As life flourishes amid resting places, American cemeteries are experiencing a notable shift towards biodiversity. From Catholic and Jewish burial sites to sprawling private graveyards, horticulturists and conservationists are changing the landscape management strategies by allowing grass to grow longer and replacing invasive species with native plants. Practices such as reducing mowing frequency and minimizing pesticide use contribute to healthier ecosystems.
The pandemic has altered public perception, with many cemeteries becoming communal havens for the public to safely experience nature. For instance, in 2020, Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania reported a visitor count that more than doubled compared to previous years. Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn followed suit, welcoming an impressive 200,000 additional visitors, who found solace among rolling hills and serene vistas.
With a growing appreciation for natural beauty, the initial resistance to longer grass and native flowering meadows is waning. Joseph Charap, Green-Wood’s vice president of horticulture, notes a monumental shift in people’s perspectives, as they now express appreciation for these vibrant landscapes. “The reaction was, ‘Oh, it’s beautiful,’” he shared, highlighting a newfound acceptance among visitors.
Cemeteries, often the largest green spaces within urban areas, are redefining their roles, serving as crucial sanctuaries not only for the departed but also for wildlife and the community. This innovative approach to cemetery management promotes a symbiotic relationship between life and death, ensuring that these spaces remain a source of growth and comfort.
The pandemic has altered public perception, with many cemeteries becoming communal havens for the public to safely experience nature. For instance, in 2020, Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania reported a visitor count that more than doubled compared to previous years. Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn followed suit, welcoming an impressive 200,000 additional visitors, who found solace among rolling hills and serene vistas.
With a growing appreciation for natural beauty, the initial resistance to longer grass and native flowering meadows is waning. Joseph Charap, Green-Wood’s vice president of horticulture, notes a monumental shift in people’s perspectives, as they now express appreciation for these vibrant landscapes. “The reaction was, ‘Oh, it’s beautiful,’” he shared, highlighting a newfound acceptance among visitors.
Cemeteries, often the largest green spaces within urban areas, are redefining their roles, serving as crucial sanctuaries not only for the departed but also for wildlife and the community. This innovative approach to cemetery management promotes a symbiotic relationship between life and death, ensuring that these spaces remain a source of growth and comfort.
