Erica Bryant

@Erica_Bryant_

One day after school, some kids from the Humboldt Recreation Center got into a van, rode to Washington Grove and went to war on honeysuckle. At least some of them did. Others planted hophornbeam trees. The trip was part of an effort to get more kids and native plants into the woods, and more invasive species out.

The expedition was led by Friends of Washington Grove, a group of volunteers that helps maintain the space and is enlisting young folks to help.

Their efforts attracted my attention because I have been looking to highlight local programs that encourage kids to get outside. Earlier this year an online video noted that today's kids spend less time outdoors each day than federal prisoners.

Bryant: Kids are outside less than prisoners

Washington Grove — a undeveloped 100-acre wooded sanctuary just east of the Cobbs Hill Reservoir — is a beautiful place to try to remedy that scary observation. Some of the kids were apprehensive about walking into the woods, and wondered whether they might encounter bears or snakes. "There are very few even creepy spiders," said Andrew Seager, a member of the Friends of Washington Grove.

He and others want more city residents to enjoy the grove. Seager notes that many people walk around Cobbs Hill Reservoir but fewer venture into the woods. There are many reasons more people should enjoy forests, including studies that have shown forest walks can help lower stress and blood pressure, and improve brain functioning.

The kids walked into the woods and happily weeded and planted and then argued over who would get to water the baby trees.

"It's really fun to water and grow plants," said Ya'nasia Parson, 9. Friends of Washington Grove also takes the kids to see various treasures in the grove and teach them fun facts, like you can eat acorns if you boil them twice.

"I like that we could come out in the wild and get some air," said Annah Konie, 9.

Friends of Washington Grove is also helping older youths to study the grove and how it might best be protected. Ronith Gurung, a 10th-grader at East High School, is researching methods of battling black swallow-wort, an invasive species that releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants and can eventually take over a woodland. Gurung is taking "The Global Environment," an AP environmental science and research internship that sprang from a partnership between the Rochester City School District and the nonprofit Earthworks Institute.

"It's really problematic," Gurung said of the black swallow-wort, which can produce more than 2,000 seeds. He hadn't been to Washington Grove before he started studying it, but appreciates the tract's beauty. "It's a peaceful surrounding."

If you are interested in helping to maintain the grove, the next public work day is Saturday, June 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. The group will meet at the Nunda Boulevard entrance to Washington Grove, near the intersection of Cobbs Hill Drive and Nunda.

There will be a guided tour of the grove as part of the Flower City Looking Good series on July 28. More information can be found at cityofrochester.gov/washingtongrove.

Also, at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 25, there will be a "Tap Takeover" Fundraiser at the Reserve Wine Bar at 400 Bakers Park in I-Square in Irondequoit. Tips and $1 per drink will be donated to the Wilson High Outdoor Club to help fund its trip to Algonquin Park in Canada.

Bryant: No electricity for campers, just fun

Erica Bryant is the Pay It Forward columnist. Contact her at ebryant@gannett.com.