The Rewilding Revolution: Transforming America’s Cemeteries

As pandemic restrictions eased, U.S. cemeteries experienced a resurgence in visitation, leading to innovative changes in landscape management. Many burial sites are now prioritizing nature through rewilding efforts, which involve replacing lawns with drought-resistant plants and wildflowers. This movement encourages biodiversity and enhances community spaces, reflecting a broader change in cultural attitudes towards death and remembrance.

In response to the changing relationship between people and nature, many cemeteries across the United States are undergoing remarkable transformations. Rather than retaining traditional pristine lawns, these sacred spaces are increasingly being rewilded with native plants and wildflowers that not only invite biodiversity but also support local wildlife. This shift has been notably accelerated during the pandemic, as more people sought solace in the outdoors.

Cemeteries such as Green-Wood in Brooklyn, a historic site that blends urban parkland with burial grounds, are leading this movement. For many cemeteries, including Jewish and Catholic ones, the approach encompasses longer grass, the removal of invasive plant species, and an overall reduction in lawn maintenance costs. Groundskeepers, horticulturists, and volunteers are adopting practices that promote ecological sustainability, like forgoing pesticides and nurturing wildflower meadows.

The pandemic played a significant role in changing perceptions surrounding these spaces. As restrictions made traditional social gatherings challenging, cemeteries became safe venues for reflection and connection with nature. An example is Laurel Hill Cemetery in Pennsylvania, where visitation more than doubled as the community sought green spaces to breathe and mourn. Green-Wood cemetery also witnessed a surge in visitors, achieving a record count of 200,000 attendees.

Joseph Charap, vice president of horticulture at Green-Wood, noted the positive community response to their rewilding efforts: “We’ve seen a huge sea change in terms of people’s willingness to accept this.” The comments reflect a growing acceptance of naturalistic landscapes that contrast with the neatness of manicured grass, discovering beauty in the wildness.

This movement towards rewilding cemeteries not only supports wildlife but also reinforces a connection between community members and the environment, allowing these spaces to function as both places of mourning and opportunities for ecological rejuvenation. As this trend continues to expand, it presents an innovative way to redefine remembrance and honor the dead while nurturing the living earth.