Urban Ecology

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. A recent example of our efforts is the Habitat Restoration of Indian Ridge Path (2019-2023).

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.  Learn how to be involved >>