Events
We are excited to be offering events, free and open to all.
If you are unable to attend please cancel your Eventbrite reservation so others may take part–thank you!
14th Annual Pick Up the Parks
HPC will host the 14th Annual Pick Up the Parks in Highland Park! Meet at Olmsted Lodge–registration opens at 8:30. The county-wide event is an opportunity for you to help prepare our beautiful parks for spring–picking up sticks and debris, raking and weeding, etc. Come dressed for the weather, sturdy shoes, rakes, hand tools. Come join us! For more info: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-pickuptheparks. (Pre-registration not required.)
Spring Lantern Walk–a celebration of nature, community, light, and hope!
Sold out!
Originally Rained Out — rescheduled to this event. If you cannot attend, please cancel your Eventbrite registration.
Join family, friends and community at the overlook flagpole near the eastern end of the reservoir in Highland Park (GPS coordinates 43.13203° N, 77.60287° W) for a Spring Lantern Walk. Highland Park Conservancy is thrilled to 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 7:00 PM to create your lantern with Ms. Renee. At 8:00 PM we'll form a circle together 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 spring twilight. We'll end our time together with warm refreshments and a reminder of the light that shines in each of us.
Explore the Geology of Highland Park
Highland Park is part of the Pinnacle Range, a moraine that resulted from glacial deposits of sand and gravel. In the late 1800's, Frederick Law Olmsted designed the park to preserve and enhance these natural features. Our guide, Tyler Lucero, has connected people to our natural and human heritage as an interpreter at the Genesee Country Village & Museum, a science teacher, a naturalist and an interpretive ranger. He has traveled widely to wild and historic places across the United States, but loves the people, landscape, and history of his native Western New York best. Note this walking tour will include uneven ground off the paved path and hilly terrain. Rain date: April 28, 1:00-2:15. Please register via Eventbrite–see link above; tickets available March 27. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Scannell.)
Visit Us at the Lilac Festival...
Friday, May 10, 10:00 AM –
Sunday, May 19, 4:00 PM
Visit our HPC tent at the Lilac Festival on Saturdays & Sundays only, 1:00-4:00, at the Overlook (weather permitting). Stop by and have a chat–learn about us and our signature project–the rebuilding of the iconic Children's Pavilion on its original site! So good to see old friends and to make new. How about a selfie with FLO (Frederick Law Olmsted) the brilliant designer of our historic 1890s Highland Park? See you soon... (See https://rochesterevents.com/lilac-festival/ for festival details.)
19th Century Welfare Institutions
Join Professor Ryan Thibodeau of St John Fisher University for a walking tour of the Gary Beikirch Memorial Park (formerly named Highland Park South). This much loved section of Highland Park was once home to three county-run social welfare institutions that date to the 19th century: an almshouse (poorhouse), “insane asylum,” and penitentiary. These buildings lined South Avenue between Highland and Elmwood Avenues. For about a half-century deceased “inmates” of these institutions were buried in unmarked graves in a cemetery adjacent to the penitentiary. Professor Thibodeau will present this remarkable local history, explain the discovery of the burial ground during a County Parks landscaping project in 1984, and share the recent collaborative efforts to properly honor the deceased "inmates" of these county institutions. Park at the Lilac Adventure Zone; you will be directed to the Remember Garden where the tour starts. (Rain date May 29th; please register via Eventbrite starting April 28, link above.)
Rebuilding for the Future: The Children’s Pavilion Project • Annual Meeting & Celebration
Are you eager to learn specifics about the new Children's Pavilion design? Bero Architecture, the distinguished local firm which specializes in historic preservation, has been working for the past year to design a pavilion that remains true to the original 1890 vision while conforming to 21st-century standards and building codes. Get a first glimpse of architectural plans and hear from Katie Comeau, Bero’s architectural historian, about the challenges they have faced in bringing this dream to life. A celebration with light refreshments in MAG’s ballroom follows the program. Feel free to invite a friend–the event is free and open to the public. Enjoy free admission to MAG before the meeting if you arrive to register at 5:00 pm or after. (Please register via Eventbrite.)
Full Meeting Video
Join the Garden Stewards
Spring is on its way! Our Garden Steward program starts its sixth season in early April–if the weather decides to cooperate. We'll resume our schedule of past years (www.highlandparkconservancy.org/garden-teams). In addition to the regular weekly schedule we're launching the "Love-a-Lilac" care program for those who would like to volunteer in Highland's renowned collection. Each steward will "adopt" a young lilac or lilacs to care for throughout the season. If you're interested in becoming a new volunteer fill out the on-line application and/or there will be an Orientation meeting at Olmsted Lodge, April 3, at 6:00 pm. If you're one of the fabulous volunteers from 2023–you'll be receiving an email mid-March. See you soon!!! (Registration not required.)
SOLD OUT!!! City Beautiful–Rochester 1911 & Rochester 2034
Join Highland Park Conservancy and representatives from the offices of the City Historian and City Planning as they compare A City Plan for Rochester 1911 and Rochester 2034!
A City Plan for Rochester 1911 was developed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and Arnold Brunner in the midst of a "City Beautiful Movement" across the country. Bicycle ownership peaked at this time; the plan included making roads accessible for all and safeguarding public welfare while preserving aesthetics. Rochester 2034 is a 15-year comprehensive plan to improve our community leading up to its 200th birthday. The plan covers a wide variety of topics, from housing and transportation to economic growth and historic preservation. Each topic includes goals and strategies that are aligned with an overarching community vision and set of guiding principles. For more information go to: https://catalogplus.libraryweb.org/?section=resource&resourceid=294629484 https://rochester2034.com (Registration is closed.)
The Artistry of Bonsai
Join us for an enchanting journey into the world of Bonsai in a special presentation by Mark Arpag, president of the Bonsai Society of Upstate New York. He will immerse you in the artistry and wisdom of Bonsai cultivation, sharing his expertise and passion for these miniature marvels. Set against the backdrop of Highland Park’s lush greenery and diverse collection of trees, this presentation promises to be an enlightening experience for enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Discover the techniques and artistic nuances that go into creating living works of art; this will be an evening of insight, inspiration, and the beauty of bonsai. (Bonsai image is Eastern White Cedar.) Please register via Eventbrite, link above.
First Day Hike–2024
Sponsored by Rochester Ecology Partners, the first day of 2024 is a great opportunity to get some fresh air, enjoy the company of others, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Highland Park. Join us for a leisurely walk, or just chilling out, in a place that is perfect for reflecting on what a fresh start means. All are welcome; please reach out about any accommodations you might need. Event is free; please consider making a contribution to support our work when you register via Eventbrite https://rochesterecologypartners.org/event/first-day-hike-2024/
Rochester Ecology Partners OPTOUTSIDE
On November 24th REP has an opportunity for you to make photographs and memories in nature with your friends, family, and neighbors at the OptOutside event in Highland Park. Meet in the Anna Murray Douglass Academy Parking Lot at 1:00 PM on November 24th. For additional information, go to:
https://rochesterecologypartners.org/event/optoutside-in-highland-park/
Guided Tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial commemorates the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans, Vietnam Era Veterans and all members of the Greater Rochester community who were affected by the war. The Memorial provides the opportunity for learning, remembering and peaceful reflection; it aims to educate future generations about the war and its lingering effects. It also serves as an oasis where people come to reflect about the acts of valor by fellow soldiers, a loved one who suffered or died as a result of the war and to publicly welcome home those who served. Meeting location & parking area at Highland Park South, 1440 South Avenue Rochester, NY 14620. This guided tour is free and open to the public. Please register via Eventbrite (link above).
Opera's Greatest Hits
Bring a picnic to Highland Bowl and enjoy Opera’s Greatest Hits! Co-sponsored by HPC and WXXI, Rochester Summer Opera was founded in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic to create free experiential learning opportunities for Eastman Voice & Opera students. Many opera lovers in Rochester have expressed how much they miss “Opera Under the Stars” performances that were held in Highland Bowl. With the financial support of the County of Monroe, they provided 23 years of free performances for just under 250,000 people. RSO is seeking to recreate the experience of the power of opera. Read more about the history of Opera Under the Stars at: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/sibley/2022/07/july11-july17/ Rain Date: Wednesday, August 30, Highland Bowl Performing Arts Stage, 1137 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620. (No registration required.)
Remembering Rochester through Its Historic Postcards!
There was once an "Age of Postcards" which documented our city's history. Author Lisa Kleman explores the history of Rochester through early 20th century postcards. We've all seen the nostalgic and iconic Rochester postcards–the Children’s Pavilion in Highland, the red-bricked Lyceum Theatre on Clinton Avenue, Ontario Beach Park when it was known as the “Coney Island of the West” with its boardwalk along the lake and women strolling in their long white dresses and frilly hats, the Powers Building towering over the trollies and horses and carts along Main and State Streets and the bandstands at Seneca Park and Genesee Valley Park. Join us as we explore “what once was” and share stories of the early 20th century. Olmsted Lodge, 171 Reservoir Avenue 14620. Registration, via Eventbrite (link above), opens August 9, limited to 100.
Tinkergarten Pop-Up Play Dates!
Join Ms. Nicole and Ms. Renee from Tinkergarten for a free outdoor adventure in Highland Park! Join us for Band Camp. We'll start with a listening walk to gather sounds around us. Then, inspired by insects and reptiles who fill our summers with sound, we'll use our bodies and the objects around us to make a range of sounds! Invitation to Play: How can we make music to communicate our ideas or feelings? Recommended for children 2-8 years old. (An accompanying adult must be present at all times.) NOTE: Eventbrite registration tickets are required for each child only-maximum of 30. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration on Eventbrite so that others may register. Thank you! Meet in Highland Park at Pinetum Drive and Reservoir Avenue Rochester, NY 14620. (43°07'55.8"N 77°36'12.7"W)
Tinkergarten Pop-Up Play Dates!
Join Ms. Nicole and Ms. Renee from Tinkergarten for a free outdoor adventure in Highland Park! Campsite Cookout. What is camping (or life, really) without food to give us energy and enjoy time together? We'll set up fires and mud kitchens in which we whip up nature treats to "enjoy" together as part of our pretend camping unit. Invitation to Play: How can we cook up a feast for a pretend campsite cookout?Recommended for children 2-8 years old. (An accompanying adult must be present at all times.) NOTE: Eventbrite registration tickets are required for each child only-maximum of 30. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration on Eventbrite so that others may register. Thank you! Meet in Highland Park at Pinetum Drive and Reservoir Avenue Rochester, NY 14620. (43°07'55.8"N 77°36'12.7"W)
Storytime with the Frederick Douglass Community Library
Enjoy stories with your little one! Meet children’s librarian Miss Jennifer at the Tunnel Tree in Highland Park across from Lamberton Conservatory for stories and fun. Storytimes help promote early learning skills and are a great way to bond with your child. Registration not required. Additional program: August 11. 180 Reservoir Avenue, Rochester 14620.
SOLD OUT!!! Visit Historic Ellwanger Garden
Thanks to the Landmark Society of Western New York, Highland Park Conservancy is hosting a rare opportunity for a guided tour of historic Ellwanger Garden. Lori Ducharme, LSWNY Horticulturist, will share her love and knowledge of the history, flora and fauna that make Ellwanger Garden a local treasure. Join us for an evening stroll in this intimate urban oasis and learn more about the connection between Ellwanger Garden and Highland Park and the opportunity to see what's blooming in the garden at the height of summer! Registration limited to 15 participants, via Eventbrite (link above), opens June 30. (PLEASE NOTE: NO ON-SITE PARKING; park on Menlo Place or Linden Street.) If you register and are unable to attend, please cancel your registration. Thank you! Photo credit: Lori Ducharme
Toddler Times at the Tunnel Tree...
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 for stories, songs and rhymes. Best for ages 1-4, 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.
Tour the Warner Castle Gardens SOLD OUT!!
Enjoy a garden tour and historic overview of the Warner Castle grounds led by Milli Piccione, HPC board member. Under the auspices of the Monroe County Parks Department 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 linchpin of the estate’s 1920s design is the unique Alling DeForest Sunken Garden, c. 1930. Meet at 5 Castle Park; additional parking on north side of Reservoir Avenue. Registration, via Eventbrite (link above), opens July 1–limited to 40 participants.
Jazz in the Bowl!
Grab your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of jazz with the New Horizons Jazz Ensemble and the Mid-Century Modern Jazz Quartet in Highland Bowl (1137 South Avenue), co-sponsored by WXXI. The New Horizons Jazz Ensemble, led by Don Sherman, will be first up. Their "big band" format features brass, reed, and rhythm sections and is part of the Eastman Community Music School. After a brief intermission, the Mid-Century Modern Jazz Quartet will take the stage. The four musicians play with subtlety, elegance, and a swinging beat–it’s all about lines and phrasing. A great summer evening of music. In the unlikely event of a downpour, the concert will be cancelled. No musicians want to risk getting their instruments wet! (No registration required.)
Celebrate the Summer Solstice!
Join us at the Upper Gatehouse to celebrate the Summer Solstice! Bring your lawn chairs or blanket to enjoy this open air concert by the Mount Hope World Singers; they seek to build community and foster international understanding by performing music in original languages from around the globe. And Netsins will be serving yummy ice cream sundaes, compliments of HPC. (The Upper Gatehouse is located near the Overlook, future home of the Children's Pavilion, at the east end of Reservoir Avenue.) Please register via Eventbrite–see link above; tickets available May 21.
Investigate the Landscape Architecture of Highland Park
On this walking tour of Highland Park, led by Landscape Architect and Conservancy President JoAnn Beck, participants will learn how Frederick Law Olmsted used the existing topography of the Pinnacle Range, a glacial moraine, to emphasize the plant materials and park elements incorporated into Highland Park's design. Tour includes hilly terrain off the paved paths. • Meet at Lamberton Conservatory, 180 Reservoir Ave 14620. Please register via Eventbrite–see link above; tickets available May 13.
Spring Birds in the Park!
SOLD OUT!!! Join us for our spring Bird Walk in Highland Park. Led by Mendon Foundation Birders, we’ll be looking and listening for resident and migratory birds. Beginner and experienced birders welcome! Bring your camera; binoculars will be helpful. Meet in front of Lamberton Conservatory, 180 Reservoir Avenue 14620. Please register via Eventbrite–see link above; tickets available February 15. (Photo: black-throated blue warbler by Peggy Dempsey.)
13th Annual Pick Up the Parks
HPC will host the 13th Annual Pick Up the Parks in Highland Park! Meet at Olmsted Lodge, 171 Reservoir Avenue 14620 - registration opens at 8:30. The county wide event is an opportunity for you to help prepare our beautiful parks for spring - picking up sticks and debris, raking and weeding, etc. Come dressed for the weather, sturdy shoes, and hand tools if you would like to weed. The Conservancy Garden Stewards will be working in the historic lilacs ‘Cultivating the Cultivars’ - weeding and general clean-up. Highland is home to a the biggest collection of lilacs in North America - approximately 1200 shrubs with over 500 individual cultivars. Come join us! For more info: https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-pickuptheparks (no pre-registration required).
Explore the Geology of Highland Park
SOLD OUT!!! The Park is part of the Pinnacle Range, a moraine that resulted from glacial deposits of sand and gravel. In the late 1800's, Frederick Law Olmsted designed the park to preserve and enhance these natural features. Our guide, Tyler Lucero, has connected people to our natural and human heritage as an interpreter at the Genesee Country Village & Museum, a science teacher, a naturalist and an interpretive ranger. He has traveled widely to wild and historic places across the United States, but loves the people, landscape, and history of his native Western New York best. Note this walking tour will include uneven ground off the paved path and hilly terrain. Meet at Lamberton Conservatory, 180 Reservoir Ave 14620. Rain date: April 16, 1:00-2:15. Please register via Eventbrite–see link above; tickets available April 1. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Scannell.)
“Olmsted’s 201st: What’s Next” HPC Annual Meeting
We’re delighted to announce that, after a brief business meeting, our featured speaker will be Anne “Dede” Neal Petri, the first President and CEO of the Olmsted Network (ON), formerly the National Association of Olmsted Parks (NAOP). The organization is dedicated to advancing the life, work and legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted and led the Olmsted Bicentennial Celebration. Olmsted 200 inspired and supported nationwide partnerships, conversations, events, and scholarship throughout 2022. Dede will speak about the importance of Olmsted 200 as a catalyst moving forward. Please join us for this important event, and for the 201st birthday reception to follow. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue 14607. (Please register via Eventbrite–see link above.)
Join the Park's Garden Stewards
Calling all Park enthusiasts! Join the Stewards 'Cultivating the Cultivars' in the Lilac Collection from the beginning of the 2023 season until the start of the Festival. Highland Park's Lilac Collection is the largest in North America–approximately 1200 shrubs which includes 500 named cultivars, some planted in the 1890s. We will then move to other areas of the park for the rest the season. Come to our informational meeting at Olmsted Lodge–all skill levels welcome. Or, if you’d like to help but can’t attend, go to www.highlandparkconservancy.org/volunteer and submit a volunteer form. (No pre-registration required for the meeting.)
Rochester's Historic Horticultural Art
Join us for a presentation by award-winning filmmaker and photographer Michael Tomb. George Ellwanger referred to Rochester as "The City of Flowers" at the dedication of the original Children's Pavilion in Highland Park. Learn about this history which includes Rochester's historical horticultural art and the Rochester printing companies which specialized in botanical chromolithography. The presentation will include current works by Tomb and Marcia Zach as seen through the lens of their continuity with Rochester's historical horticultural art. Please register via Eventbrite–see link above; tickets available March 6. (Photo by M. Tomb & M. Zach.)
The Story Behind the Frederick Douglass Memorial Plaza
The Frederick Douglass Monument was mostly hidden on a hillside above the Highland Bowl until 2019 when, under an initiative led by the Rev. Julius David Jackson, Jr. ("JD"), the Douglass monument was moved to the newly created Frederick Douglass Memorial Plaza on the corner of Robinson Drive and South Avenue. The establishment of the plaza achieved illumination of the monument and provided a prominent and accessible location within Highland Park. JD was inspired by civil rights icon Andrew Young’s admonishment at the November 13, 2006, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial groundbreaking to "also 'turn the dirt' when you return home to your local community." Presentation at Olmsted Lodge, 171 Reservoir Avenue 14620.) See https://www.highlandparkconservancy.org/videos for ‘Turning the Dirt.’ Please register via Eventbrite–see link above.
Winter Birds: in your Backyard & in Highland Park
We're delighted to welcome Liz Magnanti, past President of the Rochester Birding Association & part owner of the Bird House, for our first Olmsted Lodge presentation of 2023. Liz will answer all of your questions on how to attract birds to your backyard and tell you which birds you might see on your winter walks through Highland Park. Program will be held at Olmsted Lodge, 171 Reservoir Avenue 14620. Please register via Eventbrite - see link above. (Image: male goldfinch in winter plumage by Peggy Dempsey.)
Rochester Ecology Partners 'First Day Hike 2023'
What better way to start the New Year than in our beautiful Highland Park. Join Rochester Ecology Partners for a leisurely afternoon walk–click on the link for event details. (Meet at Lamberton Conservatory, 180 Reservoir Ave 14620.)
SOLD OUT - Fall Foliage Tour
Join one of our favorite tour guides, MC Parks Department Horticulturist Susan Maney, for a fall tour of Highland Park–starting at Warner Castle (5 Castle Park 14620). We'll explore this lovely and less-visited section of the park and learn about some of the unusual specimens planted in that area.
Parking at the Castle is limited: park on Robinson Drive or Reservoir Avenue. And please register via Eventbrite (link above).
Landscape Architecture Tour
Learn more about historic Highland Park, part of the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park system in Rochester. Join landscape architect and Highland Park Conservancy board president JoAnn Beck for a walking tour of the Park. Learn about Olmsted's "genius of place" in designing the park's rolling hills, winding paths and lovely vistas. Meet in front of Lamberton Conservatory, 180 Reservoir Ave. Rochester 14620. Registration, via Eventbrite (link above), opens August 27, limited to 40 participants.