New guide explores how cemeteries can conserve local flora
University of Maine researchers have released a guide on how to promote the natural beauty of cemeteries statewide while conserving the local flora that populate them.
The "Constellation of Living Memorials' Guide to Intentional Native Landscaping in Maine," available through Fogler Library's Digital Commons, offers strategies on landscaping with native plants—identifying what plants reside in which different areas of the state and how to integrate them—and how to identify and remove invasive species that threaten the green spaces within cemeteries.
"We are interested in removing invasive plants and promoting native plant species across all our public green spaces, including Riverside Cemetery in Orono. We are glad to see this guide released as it will help us and other towns managing public cemeteries," said Megan Hess ('19), environmental services manager for the town of Orono who previously earned a master's degree in ecology and environmental sciences from UMaine. Hess is also available for interviews upon request.
Jessica Leahy, UMaine professor of human dimensions, and former AmeriCorps member Louisa Kaplan created the guide in collaboration with Constellation of Living Memorials, a Dallas-based nonprofit dedicated to cemetery preservation; Southern Aroostook Soil & Water Conservation District and Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District, and in consultation with officials from Orono, Bangor and Portland.
"While the removal of invasives and incorporating native plantings in public cemeteries are often municipality-led initiatives, this guide also benefits managers of other cemeteries who wish to maintain these memorials and do similar ecologically enhancing work," Leahy said. "We hope to begin to normalize the concept of cemeteries as public green spaces as well as showcase the role of these public spaces as demonstration sites in ecological restoration and maintenance."
Provided by University of Maine