One of my favorite family activities this time of year is to wander local cemeteries. Some people find that a bit odd, but cemeteries are some of the most beautiful places to experience nature and wildlife. The rural cemetery movement of the nineteenth century invited Americans to not only utilize cemeteries for the internment of their beloved dead but also as parks. Benches, sweeping areas of grass, and a variety of fountains and monuments make them the perfect place to picnic or take a walk. Many cemeteries have gardens and a variety of trees and shrubs. I adore the birding at local cemeteries as well. In fact, the famous Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester is a certified Audubon sanctuary as is White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford. I love to spend quiet time in area cemeteries identifying bird with my Merlin app on my phone. (If you like birds you must download the Merlin app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology!)
This is a picture of me, my husband (Paul Moyer), and two friends at Mount Albion Cemetery in Albion. The changing leaves were gorgeous, and we were happily surprised with a variety of lovely birds, too. So, when it is too cold to garden, throw on a coat and enjoy walking around your local cemetery!
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2025 issue of Upstate Gardeners’ Journal.
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