Cemeteries are transforming from manicured lawns to vibrant meadows, creating biodiverse environments that welcome wildlife and offer solace to visitors, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.
Revitalizing Rest: The Rewilding of American Cemeteries
Revitalizing Rest: The Rewilding of American Cemeteries
In an effort to bring nature back to burial grounds, cemeteries across the U.S. are embracing sustainable practices that support local wildlife.
Across the United States, the trend of "rewilding" has gained traction as more burial sites swap traditional grass for wildflowers and natural plants. This shift is not limited to one particular sect or region; it spans various denominations and locations. Observations from cemeteries show how groundskeepers, community leaders, and nature lovers are collaborating to create eco-friendly sanctuaries for both the dead and the living.
Cemeteries have historically served as crucial green spaces, fostering despairingly necessary habitats for wildlife. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant uptick in their popularity as safe, open-air spaces for those seeking peaceful retreats. Notably, locations like Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania and Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn witnessed their visitor numbers soar during this time, with many opting for these serene environments as places for reflection and solace.
In tandem with this increase in foot traffic, many cemeteries began implementing plans to replace neatly trimmed grass with patches of wildflowers and drought-resistant plants. Previous attempts to let grass grow longer had faced criticism, but the pandemic shifted perspectives, leading to a newfound appreciation for the beauty of untamed landscapes. As Joseph Charap, the vice president of horticulture at Green-Wood, noted, the pandemic prompted a more accepting attitude towards the visual appeal of these natural spaces. “The reaction was, 'Oh, it’s beautiful,’” he remarked, highlighting the shift in community sentiment.
This initiative not only promotes environmental conservation but also transforms cemeteries into multi-functional green spaces that foster community connections and support local biodiversity, giving life to areas that were once solely devoted to mourning. As these burial sites continue to evolve with ecological principles, they serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of life and death, ultimately enriching the communities they’re part of.
Cemeteries have historically served as crucial green spaces, fostering despairingly necessary habitats for wildlife. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant uptick in their popularity as safe, open-air spaces for those seeking peaceful retreats. Notably, locations like Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania and Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn witnessed their visitor numbers soar during this time, with many opting for these serene environments as places for reflection and solace.
In tandem with this increase in foot traffic, many cemeteries began implementing plans to replace neatly trimmed grass with patches of wildflowers and drought-resistant plants. Previous attempts to let grass grow longer had faced criticism, but the pandemic shifted perspectives, leading to a newfound appreciation for the beauty of untamed landscapes. As Joseph Charap, the vice president of horticulture at Green-Wood, noted, the pandemic prompted a more accepting attitude towards the visual appeal of these natural spaces. “The reaction was, 'Oh, it’s beautiful,’” he remarked, highlighting the shift in community sentiment.
This initiative not only promotes environmental conservation but also transforms cemeteries into multi-functional green spaces that foster community connections and support local biodiversity, giving life to areas that were once solely devoted to mourning. As these burial sites continue to evolve with ecological principles, they serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of life and death, ultimately enriching the communities they’re part of.
