In honor of Juneteenth, HPC, WXXI and RPO are proud to present Freedom Trio: Herb Smith on trumpet, Peter Chwazik on bass and Joe Parker on drums. Molly Werts McDonald, a player in the first violin section of the RPO, will join the Freedom Trio for the concert. Freedom Trio's original compositions incorporate jazz, rock, classical, blues, gospel, and Indian classical music. The evening begins with a Casa Larga wine sampling from 5:00-8:00; music will fill the Bowl from 6:00-7:00 PM. Our emcee for the evening is Reverend Julius "JD" Jackson, Jr, known throughout Rochester for his ministry and community work. He is currently pastor of the United Church of Pittsford and an HPC board member. Freedom Trio emerged in 2013 when Herb, Peter and Joe combined their honed and varied musical backgrounds and "decided to put together the band we always wished for but never had. The music is groovy, and sometimes weird, but you will get it and we think you'll love it!" (Rain location: Asbury First Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave, Rochester 14607.)

Join us for an immersive, mindful walk through Highland Park on Saturday, June 15, at 9 am–led by Lara Johnson (AHC, RYT, MA Wild Writing). “Together, we will return to our bodies, to our breath, to the beautiful earth we live upon as a way of reconnecting to ourselves, others and the living earth.” The session will include a brief conversation about mindful outdoor practices/collective healing, a mindful walk (done barefoot if you would like), a sit-spot meditation and a closing circle. These embodied practices will help us explore how we might enter into deeper conversation with other forms of life and live more gently on and with the earth. It is always a comfort to be in Highland Park, a place that lends itself to mindfulness practice. Photo credit: Peggy Dempsey.

Join the Friends of Frederick Douglass at Frederick Douglass Memorial Plaza in Highland Park. Make history as part of the 125th 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 notable government officials and up and coming youth in the lilac-scented air.
Event is free and open to everyone. (No registration required.)

SOLD OUT! 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.)

SOLD OUT!!! - 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.)

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.

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.)

The 2024 Annual Meeting and stellar Pavilion Project presentation by Katie Comeau, Bero Architecture, is available for you to enjoy. And then–check out the celebration photos!

Meeting & Presentation Video

Event Gallery

Annual Meeting & Celebration held at Memorial Art Gallery
Catering by Brown Hound Downtown
Photos by Ria Tafani–riatafaniphoto.com • Music by Heart Throbs String Band

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.)

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.)

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.

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/

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/

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).

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.)

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.

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) 

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) 

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.

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

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.)

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).

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.)