In October, 1999 the New Roxbury Land Trust was created and incorporated in the State of Connecticut. Founded by Valerie Ietto and a group of other like-minded conservationists, the organization’s mission was to preserve open space, protect agricultural lands, forests, natural resources and wildlife habitats in the towns of Woodstock, Eastford, Pomfret, Putnam, Thompson, and Union.

Over the next 25 years, this all-volunteer organization had preserved eight pristine properties totaling over 300 acres. Unfortunately, Valerie, the driving force behind New Roxbury’s success passed away in 2024. This left New Roxbury’s board of directors with the task of determining a path forward. Led by John Davis, New Roxbury’s board weighed its options but never wavered in its commitment to preserving and protecting its properties.

After a number of months of discussion between Wyndham and New Roxbury’s leadership, it became clear there was great alignment between the two organization’s missions as well as approach, methodology, and geography. Over the next 14 months, John Davis worked tirelessly to ensure a proper transfer of New Roxbury’s properties and any remaining assets to Wyndham as well as wrapping up New Roxbury’s affairs. No small task!
As of September, 2025, New Roxbury Land Trust is now a part of the Wyndham Land Trust, Inc. New Roxbury’s eight properties and its 40 members are now part of Wyndham. This entire exercise is a shining example of the commitment our organizations have to ensuring the preservation of our properties in perpetuity.

Thank you John, and a warm welcome to our new members from the New Roxbury Land Trust.