Green Philly joined Laurel Hill Cemetery for a guided walk through Nature’s Sanctuary, a green burial area, led by Senior Horticulturist and native plant expert Gregg Tepper. The self-guided tour tour highlighted how native plants support local ecosystems, increase biodiversity, and create more sustainable landscapes, while demonstrating the important role they play in green burial spaces.

Participants learned how native species thrive in our region, require fewer resources than traditional landscaping, and help support pollinators and wildlife. After the walkabout, attendees created their own native plant bouquets to take home, bringing a little piece of sustainability back with them.

Events like this continue the conversation about how native plants, thoughtful land stewardship, and green burial practices intersect, and how local spaces like Laurel Hill Cemetery help connect Philadelphia residents with more sustainable ways to honor nature.

Photos by Aix Photography

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher