Picture yourself cross-country skiing among an ancient oak-hickory forest, the sounds of the city drowned out by downy snow on heavy branches. Or wandering with a (leashed) canine friend through sun-dappled paths in midsummer. Washington Grove is a 27-acre park located next to Cobbs Hill, home to 200-plus-year-old trees and glacial topography, and is an environmentally sensitive area endangered by invasive species and erosion. This year, the City of Rochester will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the grove with a number of events.

On Saturday, October 13, join Sierra Club naturalist Peter Debes for "Reading the Stories in the Trees," an exploration of the trials and tribulations of some of the oldest timbers in the grove. Meet just east of the Cobbs Hill Reservoir off Highland Avenue at 11 a.m. for the free informational walk.

Upcoming events include a talk with horticulturalist Michael Warren Thomas about the diversity of flora in the grove, to be held October 26, and volunteer work sessions on October 13, 26, and November 17, 9-11 a.m. For more information, visit cityofrochester.gov/Washingtongrove.