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. Since then, the City has worked in conjunction with the community to address the issues facing the Grove and has developed an annual plan that outlines the work to be performed in the Grove.
Grove Workplan
The following six elements detail the 2011 plan for care of the Washington Grove:
1. Control Invasive Species
- Cut Norway Maple in two interior areas, approximately six acres in total (see map below or download it)
- Cut Norway Maple sprouts and seedlings
- Cut Buckthorn, Olive, Honeysuckle
2. Replanting
- Replant native seedlings such as oak and hickory when an opening is created in the upper canopy
- Replant native understory seedlings such as redbud, flowering dogwood, and viburnums
3. Trail Recovery
- Limit trail width with "poles" from felled Norway Maples
- Conduct a field review to identify any erosion problems and possible solutions
- Close trail 35-39 based on 2010 field review to control erosion
- Clear down trees and limbs as they occur
4. Park Visitation
- Continue online questionnaire to collect data on users
- New kiosk at Nunda Blvd entrance through a Boy Scout project
- Maintain dog waste stations and trash cans at entrances
- Continue to enforce City codes such as dog off leash and other violations
5. Stewardship
- Evaluate trails yearly to determine condition, tree falls, poisonous plants, etc
- Apply mulch to trails in wet areas to control erosion, compaction, and widening
- Work with volunteers on an ongoing basis to assist in work plan
6. Planning
- Provide labor and materials as resources as they are available
- Investigate grants and other outside funding sources and submit proposals when applicable
- Evaluate effectiveness of work plan and seek input for subsequent plans
The 2010 workplan had similar goals but targeted different areas. Download the 2010 Washington Grove Work Plan
Lend a hand in the Grove!
The City wants your help at Washington Grove Volunteer Days! Help us remove invasive plants, plant native species, and stabilize trails. Most work days start at 8:30 a.m. Bring shovels, tree pruners, gloves, and dress for the weather. Mosquito repellent is sometimes helpful.
| Date |
Time |
Work |
| Saturday, July 9 |
8:30-11:30 a.m |
planting native species |
| Thursday, July 21 |
8:30-11:30 a.m |
remove invasives, water |
| Wednesday, August 3 |
8:30-11:30 a.m. |
removing invasives, reducing brush |
| Tuesday, August 30 |
8:30 -11a.m. |
remove invasives, reduce brush |
| Saturday, September 10 |
8:30 -11a.m. |
trail work, remove invasives |
| Thursday, September 29 |
8:30 -11a.m. |
planting, remove invasives |
| Saturday, October 8 |
8:30 -11 a.m. |
remove invasives, trail work |
| Wednesday, October. 26 |
8:30 -11 a.m. |
remove invasives, trail work |
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.
