During the pandemic, many cemeteries began adopting rewilding initiatives, replacing traditional grass lawns with native plants and wildflower meadows, attracting record numbers of visitors and fostering a deeper connection to nature.
Embracing Nature: Cemeteries Across America Shift Towards Rewilding
Embracing Nature: Cemeteries Across America Shift Towards Rewilding
A growing number of cemeteries nationwide are transforming manicured lawns into vibrant habitats for wildlife amid a cultural shift towards ecological practices.
Throughout the United States, cemeteries are undergoing a significant transformation as they forgo traditional manicured landscapes in favor of rewilding. This innovative approach is finding its way into Catholic and Jewish burial sites, expansive graveyards, and historic potter’s fields, redefining how we engage with these resting places.
In recent years, groundskeepers and conservationists have come together to promote biodiversity by allowing grasses to grow taller and minimizing mowing. They are actively removing invasive species while nurturing local flora, replacing vast expanses of sod with thriving meadows filled with wildflowers and drought-resistant plants. This evolving management is reflected in the growing popularity of these spaces, especially during the pandemic when they became essential retreats for those seeking quiet solace surrounded by nature.
Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania, a picturesque 265-acre site, witnessed its visitor numbers double during the height of the pandemic, while Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery reported 200,000 new attendees. These spaces, known for their expansive greenery within urban areas, served as gathering spots, leading many to appreciate the natural beauty of these environments. Growth-oriented initiatives, once met with skepticism, have become widely accepted as individuals found peace in the combination of remembrance and nature.
Joseph Charap, the vice president of horticulture at Green-Wood Cemetery, highlights the cultural shift. As he strolls through a newly established meadow saturated with goldenrod and milkweed, he remarks on the public's newfound appreciation for this vibrant landscape. The change signifies a broader recognition that cemeteries can be both places of remembrance and conservation, making a profound impact on local ecology while fostering community connections through nature.
In recent years, groundskeepers and conservationists have come together to promote biodiversity by allowing grasses to grow taller and minimizing mowing. They are actively removing invasive species while nurturing local flora, replacing vast expanses of sod with thriving meadows filled with wildflowers and drought-resistant plants. This evolving management is reflected in the growing popularity of these spaces, especially during the pandemic when they became essential retreats for those seeking quiet solace surrounded by nature.
Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania, a picturesque 265-acre site, witnessed its visitor numbers double during the height of the pandemic, while Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery reported 200,000 new attendees. These spaces, known for their expansive greenery within urban areas, served as gathering spots, leading many to appreciate the natural beauty of these environments. Growth-oriented initiatives, once met with skepticism, have become widely accepted as individuals found peace in the combination of remembrance and nature.
Joseph Charap, the vice president of horticulture at Green-Wood Cemetery, highlights the cultural shift. As he strolls through a newly established meadow saturated with goldenrod and milkweed, he remarks on the public's newfound appreciation for this vibrant landscape. The change signifies a broader recognition that cemeteries can be both places of remembrance and conservation, making a profound impact on local ecology while fostering community connections through nature.
