Members of the Avalonia Land Conservancy welcomed Leo Antonino, a founder of the Antonino Auto Group, for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the Leo Antonino Preserve Loop in Groton on Oct. 20.

Antonino donated the land, a 41.48-acre undeveloped tract south of The Gold Star Highway and west of Buddington Road, two years ago.

In honor of Mr. Antonino’s tradition of giving back to his community, Avalonia has said “the land will be conserved in its natural state and open to the public for passive recreation.”