About Us

Created in 1995, Wachusett Greenways (WG) is an all-volunteer,  nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization working to connect the Wachusett community with trails and greenways for nonmotorized recreation and historic preservation.  Greenways members, volunteers and donors, local- and state-government partners, and many others are the heart and soul of our work.

The Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT), our largest project, traces the 104-mile route of the old Massachusetts Central Railroad (MCRR) connecting Boston and Northampton, MA. The MCRR ceased operations and abandoned the route in 1938. Greenways’ stewardship of this extraordinary public resource centers on reclaiming as a rail trail the the central 30 miles of the MCRR railbed. This section passes through the Worcester County communities of Barre, Oakham, Rutland, Holden, West Boylston and Sterling.

Greenways vounteers perform the railbed clearing and much of the construction and ongoing maintenance. Heavy excavation and paving are contracted to local vendors. We partner with local town resources for the most arduous repairs and maintenance.

As of 2014 we have completed about 20 miles of the WG section, including eight bridges — the longest a full 110 foot span — crossing waterways throughout our section, and two tunnels beneath Charnock Hill Road and Rte. 56 (“Pommogussett”) in Rutland. Other rail trail groups throughout the Commonwealth have completed or are working to complete the balance of the MCRT.

Wachusett Greenways also built and maintains the White Oak Trail, which is connected to Trout Brook Reservation in Holden.

Volunteers are welcome for a day of trail work or a long-term dedication of your talents in developing trails. Please join us in taking action for greenways in our neighborhoods. Would you like to see a rail trail running right through the heart of Massachusetts? Do you want to find new places to explore? Opportunity awaits.

Sign on as a Wachusett Greenways member online or send us your name, address, phone number and e-mail with dues to:

Wachusett Greenways
PO Box 121
Holden, MA 01520

Suggested annual membership is $40, but any amount makes you a member.

Please contact us to begin volunteering . We’re always glad to hear from loyal Greenways members and we love to meet new friends.

See you out there!