This local historic rural cemetery and accredited arboretum is making strides towards greening cemeteries in Massachusetts, cultivating a vibrant arboretum while respecting those who’ve passed and their families.
By Brielle Laurent and Mia Amaral
For a long time, Greenlawn Cemetery has been Salem’s only active cemetery for burials
in Salem. They have friendly and caring staff, two ponds, trees from all over the world, and a beautiful, 1894 High Victorian Gothic Chapel. However, one major reason Greenlawn Cemetery has become such a big name in Salem is for their love of trees.
The F. Carroll Sargent Arboretum, located within Greenlawn Cemetery, is Salem’s largest and first accredited arboretum, spanning 55 acres, and is one of the most diverse arboretums in the state of Massachusetts. The F. Carroll Sargent Arboretum is the first publicly owned cemetery to become an accredited arboretum in Massachusetts, possibly New England. It is home to various threatened and endangered woody plants and trees, which are carefully selected and strategically planted throughout the cemetery, as well as being maintained by the arboretum staff and in collaboration between the City of Salem, Salem State University, and the Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery. There are also annual tree strolls in the fall through the Friends of Greenlawn as part of the local Trails and Sails events that everyone in the community can enjoy!
The arboretum collaboration of Greenlawn Cemetery is certainly a sustainable location, and their work with trees helps to protect Salem’s environment, promote biodiversity, contribute to improved air quality through carbon sequestration, avoid erosion and flooding, all while providing a relaxing environment for families and nature to spend time in. For their incredible work, they have not only earned national recognition, but this project has earned official arboretum accreditation from the ArbNet organization.
It is impossible to talk about Greenlawn Cemetery without mentioning the meaningful work that Christine Lutts actively accomplishes. As Co-Chair and President of Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery, and part of the arboretum collaboration.
“The Friends have been working with the City of Salem for 13 years to restore the beautiful historic Dickson Memorial Chapel and Conservatory, as well as preserve Greenlawn Cemetery. We always knew it was an arboretum, but with Dr. Lisa Delissio and Salem State University’s help, Greenlawn is now a level 1 accredited arboretum. We are making gains on restoring the chapel and hope to finish restoring the stone work on the outside this fall. Three of my favorite lines – Everyone working together is making a difference. More people make bigger and better things happen. Thank you for your support. We could not do what we do without the support of the community, city, and Salem State University. Thank you all!” said Christine Lutts.
Another important piece of the F. Carroll Sargent Arboretum is Dr. Lisa Delissio, who has dedicated much of her time to improving and maintaining the flora that lives there. Dr. Delissio is an experienced biologist who currently leads the scientific research on the arboretum and acts as a curator, which allows Greenlawn Cemetery to continue its important work. In addition to her work with the cemetery, she is a tenured professor of biology at Salem State University.
“I’m grateful to the Friends of Greenlawn and the Cemetery Commission for inviting my students and me to become engaged with the arboretum. Major arboretum plantings took place in the 1930s and 1940s, but there are no known records of what was planted where. So, through the efforts of community volunteers, we’re creating the first modern inventory of the collection! So far, we are finding a high diversity of species, including some that are rare, from many other parts of the world. Folks who like to participate in the inventory or plant identification work are encouraged to get in touch with the Friends of Greenlawn. Join us!” said Dr. Lisa Delissio.
SAFE is proud to support Greenlawn Cemetery and their sustainability initiatives, and sincerely appreciates the work that they do to not only provide a respectful space for people to mourn their loved ones, but one that benefits them even if they are not around to witness it. Those who choose Greenlawn Cemetery can rest assured that they are included in a community that deeply cares about both people and the planet, while recognizing the interconnectedness of the two. If you would like to get involved in supporting Greenlawn Cemetery, please feel welcome to join the Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery, a group of Salem residents who love and care about Greenlawn Cemetery, the neighborhood, nature, and those who are laid to rest there.
Brielle Laurent is SAFE’s Spring Communications Intern.
Mia Amaral is SAFE’s Summer Communications Intern.