory. And you will feel better too. Listen to the birdsong, the rushing water, breathe in the natural scents from the woodlands and meadows and enjoy the calming effects. There is a trail near you, Roxbury Land Trust has over 30 miles of trails. I wonder where you will go?
Roxbury Land Trust Receives 26-Acre Gift to Ring in the New Year
(ROXBURY, Connecticut) – The Roxbury Land Trust has received a donation of 26 acres of land at 203 North Street (Route 199) in Roxbury, it was announced here today. The donor, John Katz, gifted the parcel of land, naming it the Beth Rogers and Jeffrey Katz Preserve in honor of his parents, who are nature and conservation advocates.
The property, initially sold for development, was formerly part of the 132-acre Mundy property, which was subdivided into multiple parcels on both the west and east side of Route 199. The RLT Board of Directors unanimously voted in favor of this generous gift due to its strategic location and its significant conservation value.
“Preserving this property helps to protect a critical portion of the Battle Swamp Brook watershed, which is one of the most pristine water sources in the state,” said RLT President John Smoliga. Jamie Curren, RLT’s Land Manager, added, “The permanent protection of the property also helps protect a fragile wetland habitat.”
The new Beth Rogers and Jeffrey Katz Preserve offers important wetland, flora and wildlife habitats. A natural pond sits on the far northern and eastern portion of the parcel—home to several fish species. Vernal pools, essential for amphibian breeding, have been spotted in bedrock depressions on the property, and a healthy hemlock forest void of understory shrubs and invasives is in the Northwest corner of the property.
“This generous land donation was the perfect gift to ring in 2024 as the RLT gears up for a New Year of conserving open space, protecting our waterways, and offering recreation access for all,” noted Annette Bosley-Boyce, RLT’s Executive Director. “It was also an important “win” for Mother Nature in our regional efforts to provide a wilderness corridor, help combat climate change and reverse habitat and species loss.”
Established in 1970, the Roxbury Land Trust preserves roughly 3,800 acres of farmland, woodlands, watercourses, wetlands and open space in Roxbury and neighboring communities. The Roxbury Land Trust maintains 33 preserves with more than 30 miles of hiking trails and three active farms, while offering a wide range of educational programs. RLT, a 501(c)3 organization, relies on donations, grants, member support, and gifts of land to pursue its mission.
Cabin Fever Coffee House – Friday, February 2nd @ 9:00am
Do you have a case of cabin fever? Join us for some conversation about our plans for 2024. Learn about volunteer opportunities and our new Trail Monitor Program. We will have some warm beverages and treats and some neighborly conversations. Hope to see you soon!
The Roxbury Land Trust Revisits its Quartz Mining History
On Saturday, November 25th, Dr. John Smoliga, President of the Roxbury Land Trust, led a group of 30+ hikers to examine an old quart mining site at its historic Mine Hill Preserve. The annual post-Thanksgiving walk is held in memory of Dave Beglan, a former historian and director of the Roxbury Land Trust who was instrumental in preserving this property.
Dr. Smoliga, a geologist by trade, started the walk by showing several maps of the area illustrating Connecticut’s long and complex geological history. He explained that mineral deposits were formed in the area when tectonic plates under the earth’s surface collided. These collisions produced volcanic activity, which resulted in the formation of the various mineral deposits found today at Mine Hill.
It is unknown as to when quartz mining started at Mine Hill. However, during the late 1880’s, quartz obtained from Mine Hill was transported via the Shepaug railroad to a kiln at Roxbury Falls where it was processed into a fine powder to be used in glass making, abrasives, and as an additive in paints.
During the hike, John brought the group to a previous quartz mining site, explaining the difference between clear quartz, milky quartz, and smokey quartz. He then entertained questions about the furnace complex at the Mine Hill Preserve that still attracts visitors from all over to learn about the 19th century iron mining industry, which to this day, is noted for its critical role in the Industrial Revolution.
Mother Nature is a gift..
Mother Nature is a gift. This gift often goes unnoticed until we’re reminded of its subtle yet alluring presence—from a golden sunset that blankets a nearby pasture—to a resident Great Blue Heron that dips into the Shepaug River—to the bounty of colorful and delicious farm produce that graces our Thanksgiving table. These simple splendors are easy to forget in our fast-paced lives, but they exist in Roxbury all because our friends and neighbors, for the last 50+ years, shared a common vision—to preserve our forest, farmland and waterways (nearly 4,000 acres) in perpetuity for the purpose of promoting passive recreation, education and sustaining our cultural heritage and biodiversity.
This year at the Roxbury Land Trust, we held our second annual RiverFest event; offered, hiking, gardening, birding and other educational events (such as our popular owl banding demonstrations); and secured a notable Two for the Road grant to help us build another parking lot, which will connect several of our popular hiking trails along River Road.
Still, our work is far from over. While we continue to explore ways that we can protect more of Roxbury’s pristine forest and wetlands, we also need to focus on the sustainability and maintenance of our current preserved lands. This year, in particular, our town saw more erosion from severe rainstorms than it’s seen in the last 100 years, requiring our Trust to spend thousands of dollars to fix parking areas, hiking trails and drainage due to this unprecedented rainfall. Our treasured Orzech and Mine Hill Preserve trails were some of the worst to be hit, and yet, because of supporters like you, we were able to make the improvements necessary to keep our trails safe and secure.
During this Thanksgiving season, we want to extend our gratitude to the hundreds of friends and neighbors, just like you, who have made the preservation of land in Roxbury possible. By donating to the Roxbury Land Trust and becoming a member, you are committing to a legacy of land and wildlife conservation that can be enjoyed by all generations, and you ensure we do our part to support a ‘forever wild’ corridor in the Northeast as well as educational programming for learners of all ages.
Mother Nature, truly, is our most precious gift. In a world where so many often discard her, we are grateful that you choose to make her and her sustainability a priority. Thank you in advance for your support. Please consider making a donation today.
RIVERFEST-September 17th
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Roxbury Land Trust Hosts RIVERFEST Celebrate Nature & Community – September 17th
To celebrate community and the wonders of nature, the Roxbury Land Trust is hosting a RIVERFEST event with fun, food, crafts, face painting, music, storytelling and more at its River Road Preserve on Sunday, September 17 from 2:00-5:00 pm.
The event will feature farmstands by Riverbank Farm and Twilight Dreams Farm, children’s crafts by Golden Button, Face Painting, information regarding native plants and pollinator gardens and a water quality talk by Pomperaug Regional Watershed Coalition. You can learn about the Follow the Forest project and about attracting birds from our Southbury Audubon Friends from Bent of the River. Feel free to explore the surrounding trails and scenic river views.
New this year, Darlene Kascak (Schaghticoke Tribal Nation), from The Institute for American Indian Studies, will give an interactive presentation on the 12,000-year history of Life in the Eastern Woodlands. Darlene, the Education Director at IAIS and Traditional Native American Storyteller, will share various visual and tactile resources to guide the discussion about how Eastern Woodlands Natives have adapted to their changing environment. Darlene will also share Traditional Native American Stories about animals. Hear history come alive from the oral traditions that have been passed down and preserved from one generation to the next.
We will also have music by the Silver & Strings Duo from 2:00- 3:30 and Lee Ann Lovelace and George Lesiw from 3:30 – 5:00pm. Food will be available from Backwoods Dawgz and treats from Elemental Cakes. Bring along a few folding chairs to relax and listen to the music!
“We hope families and nature lovers from far and near will turn out for this afternoon of outdoor fun and activities in a beautiful, preserved part of Roxbury,” said John Smoliga, President of the Roxbury Land Trust. “It’s a great way to kick off the autumn.”
The 57-acre nature preserve borders the Shepaug River and adjoins several other preserves to create a 453-acre greenbelt in Roxbury. The preserve is at 55 River Road with the easiest access from Weller’s Bridge Road.
Thanks to our corporate sponsors they are Chipman Mazzucco Emerson LLC, Union Savings Bank, Mine Hill Distillery, and Wines & Spirits at Roxbury Station. The decor is being donated by Ox Hollow Farm.
For more information, call the Roxbury Land Trust at 860-350-4148 or to RSVP email: development@roxburylandtrust.org or visit roxburylandtrust.org.
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New Trail Opening at Horrigan Family Preserve
Start your weekend outdoors and join RLT for a guided new trail opening at the Horrigan Family Preserve off Rocky Mountain Road on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Park at the River Road parking areas and follow signs to the meeting place. Please also register so we know how many to expect and who to contact if there are any changes: execdirector@roxburylandtrust.org
The walk will be moderate with some inclines/declines so bring your walking stick as needed. If the weather does not cooperate on the 15th, the walk will be rescheduled to April 29, 2023 at 10 a.m.
On March 8, 2006, Richard, Robert and William Horrigan and family donated 5.77 acres to RLT in memory of William Horrigan Jr. and Richard Tyler Horrigan. The young men loved the outdoors and spending time with their families so the family wanted to honor that and share a beautiful, peaceful setting where other families could hike and enjoy each other’s company outdoors.
RLT hopes the new trail will encourage families to do just that.
Founded in 1970, RLT is a private, non-profit land trust which offers public access to families and individuals who wish to enjoy Roxbury’s open spaces in passive recreation (e.g., hiking, birding, photography). Leashed dogs are welcome. No motorized vehicles are allowed. Note that this trail was not created for mountain bike use.
RLT relies on donations, grants, member support, and gifts of land to pursue its mission. For more information about the land trust, please contact us at 860-350-4148 or email execdirector@roxburylandtrust.org.
Friends Gather at the 2022 Dave Beglan Memorial Walk
Over 35 people joined RLT President and Geologist John Smoliga and local Artist and Pilot Billy Steers on the 2022 annual Dave Beglan Memorial Walk at the iconic Mine Hill Preserve. Family and friends gathered, got outdoors, and burned off some Thanksgiving feast on Saturday, November 26, 2022. The moderate walk was about 3.5 miles overall with some detours to note special areas.
Many thanks to RLT director Marc Olivieri for assisting participants.
Billy and John led the group to a small former quarry located on the east side of the Mine Hill Preserve to discuss historic mining operations at Mine Hill.
This annual program is held in memory of Dave Beglan, historian, former president, and long-time director of Roxbury Land Trust. As a Roxbury resident, Dave volunteered countless hours to the study of Mine Hill, initially working to obtain the funding which allowed RLT to purchase the Mine Hill Preserve. He remained active in the Trust as historian and gave his time freely to the betterment of the Town of Roxbury until his death in October 2017.
Established in 1970, RLT preserves roughly 4,000 acres of farmland and open space in Roxbury and neighboring towns. RLT maintains 32 preserves with over 30 miles of hiking trails, three active farms, and offers a wide range of educational programs. RLT relies on your generous donations and gifts of land to continue its important conservation mission.
Roxbury Awards RLT ARPA Funding to Improve Trails
On July 21, 2022, the Town of Roxbury’s First Selectman Patrick Roy awarded RLT President John Smoliga and Director of Development Barbara Bradbury-Pape a $5,000 check from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. RLT is very grateful for the gift which will be used to make preserve improvements on trails, parking areas, and kiosks.
Since the global pandemic began in 2020, RLT experienced an exponential increase in trail use.
Being outdoors is known to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. RLT trails provide a healthy, socially distanced experience for those seeking passive recreation while enjoying the beauty and peace nature provides. All preserves are open daily from dawn to dusk. Please visit the RLT website www.roxburylandtrust.org to view preserve maps and information.
With 33 preserves and over 30 miles of hiking trails, RLT’s mission is to preserve and conserve open space in perpetuity. To date, the Trust has preserved more than 3,800 acres of farmland, woodlands, watercourses, wetlands and open space in Roxbury and neighboring communities since it was established in 1970. The non-profit organization maintains three active farms, as well as offers a wide range of educational programs.
To receive more information about RLT or make a donation, please contact the office at 860.350.4148, visit the website, or email us.