April Nonprofit: The Greater Worcester Land Trust
/By Dani Babineau
Colin the buffalo, named for colin the executive director of the gwlt.
I first met Colin Novick, the executive director of the Greater Worcester Land Trust (GWLT), during the “environmental focus day” when I was a member of Leadership Worcester. Colin taught us about the organization, guided us around the city to show us the various green and blue spaces managed by the land trust, and spoke at length about both the current and past of conservation and land use in Worcester.
He completely opened my eyes to how much green space we have available to us as a city, and how the decisions made and patterns created by previous generations have shaped the city we live in today. He also was the first to tell me about the buffalo that used to live at the petting zoo at Green Hill Park, so we adopted this buffalo as a reminder and named him after Colin.
Anyway, we spoke to Colin about the work the GWLT does and how we can support them. Check it out!
What’s the mission of the GWLT and what does the organization do?
GWLT conserves critical land in and around Worcester for wildlife and for recreation. Once we have conserved these lands, we build and maintain hiking trails for public access and take on habitat improvement projects for local critters.
Why is the GWLT's mission important to the Worcester area?
Any great community has great wild and open lands, and people in the Worcester area need places to go, places to explore, places to relax, places to work out, places to be surprised, places to take inspiration, places to see wildlife, and places to see other folks who love these same things. GWLT is all about keeping Worcester wild!
What has the GWLT accomplished that you’re most proud of?
GWLT has conserved more than 2,875 acres, including the Four Town Greenway (Worcester, Holden, Paxton, and Leicester), Worcester's last farm (Donker Farm), the Worcester area's highest point (Asnebumskit Hill at 1,388 ft.), as well as 10 ponds and 22 miles of rivers and streams.
But really, more than any specific spots, or any numbers, this is all about community! ALL of GWLT's lands are open to public access, and ALL of them are monitored and maintained by volunteers. These lands are preserved because the community knows them, loves them, cares for them, and will stand up for them over generations. That is something to take pride in!
How might donations from Redemption Rock customers help the GWLT in the future?
Redemption Rock donations can be a critical part of opening these wild conserved places up to the public for hiking and camping. We can build trailheads and develop the frontcountry facilities that make this an outdoor Shangri-la.
Do you have any upcoming events, campaigns, or other initiatives that people should know about?
Hell yeah! The Packachoag Spring campaign seeks to preserve the historic Nipmuc village spring site in south Worcester from development as a house site.
The Hike Worcester initiative recognizes any hearty folk who complete 10 hikes with a patch, sticker, and certificate.
GWLT's Earth Day Cleanup event is Saturday, April 10 at Curtis Pond West behind Zorba's and Walgreens at Stafford St. and Heard St. in Worcester.
And there is always more - always!
