Join the Highland Park Conservancy on July 29, from 10:30 - 11:30 AM, for a visit from the new RPL-GO! mobile library following 10:00 library storytime at the tunnel tree. The library van will be parked at 171 Reservoir Avenue, near the tunnel tree.

Additional RPL-GO! visit: August 8, 10:00-11:00.

RPL-GO! provides all Rochester residents access to the critical resources and services that our libraries offer. According to Mayor Malik Evans, “Mobile libraries promote literacy, inclusivity, and community."

Registration not required–publicity will go live on Eventbrite on June 26.

Tuesday Storytimes are presented by the Central Library. Enjoy stories and songs with your little one! Meet a children's librarian at the Tunnel Tree across from Lamberton Conservatory (180 Reservoir Avenue) for stories, songs and rhymes. Storytimes help promote early learning skills and are a great way to bond with your lchild. Best for toddlers, but older and younger siblings are welcome. Rain location is the Central Library Children's Center. Call 585-428-8150 to confirm weather-related location changes. Registration not required.

And be sure to join us on July 29, from 10:30 - 11:30 AM for a visit from the new RPL-GO! mobile library. The library van will be parked on Reservoir Avenue, near the tunnel tree.

On this walking tour of Highland Park, led by landscape architect and HPC President JoAnn Beck, participants will learn how Frederick Law Olmsted designed Highland Park using the glacial topography, horticulture and history which is unique to Rochester to create a masterwork of Landscape Architecture. NOTE: tour includes walking on hilly terrain off the paved pathways.
(Eventbrite registration available July 11; if you are unable to attend after registering, please cancel your reservation.)

A series of guided nature immersions—gentle, sensory-based experiences designed to help you slow down, de-stress, and reconnect with nature. HPC co-sponsors the Highland Park experience.

At Lilac Nature Connection, we support the Greater Rochester community in connecting with the natural world. We do this through guided nature immersion, ethnobotany education, and community building.  HPC co-sponsors the Highland Park experience.

Join us for a series of guided nature immersions—gentle, sensory-based experiences designed to help you slow down, de-stress, and reconnect with both nature and your community. Each walk will include a series of simple invitations to engage with the natural world through your senses. We’ll move at a slow, relaxed pace and usually cover less than one mile. 

All invitations are adaptable and we encourage participants to honor their own needs. We are currently offering this service to adults (babies in arms welcome too). If you have any questions about accessibility, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Register via Eventbrite.

Enjoy a tour of the Warner Castle gardens accompanied by a historic overview of the estate grounds, led by Milli Piccione, chair of HPC’s Garden Steward program. The rehabilitation of the upper level, with its 180' and 150' mixed borders and rose treillage, is complete (or as complete as any garden can be); the Rock Garden is in the process of being “reclaimed." The linchpin of the estate’s 1920s layout is the unique Alling DeForest Sunken Garden, c. 1930. 

Under the auspices of the Monroe County Parks Department the rehabilitation, maintenance and plantings are accomplished by a dedicated volunteer corps. (We ALWAYS welcome new volunteers: www.highlandparkconservancy.org/garden-teams.) For the tour meet at 5 Castle Park at the front steps of the Castle; additional parking on north side ONLY of Reservoir Avenue.

Eventbrite registration opens July 1 (www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy/). Limited to 40 participants.

HPC brings Wild Wisdom Play to Highland Park for 4 weeks of joyful learning-through-play.

At Wild Wisdom Play, kids and their treasured adults will come together once a week with Miss Renee for a learning experience that looks and feels a whole lot like play in an outdoor setting.
We will be using curated selections from the Tinkergarten curriculum designed to help kids hone the skills we use to interact in positive ways with others. The activities are sweet and simple and easy to replicate at home for extended play throughout the week. This program is suitable for 2-8 year-olds; adult participation is required.
Families may pre-register for the 4-class session, which will be held on May 31 and June 7, 14 and 21. For more information; to confirm your reservation and save your child’s spot, please use the following link to register. Registration remains open throughout the program for drop-ins if there are openings available. Special thanks to Monroe County Parks.

Registration:  https://www.hisawyer.com/wisdom-season-parenting/schedules/activity-set/1397240

Join us for an early evening walk through the blooming beauty and inspired vision of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Highland Park.
As spring winds down and summer starts, join this guided walking tour; offering a look at the park’s trees, shrubs, and gardens in their peak season. We’ll explore Highland Park’s rich history, thoughtful design, and the landscape elements that make it a living work of art. Learn how Olmsted’s background influenced his visionary layout and purpose for this public space. Along the way, we’ll highlight some of the park’s unique and historic “legacy” and specimen plants that help make Highland Park such a beloved and remarkable place. (www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy/). (Image courtesy of daytrippingroc.com)

Jazz in the Bowl is a free outdoor concert–bring your lawn chair and settle in to enjoy the music. Free popcorn at the concert and wine sampling from Casa Larga Vineyards.
The concert opens with the big sound of the New Horizons Jazz Ensemble led by Don Sherman. The second band, Mid-Century Modern Jazz Quartet, comes on stage immediately following.

The New Horizons Jazz Ensemble led by Don Sherman has a "big band" format featuring brass, reed and rhythm sections and is part of the Eastman Community Music School. 
The Mid-Century Modern Jazz Quartet performs with subtlety, elegance and a swinging beat–it’s all about lines and phrasing. All in all, a great summer evening of jazz in Highland Bowl.

(Eventbrite registration opens May 15: (www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy/).

Join us for an early evening walk through the blooming beauty and inspired vision of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Highland Park.
As spring winds down and summer starts, join this guided walking tour; offering a look at the park’s trees, shrubs, and gardens in their peak season. We’ll explore Highland Park’s rich history, thoughtful design, and the landscape elements that make it a living work of art. Learn how Olmsted’s background influenced his visionary layout and purpose for this public space. Along the way, we’ll highlight some of the park’s unique and historic “legacy” and specimen plants that help make Highland Park such a beloved and remarkable place. (www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy/). (Image courtesy of daytrippingroc.com)

Join the Friends of Frederick Douglass, sponsors of the 126th commemoration of the June 9, 1899, unveiling of the Frederick Douglass Monument and wreath laying.
Douglass descendants and other experts will share little known facts about this first American monument dedicated to an African Amerian. Enjoy the remarks from Mayor Malik Evans, County Executive Adam Bello, other dignitaries and dynamic performances by up-am-coming Rochester youth.
Event is free and open to everyone. (No registration required.)

Join us for an early evening walk through the blooming beauty and inspired vision of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Highland Park. As late spring reaches its peak, this guided tour will offer a stunning look at the park’s trees, shrubs, and gardens in full seasonal color. We’ll explore Highland Park’s rich history, thoughtful design, and the landscape elements that make it a living work of art.

Learn how Olmsted’s background influenced his visionary layout and purpose for this public space. Along the way, we’ll highlight some of the park’s unique and historic “legacy” and specimen plants that help make Highland Park such a beloved and remarkable place.

Eventbrite registration (www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy/). (Image courtesy of daytrippingroc.com)

Join us for a late morning walk through the blooming beauty and inspired vision of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Highland Park. Highland Park is a Rochester treasure.

As spring flourishes, this 11am guided tour offers a vibrant look at the park’s trees, shrubs, and gardens at their seasonal peak. We’ll explore Highland Park’s rich history, thoughtful design, and the landscape elements that reflect Olmsted’s lasting influence. Discover how his background shaped the park’s layout and purpose, and learn about some of the unique “legacy” and specimen plants that make this space such a treasured part of the community. Susan, a dedicated volunteer with the Highland Park Conservancy, serves as both Docent and Garden Steward, bringing deep knowledge of the park's botanical and historical significance.

Eventbrite registration (www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy/).

Join us for an early evening walk through the blooming beauty and inspired vision of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Highland Park.
As spring reaches its peak, this guided tour will offer a stunning look at the park’s trees, shrubs, and gardens in full seasonal color. We’ll explore Highland Park’s rich history, thoughtful design, and the landscape elements that make it a living work of art. Learn how Olmsted’s background influenced his visionary layout and purpose for this public space. Along the way, we’ll highlight some of the park’s unique and historic “legacy” and specimen plants that help make Highland Park such a beloved and remarkable place.
Eventbrite registration opens April 10 (www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy/). (Image courtesy of daytrippingroc.com)

Join us for a walk through Highland Park this Saturday–led by Carrie from Hike and Stroll Rochester and Highland Park Conservancy. Together, we'll walk through the park with opportunities to enjoy the landscape, blooms and conversation. There's plenty of parking at the Adventure Zone parking lot. All ages welcome!

As always, if your plans change, please cancel your reservation on Eventbrite so that others may attend. Thank you!

Register: eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy-rochester/

In collaboration with the Rochester Birding Association.

We’ll be looking for spring migrants while enjoying lovely flora. This walk would be gorgeous even without the birds, but it does have birds in abundance! Find out where people have spotted the rarities that pop up in this urban treasure. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars. We will be walking mostly on paved walkways with gentle hills; walking in grass a possibility. Meet in front of the Conservatory. Led by Jeanne Verhulst 585-362-0803 and co-leader Amy Kahn 585-310-2330.
Registration opens March 23: eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy-rochester/

More details: https://rochesterbirding.org/events-trips/field-trips/.

Highland Park is a Rochester treasure. Not only a world-class Arboretum, but one of only 4 city-wide park systems designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Join us for a special Earth Day exploration of Highland Park, where we'll celebrate the intersection of environmental stewardship, landscape design and the visionary work of Frederick Law Olmsted. This unique tour transforms a historic landscape walk into a powerful reflection on urban ecology, conservation and the critical role of green spaces in our community.

On the 54th Annual Earth Day, we'll explore how Olmsted's revolutionary park design was an early blueprint for environmental thinking—connecting urban communities with nature, promoting sustainability and creating living ecosystems within city landscapes. Our tour will highlight the park's biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the profound environmental impact of thoughtful landscape architecture.

Register at: eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy-rochester/

Highland Park is a Rochester treasure. Not only a world-class Arboretum, but one of only 4 city-wide park systems designed by Olmsted.
Walk with us as we introduce you to the vibrant beauty and ingenious vision of Frederick Law Olmsted's Highland Park during the most magical time of spring. This tour will capture the park's extraordinary transformation as life bursts forth, showcasing the early spring flowering trees, emerging bulbs, and the first signs of renewal across the landscape. We will explore Highland Park's rich history, design, and the brilliant landscape architecture that makes this space a living masterpiece.

Our tour will highlight Frederick Law Olmsted's visionary approach to landscape design, focusing on how his principles of natural beauty and urban green spaces come to life in the early spring palette. Our guide, Susan Lerner, will point out unique specimen plants, early-blooming cherries, magnolias, and the subtle awakening of the park's diverse botanical collection. Susan is a dedicated volunteer with the Highland Park Conservancy, serveing as both Docent and Garden Steward.

Register at: eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy-rochester/

HPC will be the site host for the 15th Annual Pick Up the Parks in Highland Park! Meet at Olmsted Lodge–registration from 8:30-10:00 am. (The event lasts until noon.) The county-wide event is an opportunity for you to help prepare our beautiful park for spring–picking up sticks and debris, raking, weeding, etc. Come dressed for the weather, sturdy shoes, rakes, hand tools. Join us! For more info: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-pickuptheparks. (Pre-registration not required.)

After a short business meeting, Board of Directors election and the Mary Fisher Award, we are pleased to present THE LAND PROTECTORS: An Eco-Activism Project in Rochester. Inspired by a threat to Genesee Valley Park, Heather Layton led THE LAND PROTECTORS project, a multi-disciplinary team of student artists. They used music, performance, dance and visual art to express the envi-ronmental, spiritual and cultural value of the Olmsted landscape, producing a portfolio of work, exhibited in February 2024, and highlighted in her program. Their work was supported by a grant from The Preservation League of New York as part of the 2022-2023 Seven to Save List, which included Genesee Valley Park.
Heather Layton is a transdisciplinary artist who addresses 21st century social and environmental challenges through creative practice. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally in countries including Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Slovakia, and Pakistan. Layton is an Associate Professor of Art at the University of Rochester, where she teaches courses in painting, socially engaged art, and performance.
Register at: eventbrite.com/d/ny--rochester/highland-park-conservancy-rochester/

Join Highland Park Conservancy and Rochester's Olmsted Parks Alliance as our very own JoAnn Beck answers the question What makes a park a work of Art?! JoAnn is a Landscape Architect with 35 years experience. She serves as president of the Rochester Olmsted Parks Alliance (ROPA), is on the Board of the Maplewood Neighborhood Association and serves as president of the Board of Highland Park Conservancy. 

Rochester's Olmsted Parks Alliance promotes Frederick Law Olmsted's legacy. Rochester's park system owes a great debt to Olmsted, often called the father of American landscape architecture. His designs resulted in what is now Genesee Valley Park, Highland Park, Seneca Park and Maplewood Park. Today, these parks remain outstanding examples of Olmsted's distinctive styles of design. (Image is postcard of Genesee Valley Park, early 1900s.)
Eventbrite registration opens Feb. 25.

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITONS. Walk with us as we introduce you to the beauty and genius of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Highland Park. This Winter Tour will provide a very different view of the trees and shrubs during their dormant period. We will focus on Highland Park’s history, design, and landscape. Frederick Law Olmsted’s background will be highlighted and how it influenced his design, vision and purpose of the park. Ron, a volunteer with HPC as both Docent and Garden Steward, will point out and discuss some of the unique and special “legacy” and specimen plants that make this a unique and special place. Register via Eventbrite–if you can’t attend, please cancel your reservations.

Join the Highland Park Conservancy for a presentation by Michael Leroy Oberg, Distinguished Professor of History at SUNY-Geneseo. The author of seven books on Native American history, Dr. Oberg's presentation will include an updated history of Native Americans in the Highland Park area and local vicinity. His current publication, co-authored by Peter Jakob Olsen-Harbich, is now in its third edition.

Eventbrite registration opens on January 29, 12AM.

Join the Highland Park Conservancy for a presentation by Lori Ducharme, horticulturist for Landmark Society of Western New York, on the nurserymen who donated the land which is today's Highland Park. Learn about the proprietors of Mount Hope Nursery, George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry, the beautification of Rochester as interest in landscaping grew, and the donation of land to the City of Rochester for what would become its first park.

Walk with us as we introduce you to the beauty and genius of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Highland Park. This Winter Tour will provide a very different view of the trees and shrubs during their dormant period. We will focus on Highland Park’s history, design, and landscape. Frederick Law Olmsted’s background will be highlighted and how it influenced his design, vision and purpose of the park. Ron, a volunteer with HPC as both Docent and Garden Steward, will point out and discuss some of the unique and special “legacy” and specimen plants that make this a unique and special place. Register via Eventbrite–if you can’t attend, please cancel your reservations. Images courtesy of  daytrippingroc.com

Join family, friends and community at the overlook flagpole near the eastern end of the reservoir in Highland Park for an Autumn Lantern Walk. Highland Park Conservancy is thrilled to once again join with Wisdom Season Parenting to bring this magical event to Highland Park. Make your own lantern (simple instructions available at Tinkergarten.com) or come at 4:15 PM to create your lantern with Ms. Renee or bring your own flashlights, lanterns or glow sticks to light our way.. At 4:15 PM we'll form a circle to sing songs and reflect about the change of seasons, light and hope. Then, we'll light our homemade lanterns and walk together, savoring the beauty of our little lights against the fall twilight. We'll end our time together with warm refreshments and a reminder of the light that shines in each of us.

This 90-minute walking tour offers a combined exploration of the park’s historical significance and horticultural diversity. Led by Highland Park neighborhood resident Chuck Dye, you’ll hear fascinating stories about Olmsted’s inspiration and design philosophy that shaped Highland Park. The tour will also highlight the park’s remarkable “legacy” trees and rare plant specimens, giving you an insider’s look at this botanical sanctuary. The tour is approximately 90 minutes; comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing recommended; tour starts at Gate House #2 on Reservoir Ave and ends near Lamberton Conservatory.  In case of severe weather the tour may be rescheduled. Join us for a delightful and informative afternoon at one of Rochester’s most cherished parks! Register via Eventbrite–if you can’t attend, please cancel your reservations.

DUE TO RAIN PREDICTED for SUNDAY, EVENT WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY, OCT. 12. Let's get crafty and make some cute bird feeders using pine cones–a family activity with Renee Thompson, Wisdom Season Parenting. Suggested ages: 3-10. Meet at the Highland Park Overlook, adjacent to Gate House 2 on Reservoir Avenue. Registration, via Eventbrite (link above), opens September 22.

Highland Park is a Rochester treasure. Not only a world-class Arboretum, it’s part of only 4 US city-wide park systems designed by Olmsted. Walk with us as we introduce you to the beauty and genius vision of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Highland Park. This is a combined historical and horticulture tour. Olmsted’s background will be highlighted and how it influenced his design/layout, vision and purpose for the park. The tour guides will discuss some of the unique and special “legacy trees” and specimen plants that make Highland unique. Please note the tour requires the ability to walk and stand throughout. Meet the tour guides at the front of the Gate House 2 on Reservoir Ave near the Overlook. (The tour ends at the Conservatory.) Your guides are both HPC Docents and Garden Stewards. Registration open on Eventbrite. NOTE: another park tour will be held November 9, 10:00-11:30, led by Chuck Dye.