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Hike Worcester Week Invites Residents to Explore the City’s Trails

by Hank Stolz | Aug 26, 2026 | CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT, This Weeks Top Stories

Hike Worcester Week Invites Residents to Exp

From Japan’s Northern Alps to the Trails of Worcester

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic-Radio Worcester/HikeWorcester.com

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Worcester, MA-Colin Novick is just back from Japan where he hiked the Northern Alps. He tells us how he was out on a trail for 11 days in a Japanese national park with a backpack and had an incredible trip.

Colin stopped by Radio Worcester to promote Hike Worcester Week.

Hike Worcester Week Returns September 11–20

Indeed, it is time once again for Hike Worcester Week, running September 11-20.

This annual initiative by the Greater Worcester Land Trust is designed to showcase Worcester’s extensive trail system while raising funds for trail maintenance and improvements.

Colin tells us it’s a real community out on the trails whether in Japan or the U.S., “If you’re out on a trail and you’ve been out there for hours, if you come across anyone, you immediately strike up a story. You immediately say hello. Even the most reserved introvert is ready to say hi, wants to know how you’re doing. It’s sort of a different space.”

Trails for Different Experience Levels

The program invites participants to explore multiple trails throughout the region, with options ranging from introductory hikes to challenging five-mile treks.

“So, Hike Worcester Week is two things. It’s first of all, getting people to realize just the richness of the trail system that we have here in Worcester, a chance to promote the incredible resources we have, but it’s also a chance to raise money to care for those trails, to do the improvements.” says Colin.

New Longer-Distance Hikes

New this year are two longer distance hikes led by Novick, including routes through Holden to Cascading Waters and a five-and-a-half-mile hike that includes Paxton.

Participants can register individually, seek pledges from supporters, and compete for prizes including a weekend getaway to the White Mountains.

Hike Worcester Week promotes outdoor activity, community engagement, and awareness of Worcester’s unique network of forest corridors, creating opportunities to experience diverse landscapes and potentially encounter local wildlife.

“We are absolutely blessed. And one of the things that’s neat is you go to other cities; there’s usually the city and then there’s the suburbs and then there’s the forest. For Worcester, we have these corridors of forest that come deep into the city.”

Registration is available at gwlt.org.

What Is the Greater Worcester Land Trust?

The Greater Worcester Land Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects forests, wetlands, farms, waterways and other open spaces in Worcester and surrounding communities.

How did it begin?

The organization was created in 1987 to identify and preserve environmentally important land that could otherwise be lost to development.

The Land Trust operates with a small professional staff, a board of trustees and a large network of volunteers. Colin Novick, a Worcester native who has worked in conservation for approximately three decades, serves as its executive director. Greater Worcester Land Trust.

What is its mission?

The organization’s stated mission is to promote the “protection, stewardship, and appreciation of open space” to improve quality of life and support functioning natural systems in Worcester and the surrounding region.

Its work includes:

Purchasing land with conservation value
Accepting donated land
Obtaining and enforcing conservation restrictions or easements
Helping landowners explore preservation options
Working with municipal and state officials
Securing grants for land acquisition and stewardship
Building and maintaining public trails
Protecting wildlife habitat, wetlands and waterways
Connecting individual properties into larger forest corridors

A conservation restriction allows land to remain under its current ownership while permanently limiting development and protecting its environmental value.

How much land does it protect?

The Greater Worcester Land Trust reports that it manages and protects more than 2,900 acres in Worcester and neighboring communities.

Its geographic reach includes Worcester, Boylston, Holden, Leicester, Paxton, Spencer and West Boylston. Some properties are owned directly by the Land Trust, while others are protected or managed through conservation restrictions, partnerships and agreements with municipalities or other organizations.

What properties are connected to the Land Trust?

The organization’s property and trail network includes dozens of natural areas, among them:

The Cascades
Asnebumskit Ridge
Blueberry Hill
Broad Meadow Brook
Cook’s Pond
Crow Hill
Difley Family Forest
Donker Farm
East Side Trail
Kettle Brook
Moreland Woods
Sibley Farm
Tetasset Ridge
Coes Reservoir
Green Hill Park

The complete network also includes smaller woodlands, overlooks, farms, ponds and parcels that create connections between larger protected areas. GWLT property directory.

What happens after land is protected?

Preserving a property is only the beginning. The Land Trust must continue monitoring boundaries, protecting wildlife habitat and maintaining safe public access.

Its Volunteer Conservation Corps, established in 2001, performs much of the trail and stewardship work. Volunteers:

Clear and mark trails
Install signs
Build bridges and water crossings
Control erosion
Remove trash
Monitor plants and wildlife
Report property damage or unauthorized use
Maintain habitat-improvement projects

Volunteer conservation rangers also inspect assigned properties and document their condition through field reports, photographs and maps. GWLT volunteer program.

Why does its work matter?

Worcester is unusual because wooded corridors extend deep into an urban city. Protecting connected parcels gives wildlife room to travel, helps preserve water quality, reduces flooding and provides residents with nearby places for hiking, education and quiet recreation.

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Crocodile River Music Takes the Stage at Worcester’s Out to Lunch

by Hank Stolz | Aug 25, 2026 | CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT, DISCOVER CENTRAL MA

Crocodile River Music Takes the Stage at Worcester’s Out to Lunch

Discover Central Mass podcast features Lisa Malo from the Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) alongside Zach Combs (Founder) and Adam Banoufe (Special Events) from Crocodile River Music, a nonprofit organization celebrating its 15th anniversary.

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic-Radio Worcester/Crocodile River Music/ Downtown Worcester Bid

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Worcester, MA- Crocodile River Music is playing Out to Lunch Wednesday the 26th.

Founded in 2011, Crocodile River Music connects African artists and cultures with US audiences through performances and educational programs in schools and community spaces.

The organization, is headquartered in the Printers Building in downtown Worcester. The Printers building also happens to be the home of the Worcester BID.

They are partnering together to bring African music and cultural experiences to the city at Out to Lunch on Wednesday Aug. 26th.

As Zach says of the music, “Man, they get sweaty. That’s a nice part of it… It’s one of those things where you definitely can’t sit still when it’s happening.”

Downtown Worcester Becomes a Neighborhood

The podcast looks at downtown Worcester’s transformation from a commercial corridor into a vibrant neighborhood with residential development, diverse dining options, and cultural institutions.

Lisa observes, “But now one specific thing that makes it feel like a neighborhood to me is all the dogs. I think that people walking their dogs around downtown just says something about it feeling like a neighborhood.”

Zach says thanks to The Bid and others you can feel the change in downtown, “And it’s got a vibe where you’re feeling like things are happening. A lot of times, where are those young people going? They look like they’re going to a party or an event.”

Out to Lunch on the Worcester Common Oval

Key initiatives include the Out to Lunch Festival held Wednesdays from 11 AM to 3 PM on the Worcester Common Oval, featuring performances by a variety of artists, including Crocodile River Music and special guests along with a Farmer’s Market and community organizations and non-profits.

More Events Coming to Worcester

Additional upcoming events include Worcester’s Got African Talent on September 12th at Institute Park and The BID produced Festival of Lights in December.

As Lisa says, “We kind of consider ourselves the party planners of downtown Worcester and more.”

Crocodile River Music on WICN

Crocodile River Music also hosts a weekly radio show on WICN 90.5 FM, reaching approximately 7,000 listeners weekly, promoting understanding of Africa’s diverse musical traditions across its 54 countries and numerous languages.

What Is Worcester’s Out to Lunch Festival?

Worcester’s Out to Lunch Festival began in 2010 as a free summer concert series designed to bring music, food and activity to the Worcester Common. What started as a single event with only a handful of vendors eventually grew into a multiweek festival and farmers’ market featuring live entertainment, local restaurants, food trucks, farmers, artists, crafters and community organizations. Worcester Cultural Coalition and City of Worcester.

By the middle of the decade, Out to Lunch had become a regular downtown summer tradition, often running for approximately 10 weeks. Its concerts showcased musical styles from Worcester and beyond, while intermission performances gave local cultural and community groups additional opportunities to reach an audience.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 season. Out to Lunch returned in 2021 with an abbreviated two-event schedule as Worcester resumed in-person public programming. Organizers described the series as a way to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity, creative community and small businesses. Worcester Cultural Coalition.

The festival continued rebuilding after the pandemic. Three events were presented in 2023, followed by an expanded six-date season in 2024. That year, the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District took on a larger leadership and programming role in partnership with the City of Worcester. New attractions included a beer garden, cooling station and additional activities on the Common. Worcester Cultural Coalition.

In 2026, the festival is celebrating its 16th season with 10 Wednesday events on the Worcester Common Oval. Today, Out to Lunch combines free performances with food trucks, a farmers’ market, handmade goods and nonprofit organizations, continuing its original mission of bringing people together in the heart of downtown Worcester. Downtown Worcester BID.

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Cyprian’s Restaurant Reopens at Cyprian Keyes

by Hank Stolz | Aug 23, 2026 | CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

Cyprian Keyes Welcomes the Public Back to Its Restaurant

Cyprian’s Restaurant at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club has reopened with daily dining, patio views and live weekend music through mid-September.

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic-Radio Worcester/Cyprian Keyes

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Worcester, MA-Cyprian’s Restaurant at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club reopened Friday, August 21, following repairs related to a recent pipe burst.

Amanda Safford, marketing director at Cyprian Keyes, joined Radio Worcester to discuss the reopening and remind Central Massachusetts residents that the restaurant, golf courses and event spaces are open to the public.

The restaurant is serving guests daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Live music is also scheduled on weekends through mid-September.

Patio Dining, Live Music and Scenic Views

“We’re really excited,” Safford said. “The back patio is just gorgeous to sit out there, whether you’re there to just enjoy the views and have a nice cocktail or a nice crisp beer.”

Visitors do not need a golf membership to dine at the restaurant or enjoy the property.

“We are open to the public—golf, restaurant, events,” Safford emphasized. “You don’t have to be a member to come and enjoy the grounds at Cyprian Keyes.”

Golf Instruction for Beginners

Cyprian Keyes also offers opportunities for people who are new to golf, including its Four After Four instructional program.

“We have a great Four After Four program,” Safford said. “That’s four lessons after 4:00 p.m. for four consecutive weeks. And it’s really affordable. It’s just over $100 in total.”

The four-week program introduces golfers to fundamentals including grip, stance, posture, etiquette, the full swing, short game and pitch shots. On-course instruction is also included.

A Public Golf Club for All Skill Levels

Cyprian Keyes Golf Club opened to the public in 1997. The Boylston property offers an 18-hole championship course and a nine-hole par-3 course designed to accommodate golfers with different experience and skill levels.

The club describes itself as a daily-fee facility, allowing golfers to book tee times without purchasing a membership.

Weddings, Meetings and Private Events

Golf and dining are only part of what Cyprian Keyes offers. The property hosts weddings, showers, business meetings, golf outings, birthday parties, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

“We have five function rooms, from the ballroom that can host up to 220 guests [to a] beautiful historic music room that’s just so elegant and quaint,” Safford explained. The Music Room can accommodate approximately 50 to 60 guests.

Cyprian Keyes Golf Club is located at 284 East Temple Street in Boylston. Restaurant reservations can be made by calling 508-869-9900 and selecting option 5.

A Brief History of Cyprian Keyes Golf Club

The property’s recorded history dates to 1718, when early settler Thomas Keyes acquired land in what was then the north precinct of Shrewsbury. His son, Cyprian Keyes, built a home on the property in 1734 and became one of the early settlers of what would become Boylston.

The estate later became known as Barlin Acres. Its owners expanded the property and added an English music room in 1939. Although most of the historic mansion could not be preserved when the golf club was developed, the Music Room, original flooring and portions of the entrance were incorporated into the present clubhouse.

Cyprian Keyes Golf Club opened to the public on August 11, 1997. The daily-fee facility now offers an 18-hole championship course designed by Mark Mungeam, a nine-hole par-3 course, practice facilities, dining and event spaces.

The championship course was created across approximately 230 acres of wooded and rolling terrain. The club’s salamander logo represents the marbled salamander, a protected species associated with 22 acres of preserved wetlands on the property.

Today, Cyprian Keyes remains open to the public for golf, dining and private events—no membership is required.

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Clark Dean: Trees Key to Massachusetts Heat Resilience

by Hank Stolz | Aug 19, 2026 | CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT, This Weeks Top Stories

Clark Dean: Trees Key to Massachusetts Heat Resilience

“What I love about working on these problems at the community level is that, by working close to the ground, some of the politics really start to dissolve.”

By-Hank Stolz
Graphic-Radio Worcester/Photo Clark University

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Worcester, MA- Massachusetts has appointed its first heat resilience officer, Katie Schlick. The Bay State becomes the second state, after Arizona, to establish the position.

Lou Leonard applauds the move.

“It’s about public health. It’s about endangering people’s lives. It’s about undermining the quality of life of our citizens, including those who are most vulnerable among us,” Leonard said.

Extreme Heat Poses a Growing Public Health Threat

Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in America. Yet Massachusetts lacks extensive historical experience with such temperatures and remains unprepared, according to Leonard.

“Extreme heat is actually the largest killer of people in America compared to any other kind of natural disaster or, let’s say, climate change-driven problem combined,” Leonard said.

Urban Trees Provide Natural Cooling

Leonard, dean of Clark University’s School of Climate, Environment and Society, told Radio Worcester’s Talk of the Commonwealth that urban tree canopies serve as free air conditioning. Data show that neighborhoods with adequate tree cover experience significantly lower summer temperatures than neighborhoods without it.

“Trees. Listen, that may seem like something very simple, but it’s going to have a giant impact,” Leonard said. “That is just common sense.”

Clark University Studies Tree Health in Gateway Cities

The state’s partnership with Clark University focuses on urban tree health through temperature assessments and the monitoring of planted trees across Gateway Cities.

“At Clark, we have been working for 25 years on urban tree health,” Leonard said. “Over the last decade, we’ve been partnering with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation on its urban tree-planting program.”

Tree-Canopy Disparities Increase Heat Risks

A critical disparity exists between affluent neighborhoods, where tree-canopy coverage can reach 40%, and lower-income areas, where coverage can be as low as 10%. That disparity directly affects residents’ vulnerability to extreme heat.

Community-level solutions, including strategic tree-planting programs, offer practical approaches that can transcend political divisions. They can also provide immediate, tangible benefits to residents while addressing the public health concerns associated with rising temperatures.

“What I love about working on these problems at the community level here in Worcester and in other communities in Massachusetts is that, by working close to the ground on these questions, some of the politics really start to dissolve,” Leonard said.

What Does a Heat Resilience Officer Do?

A heat resilience officer coordinates government agencies and local communities to prepare for increasingly frequent and intense periods of extreme heat.

Massachusetts’ first heat resilience officer, Katie Schlick, will help the state develop strategies to protect public health, critical infrastructure and natural resources. Her responsibilities include improving heat-response planning, identifying vulnerable populations and helping cities and towns implement practical solutions.

Why Urban Trees Matter

Urban areas absorb and retain heat through pavement, brick and concrete. This creates “urban heat islands,” where temperatures can be substantially higher than in nearby communities with more trees and green space.

Tree canopies provide shade and release moisture into the air, naturally cooling streets, homes and public spaces. However, tree coverage is often much lower in densely developed and lower-income neighborhoods, leaving residents more vulnerable to dangerous temperatures.

Planting trees is only part of the solution. Long-term maintenance is essential because trees may need decades to mature enough to provide their greatest cooling benefits.

Massachusetts is the second state, after Arizona, to establish a statewide heat leadership position.

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Worcester Restaurant Week 2026 Features Nearly 50 Restaurants During Biggest Event Yet

by Hank Stolz | Aug 3, 2026 | CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT

Worcester Restaurant Week Returns With Nearly 50 Restaurants for Biggest Event in Its History

Helping Restaurants During a Traditionally Slow Season

“You have almost 50 restaurants this year. So it’s one of the biggest years, I’ll say the biggest year in its history for Worcester Restaurant Week.“

By-Staff
Graphic- submitted

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Worcester, MA-Worcester Restaurant Week runs from August 3-16, 2026, marking its 17th year and largest year with nearly 50 participating restaurants across Worcester and surrounding towns.

Participating restaurants offer curated three-course menus featuring appetizers, entrees, and desserts at $29.26 (or $34.26 for premium options), providing significant savings on signature dishes. As Kate McAvoy, President Merit House Media tells us, “They sell this three course menu… it’s at a price of about $30… you’re getting a lot of food and you’re getting some of their signature dishes and you’re getting it for under 30 bucks. And you just can’t beat it because you’d pay that much for one of these entrees on their own.”

The event, now under Merit House Media ownership, aims to drive customer traffic during a traditionally slow period and introduce diners to new dining establishments. “You have almost 50 restaurants this year. So it’s one of the biggest years, I’ll say the biggest year in its history for Worcester Restaurant Week.” Some folks use it as an excuse to try someplace new, others stick with their favorites, as Kate says, “I have friends who literally make their hit list and they go out five nights a week for the next two weeks… And they know Tuesday I’m doing this and Wednesday I’m doing this and I already know what I’m going to get. And they walk in there completely prepared.”

As for herself, “You will absolutely find me at least once at Piccolo’s. You’ll find me at Bocado at least once. You’ll find me at Mezcal at least once.”

Information about all participating restaurants, menus, and locations is available at worcesterrestaurantweek.com.

What Is Worcester Restaurant Week?

Worcester Restaurant Week is an annual dining promotion that encourages residents and visitors to experience local restaurants by offering specially priced three-course meals.

Restaurants create exclusive prix fixe menus featuring an appetizer, entrée, and dessert at a fixed price—typically much lower than ordering each item individually.

The event helps restaurants attract new customers during a traditionally slower time of year while giving diners an affordable opportunity to explore Worcester’s diverse restaurant scene. For many local food enthusiasts, Restaurant Week has become a yearly tradition, with some planning visits to several restaurants over the two-week event.

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