plant for the right place : including transitioning to greater drought tolerant plants in garden spaces .
Throughout the year , rainwater is also collected from the greenhouse roof and stored in a 35,000- gallon underground cistern . The collected rainwater is used to irrigate greenhouse crops and eliminates the dependence on city water for irrigation during the winter months when the cemetery ’ s water conveyance system is shut off .
A drought plan has been adopted and is implemented whenever the landscape faces prolonged periods of drought . This includes a breakdown of the grounds and gardens into areas of high demand ( such as new , un-established plantings ) and areas that can go un-watered ( such as wellestablished specimens and drought tolerant plantings ).
Water consumption is monitored at the aquifer pumphouse and weekly readings are taken from April through November . A weather station is also located on the roof of the Operations Center at Mount Auburn . Data is collected and shared with horticulture and arboriculture staff to better inform decision-making regarding planting and maintenance . Drought monitoring is followed through the Massachusetts and United States Drought Monitors and data is also shared to better inform Mount Auburn staff when planning to implement the drought plan .
An example of the Annual Weather & Water Use Record can be found in the appendices .
Goals for Water Quality and Consumption : Landscape
SHORT-TERM GOALS ( FY2022 – FY 2024 ):
1 . Continue on-going annual actions : a . Storm water sampling , analysis and reporting . b . Emergent shelf and rain garden maintenance , including : sediment and invasive species removal , inspection and reporting . c . Street sweeping and catch basin cleaning . 2 . Complete underground water infrastructure assessment and improvement plan . 3 . Incorporate emergent zone expansion and floating island into aquatic habitat . ( part of
Ruggiero Grant for FY2023 )
MEDIUM-TERM GOALS ( FY2025 – FY2034 ): 1 . Complete underground water infrastructure improvements . 2 . Create additional rain garden .
LONG-TERM GOALS ( FY2035 – FY2050 ) 1 . Complete dredging of three ponds .
Mount Auburn Cemetery | Climate Action & Sustainability Plan 46