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 the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher