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.