The Roxbury Land Trust has been awarded funding through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program to assist with the acquisition of a 65.79-acre forested tract located on Lower County Road and Good Hill Road in Roxbury.
The OSWA grant represents another important partnership between the State of Connecticut and the Roxbury Land Trust to protect valuable natural resources, wildlife habitat, scenic landscapes and public access to open space.
The property, formerly owned by the Nelson family, significantly expands and connects several of Roxbury Land Trust’s existing preserves, creating a larger, contiguous block of protected forest within a priority conservation landscape. This acquisition enhances wildlife habitat and migration corridors, improves landscape connectivity, protects important water resources, and expands opportunities for hiking and passive outdoor recreation.
Development of a public parking area and a new trail system is scheduled to begin in 2027, providing visitors with safe access to the property and connecting the property to Roxbury Land Trust’s adjacent preserves. Once completed, the trail network will offer expanded recreational opportunities while allowing visitors to experience one of Roxbury’s most significant protected forest landscapes.
“We are deeply grateful to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program for their continued investment in land conservation,” said Lisa Roush, executive director of the Roxbury Land Trust. “This new acquisition is an important addition to our growing network of protected lands and reflects our shared commitment to preserving the forests, streams and rural character that make Roxbury such a special place.”
Roush added that the land trust plans to announce a permanent name for the preserve in the coming months.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we’re exploring a name that reflects Roxbury’s historic roots and the significance of this remarkable landscape,” said Roush. “We hope the new name will honor our shared heritage while inspiring future generations to enjoy and protect this special place.”
The acquisition continues Roxbury Land Trust’s long history of successful conservation partnerships through the OSWA Program. Previous OSWA-funded projects include Gavel Family Farm, Good Hill Farm, Orzech Family Preserve, Baldwin Preserve, and Bronson Mountain Preserve. Together, these conserved properties protect thousands of acres of forests, wetlands, farmland, and wildlife habitat while providing recreational opportunities and safeguarding the town’s natural heritage.
The Nelson Property represents another significant milestone in the Land Trust’s mission to permanently conserve the lands that define Roxbury’s landscape. By expanding an existing network of protected preserves, the acquisition strengthens ecological resilience, protects biodiversity, and ensures these forests will remain undeveloped and accessible for future generations.
“The Roxbury Land Trust extends its sincere appreciation to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the State of Connecticut, its members, volunteers, donors, and community partners whose continued support makes conservation projects like this possible,” said John Smoliga, president of the Roxbury Land Trust.”
About Roxbury Land Trust
Founded in 1970, Roxbury Land Trust is dedicated to preserving the natural resources, working farms, historic landscapes and scenic beauty of Roxbury through land conservation, stewardship and community engagement. Today, the non-profit organization protects thousands of acres of open space that benefit wildlife, water quality, agriculture and outdoor recreation for generations to come. For more information, visit www.roxburylandtrust.org.
