Early in each year The Friends meet with relevant City staff to agree on a plan for work for that year.

THE FRIENDS OF WASHINGTON GROVE INC. (FoWG) 2018 WORK PLAN

Trails

  • Work with City to identify funding sources for trail revitalization
  • Schedule volunteer work day(s) to spread chips.
  • Experiment with narrowing specific trails, and/or reinforcing trail corners.
  • Clean up debris along trails.

Entries and Signage

  • With City, design and install new, consistent signage:
    • at major Grove entries
    • internal to the Grove, with geolocation for safety.
  • Work with City to write and submit grant application(s) for new entries from Nunda Blvd and Cobbs Hill Reservoir.
  • Host Eagle Scout project to create new entry from Tay House.

Invasive Plants

  • Continue to carry out long-term plan for removing invasive species.

Native Trees/Shrubs/ Herbaceous Layer

  • Plant trees, sub-trees, shrubs and herbaceous layer from approved lists in spring and fall.
  • Continue experiment with protective fencing for some plantings to discourage damage by deer and other wildlife. Keep records of success.
  • Consolidate a shared record of past planting locations and their degree of success.

Park Visitation

  • Continue to encourage City support for communication and enforcement of City codes and to address vandalism when it occurs.
  • Structure tours to include tours for volunteers on work days, through City Living program, and other special events.
  • Finalize tour guide for training volunteers; create tip sheet and other materials.

Outreach/ Communication/ Education

  • Continue to build and sustain relationships with multiple organizations and with Recreation Dept. Schedule work dates based on their needs.
  • Be open to special projects and recruit people to lead these (e.g. Eagle Scout projects, adopt a tree/plot.).
  • Work with City on introducing Rochester youth to parks.
  • Offer informational meeting, possibly on regional geology, in late summer/fall.
  • Update and maintain electronic communications.

Organizational Improvement and Development

  • Document annual activity timeline (e.g.: when arrived at planting plan for coming year).
  • Hold semi-annual board retreat and review of annual work plan and five-year plan.
  • Recruit board members who represent local neighborhoods.

City Partnership

  • Meet with and offer tours to Commissioners of Recreation and DES, and Mayor.
  • Meet with city officials once a year (in late winter) to review prior year outcomes based on goals and to gain agreement on goals for current year.
  • Agree on MoU with city.

Budget and Funding

  • Develop longer term funding needs and related budget.
  • Identify one grant to pursue as formal non-profit.
  • Encourage tax-free donations.

Knowledge Acquisition and Sustainability

  • Continue to network with other park stewardship groups, restoration groups (e.g. SER), and interested scientists and historians.
  • Work with City on survey of southern, eastern and western park boundaries.
  • Explore resources for tree survey.
  • Work with neighbourhood groups on vision for Cobbs Hill Park.

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