Roxbury Land Trust - Stewardship

Stewardship
Challenges Mount as Land Holdings Increase

Roxbury Land Trust: 35 Years of Land Preservation

In 1974 the Roxbury Land Trust received its first gift of land of 56 acres now known as the Brian E. Tierney Preserve. Over the next few decades growth was steady but not dramatic. Since 2000 however, the Trust has grown by 50%, with much of the additional land being productive farmland or land that has enlarged and connected the existing preserve system. We all recognize the continual challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining property.
The Land Trust's stewardship efforts will focus on:

protecting agricultural resources (present and future),
enhancing wildlife habitats and corridors,
promoting farming opportunities through its farm lease program that leases 400 acres of agricultural land to local farmers,
and creating links among the preserves for better public access and to improve the trail system.
To meet its stewardship obligations, the Land Trust utilises the talents of its employees, consults outside professionals if prudent, recruits volunteers, and seeks out grants and funding to supplement the annual membership drive. In 2004 the Land Trust acquired three historic farms -- the Gavel, Good Hill and Orzech farms -- through a capital campaign in which the community successfully matched $2.9 million awarded by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's Open Space and Watershed Acquisition Fund.
The Land Trust has partnered with Yale School of Forestry students to complete a long-term stewardship plan to focus on nearly 600 acres of its land along the Shepaug River corridor from the Orzech Family Preserve to Minor Bridge Road. Additionally, the Trust recently secured two grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program for field management, habitat restoration and invasive plant removal for the Gavel Family Farm Preserve and the Erbacher Preserve.
Whether one drives by a scenic vista or takes a rigorous hike on a fall afternoon, having preserved land for public benefit creates the opportunity for us all to be stewards. Clearly without volunteer effort from those who enjoy the preserves and from vigilance from those who live near the preserves, keeping ahead of the daily maintenance needs would be all that more difficult. Many thanks to those who quietly assist year long, for those unseen who help keep the trails clear and the preserves generally clean, and for reports of where attention is needed. Your efforts are most appreciated!

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