First Visit to Green-Wood
I visited Green-Wood Cemetery Friday for the first time. I’m
sure I had noticed it on a map of Brooklyn, which I am referencing constantly
these days. However it just didn’t occur to me that it was such an
important asset for our community or that I would be so mesmerized by what it
has to offer.
The World Health Organization summarizes the benefits of
urban green spaces as:
• Facilitating physical activity and relaxation
• A refuge from noise
• Trees that produce oxygen
• Trees that help filter out harmful air pollution, including
airborne particulate matter
An Introduction
Let’s start with the basics. Green-Wood Cemetery was founded in 1838. It is now a National Historic Landmark and accredited arboretum. I was interested to learn it actually predates Central Park in Manhattan. Green-Wood is one of the islands of green space in an ocean of cityscape. Together they form a network for animals, insects and seeds to thrive in this urban environment.
Let’s start with the basics. Green-Wood Cemetery was founded in 1838. It is now a National Historic Landmark and accredited arboretum. I was interested to learn it actually predates Central Park in Manhattan. Green-Wood is one of the islands of green space in an ocean of cityscape. Together they form a network for animals, insects and seeds to thrive in this urban environment.
• 478 acres of mostly open land with 4 bodies of water
• largest “collection” of mature trees in NYC
• countless species of birds, insects and small mammals
• supports honeybees with hives and flowering plant
• proactive interest in environmental education
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| Violets Photo Credit: Jörg Hempel |
