Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Woodlawn Cemetery, established in 1863 and located in the Bronx borough of New York City, encompasses over 400 acres of carefully designed landscape that combines natural beauty with historical and cultural preservation. It functions as both an active cemetery and a nationally recognized site for its arboretum, historic mausoleums, and famous interments. The cemetery’s layout follows the rural cemetery movement of the 19th century, featuring gently rolling hills, mature trees, winding paths, and water features that support a variety of native and ornamental plant species. Its extensive collection of trees makes it one of New York City’s largest arboreta, supporting a healthy habitat for urban wildlife including bird species and small mammals. Woodlawn also houses notable sculptures and memorial architecture designed by renowned artists and architects, serving as an outdoor gallery for art and history enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy serene walks along paved and gravel paths, birdwatching, and historical tours tied to literary and cultural figures buried there. Woodlawn Cemetery holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places and operates under strict policies to preserve its landscape and monuments. The site attracts thousands of visitors annually who seek historic context, quiet reflection space, and a distinctive green setting within an urban environment.
