Greater Worcester Community Foundation is pleased to announce Colin Novick, Executive Director of the Greater Worcester Land Trust, as the recipient of this year's Renaissance Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to land preservation in the region.
The Renaissance Award was established in 2004 through an endowment created by a founding member of the Foundation, John W. (“Jack”) Lund, who passed away in 2010 at age 90. Jack created the award to outstanding individuals within the Worcester County community who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovation in the nonprofit sector.
Colin will receive a $5,000 prize to support personal renewal through experiences such as travel or study. The Foundation will match the prize with a $5,000 unrestricted grant to the Greater Worcester Land Trust.
"I was so shocked to receive this year’s Renaissance Award,” said Colin. “Knowing how many amazing nonprofits are in this region, I’ve always felt that the land trust flew under the radar. Being nominated and selected is a great surprise and honor.”
Nominations for the Renaissance Award are solicited from the Foundation’s 250+ corporators, with the winner ultimately selected by Foundation staff and board based on the quality of nomination(s) received. Colin stood out for his long-standing commitment to land preservation in the region, becoming Greater Worcester Land Trust’s first employee 27 years ago.
Greater Worcester Land Trust operates with a small staff of 2.5 members, a dedicated working board, and many volunteers. Their work includes managing trails, preserving natural habitats, and connecting Worcester residents with the natural environment through monthly guided hikes and special events. Colin has worked on many substantial projects during his time at the land trust, including the Four Town Greenway that stretches from Salisbury Street in Worcester through Holden, Paxton and Leicester.
Colin was nominated for the Renaissance Award by long-serving board members that have seen the difference Colin has made over the past 27 years.
A lot of our success is due to [Colin’s] energy, enthusiasm, skills, versatility, know-how, and devotion to the land trust and its mission…He is a rare person and a pleasure to work with; the land trust is extremely fortunate to have him.
- George Dresser, founding board member of the Greater Worcester Land Trust
Colin sees his role at the Greater Worcester Land Trust as being the “bridge between land and community.” A Worcester native who returned to the city after studying in Chicago, Colin feels most comfortable in a northern New England forest and has dedicated his career to land preservation, seeing it as rewarding long-term work that helps permanently change the region for the better.
Colin plans to use the $5,000 cash prize to travel. “I have a long bucket list of places I want to go,” he says. “Even though the purpose of this travel will be to relax and rejuvenate, I know I will come back inspired by the land and with new ideas for my work.” The $5,000 grant to the land trust will help support the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations and staffing.
The Renaissance Award was presented to Colin Novick at Greater Worcester Community’s Annual Meeting on June 3.
