In brief
In a shift toward ecological awareness, many cemeteries in the U.S. are embracing rewilding practices, making space for native flora and encouraging wildlife, particularly as public interest in nature surged during the pandemic.
As diverse burial sites from Catholic and Jewish cemeteries to historic grounds innovate their landscapes, the movement to prioritize biodiversity has captivated both visitors and cemetery caretakers. Groundkeepers and horticulturists are taking bold steps by lengthening grass, minimizing mowing, replacing invasive species with native plants, and opting for wildflower meadows instead of traditional turf. This evolution was fueled by the pandemic, which saw cemeteries becoming popular venues for peaceful escapes into nature. In 2020, renowned Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania doubled its attendance while Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn welcomed 200,000 more visitors to its vast 478-acre grounds. These cemeteries not only serve as resting places but also as beloved green havens, fostering a sense of community during challenging times. Joseph Charap, vice president of horticulture at Green-Wood, highlighted the change in public perception, stating, “We’ve seen a huge sea change in terms of people’s willingness to accept this.” As the community's connection to nature deepened during the pandemic, many visitors began to appreciate the aesthetic beauty of meadows filled with goldenrod and milkweed, valuing the new natural approach to burial sites. By allowing landscapes to flourish more organically, cemeteries are playing a crucial role in enhancing local biodiversity and promoting peaceful environments for visitors to reflect and engage with nature. The shift towards ecological integrity at these sites marks a significant change in the cultural understanding of death and remembrance in America today.
