Greenbelt is headquartered at the Cox Reservation in Essex. The property is located along Route 133 with beautiful views of the adjoining salt marsh. The Cox Reservation is open to the public, free of charge, seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Canoes and kayaks can be launched in the Essex River during mid-to-high tide. You must make arrangements in advance of launching boats. (Map of Cox Reservation (.pdf))

The Cox Reservation was donated to Greenbelt in 1974 by renowned muralist Allyn Cox. Encompassing 27 acres, the property consists of fields, river frontage and marshland. The eastern side of the property offers outstanding views over the Essex River toward Crane Beach and Choate Island. The inspiring scenery at the Cox Reservation is often used as a subject for landscape painters.

The beautiful buildings on the property complement their scenic surroundings. The Cox House, built in 1806, serves as Greenbelt's office. The Studio Barn dates from the 1840's, and the Bill Faissler Stewardship Barn was completed in 2003. Throughout the year Greenbelt hosts several events on the property and in the barns, including our Annual Meeting in May, and Art in the Barn in mid-June.

In 2006, the Cox house was completely renovated to meet the growing needs of Greenbelt. The house was tired, and did not have enough space to accomodate meetings, events and volunteer activities. During the renovation, Greenbelt made many efforts to make the building "green," incorporating features like a solar panel and a water recapture system, among others. The many "green" features allow us to seek certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification. It is the nationally accepted rating system administrered by the U.S. Green Building Council that recognized excellence in envirionmental construction, operation and sustainability.