Environmental Stewardship
Did you know that Mount Auburn is considered a model of environmental stewardship? Over three decades, the Cemetery has secured cleaner energy sources, established a sustainable grounds maintenance plan, and introduced greener burial and cremation services. Now, the Cemetery is working towards its most ambitious goal: carbon-neutrality by 2050.
Learn more about our current practices and our future goals below.
CLIMATE ACTION & SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
It is time for bold action! With its Climate Action and Sustainability Plan Mount Auburn aims to be carbon neutral by the year 2050 while also addressing broader environmental, social, and economic concerns.
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
Turf Management & Alternatives
Through innovative turf and landscape maintenance practices, Mount Auburn has reduced its environmental impact while increasing the aesthetic qualities of its 175 acres.
Wildlife Habitat & Biodiversity
With plenty of food, water, cover, and nesting sites, our landscape welcomes wildlife and a community of researchers studying urban biodiversity.
Biodiversity in the Plant Collections
Diversifying Mount Auburn’s plant collections is a critical way to preserve our landscape’s health and increase its resiliency in the face of climate change.
BIODIVERSITY
All the living organisms of the planet make up its biodiversity. When we talk about biodiversity at Mount Auburn, we are referring to all the plants and animals that exist within this urban wildlife refuge. A Wildlife Action Plan, completed in 2015 in collaboration with wildlife and conservation experts, has guided the implementation of new gardens or the enhancement of existing ones to improve their value as wildlife habitat. In addition to increasing habitat value, our current efforts to diversify our horticultural collection are preparing us for the increasing threat of climate change. Learn more >>>
LIVING LABORATORY
Mount Auburn is an important resource for the study of horticultural and environmental issues. Guided by the recommendations in our Wildlife Action Plan, scientists and conservationists are now studying the relationship between Mount Auburn’s horticultural collections and the wildlife that it supports. Trained volunteers are now taking an active role to collect data for scientists studying the Cemetery’s biodiversity. And, a new partnership with Lesley University will result in improved and expanded opportunities for school children to expand their understanding of the the natural world.
VIRTUAL TOUR
Take a virtual tour of Mount Auburn’s Stewardship Initiatives with our Interactive Map (click on Tour Information and select “Eternally Green” from the menu of tour options) or take a physical tour of the grounds by following the tour in our mobile app.
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