The City's Division of Forestry has devised a workplan designed to improve the condition of Washington Grove and reinforce its commitment to preserving the beauty of and access to the area.
About Washington Grove
Washington Grove is a woodland area nestled on the eastern edge of Cobbs Hill Park . In 2008, a coalition of neighborhood associations, led by the Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club, came together to develop a management plan for Washington Grove. The group worked to identify the users of the Grove, their needs and interests, and the problems facing the area. They produced a draft management plan and provided it to City officials for their review.
After the City held a public meeting on May 20, 2010 and solicited community input, it finalized a workplan for the Grove.
What's new at the Grove?
Pursuant to a customer concern, the City Forester inspected and concluded that a tree in Washington Grove that was hollow and splitting constituted a potential hazard to adjacent private property. A contractor for the City was tasked with removal of the tree, which began on July 12, 2010. IWhile performing the work, the City contractor inadvertently caused damage to some surrounding trees. In addition, while clearing an area within which to work safely, the contractor created what appeared to be a new path and disturbed an existing trail. The City Forester discovered this damage on July 13, 2010 and promptly addressed the situation with the contractor.
As a result, the contractor will take the following actions:
- Complete the removal of the hazardous tree (20’ butt log remains)
- Re-grade the disturbed portion of the trail and the newly created path
- Bark trace (trim) 6 damaged trees to aid in callusing over wounds (all are expected to survive)
- Place logs across the newly created path to discourage users from creating a new trail
- Replant one hemlock in the area of the newly created path to replace one that was uprooted
Please note that the work done was done in response to a hazardous situation and was outside the scope of the work plan recently put forward by the City.
How do you utilize the Grove?
Help us understand how you use the park throughout the year by taking a quick survey..
Would you like to receive Grove updates?
If you'd like to be kept in the loop on grove updates, issues, or meetings, join the email list.
Questions?
Email Mr. Brian Liberti, City Forester with questions or comments, or call the Division of Forestry at (585) 428-7581.