The Worcester Intercollegiate Outdoors Initiative (WIOI) aspires to be a dynamic, student-centered network of campus-based and community allies striving to bring Worcester college students together year-round to explore and enjoy nature in our city and beyond.
We recognize the many physical and mental health benefits of time spent in nature, and the ways in which small group hikes and similar outdoor activities contribute to our social-emotional well-being. By hosting, fostering, and promoting these activities, we make the outdoors our "third place" where students disconnect from the stress of academics and daily life while meeting new friends and discovering the region's compelling array of conservation lands, parks, and forests. Drawing upon the inspiration and know-how of our community allies, we empower students to plan, organize, lead, and participate in activities which we and our campus-based allies host. And as our boots hit the ground, each step we take strengthens our intercollegiate community and brings Worcester a step closer to its true potential as a vibrant college town. |
JOIN US!
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Follow us on Instagram: worcester_outdoors
Submit our interest form: WIOI Interest Form Contact us: Greg Doerschler - WIOI Coordinator greg@gwlt.org 508-795-3838 |
We invite all students to connect with Worcester Intercollegiate Outdoors Initiative, directly and via our evolving network of campus based allies. Your involvement helps shape our path forward!
Interested student organizations and campus-based entities are encouraged to become a part of our allies network, especially if focused on recreation & wellness, student well-being, outdoor activity, nature & environment, sustainability, community engagement, and related themes.
Allies promote WIOI and the events we host through their normal outreach, and serve as pathways for students to get acquainted with WIOI. In turn, WIOI promotes the activities and events of its allies as part of its outreach, and assists allies seeking to host outdoor activities of their own.
Our roster of allies is being compiled and will be added soon.
Interested student organizations and campus-based entities are encouraged to become a part of our allies network, especially if focused on recreation & wellness, student well-being, outdoor activity, nature & environment, sustainability, community engagement, and related themes.
Allies promote WIOI and the events we host through their normal outreach, and serve as pathways for students to get acquainted with WIOI. In turn, WIOI promotes the activities and events of its allies as part of its outreach, and assists allies seeking to host outdoor activities of their own.
Our roster of allies is being compiled and will be added soon.
About our origin:
Initially launched in early 2019, Worcester Intercollegiate Outdoors Initiative activities were suspended a year later at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. A fall 2022 WPI Interactive Qualifying Project student report guided our revival, which continues to evolve.
WIOI is hosted by the Greater Worcester Land Trust (GWLT), one of the many land trusts in Massachusetts dedicated to keeping valued pieces of our state green. Their missions involve not only protecting and conserving such prized places, but providing public access through construction of trail networks and other infrastructure, and hosting initiatives to engage the people with the land. The Worcester Intercollegiate Outdoors Initiative is one such program.
Greg Doerschler, Worcester Intercollegiate Outdoors Initiative coordinator, has been volunteering with GWLT and introducing Worcester college students to the amazing natural spaces of our city and region in various capacities for more than two decades. Through hundreds of small group hikes, he's experienced the positive impact of nature on student physical, mental, and social emotional well-being, and knows great spots to explore!
GWLT and WIOI collaborate on volunteer and community engagement opportunities as well, hosting a range of outdoor service projects tailored to students and student groups, GWLT depends on projects like these to maintain its properties and trails, and students gain a new perspective on land stewardship while enhancing Worcester's green spaces.
Initially launched in early 2019, Worcester Intercollegiate Outdoors Initiative activities were suspended a year later at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. A fall 2022 WPI Interactive Qualifying Project student report guided our revival, which continues to evolve.
WIOI is hosted by the Greater Worcester Land Trust (GWLT), one of the many land trusts in Massachusetts dedicated to keeping valued pieces of our state green. Their missions involve not only protecting and conserving such prized places, but providing public access through construction of trail networks and other infrastructure, and hosting initiatives to engage the people with the land. The Worcester Intercollegiate Outdoors Initiative is one such program.
Greg Doerschler, Worcester Intercollegiate Outdoors Initiative coordinator, has been volunteering with GWLT and introducing Worcester college students to the amazing natural spaces of our city and region in various capacities for more than two decades. Through hundreds of small group hikes, he's experienced the positive impact of nature on student physical, mental, and social emotional well-being, and knows great spots to explore!
GWLT and WIOI collaborate on volunteer and community engagement opportunities as well, hosting a range of outdoor service projects tailored to students and student groups, GWLT depends on projects like these to maintain its properties and trails, and students gain a new perspective on land stewardship while enhancing Worcester's green spaces.