By Dave Barnett
Since the mid-1990s we have been implementing an Integrated Pest Management ( IPM ) program at Mount Auburn Cemetery , which is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques including biological control , cultural practices , physical / mechanical methods , and the use of resistant plant varieties . Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed as a last resort , and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism . Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risk to human health , beneficial and non-target organisms , and the environment . At Mount Auburn , active monitoring for pests and diseases is a key commitment – both out on the grounds and in the greenhouse . Ongoing education through conferences , workshops and trade literature is critical for our horticulturists and arborists to stay up-to-date regarding new potential threats and any possible control techniques .
GROUNDS :
Figure 1 - Yellow dandelions in the early spring provide color . While they are considered weeds by many visitors , we do not treat dandelions with any herbicides and have worked to change the perspective of cemetery visitors by discussing the environmental value of not applying chemicals and getting them to accept dandelions in the lawn areas .
Insect and Disease Pests : With a collection of 5,000 trees and well over 20,000 plantings of shrubs and groundcovers to care for over 175 acres , we strive to maintain best cultural practices such as mulching , efficient irrigation , and pruning . The implementation of proper tree and shrub pruning practices on the grounds to maintain specimen health is a critical companion piece to IPM monitoring for pests . When insect or other pest damage is found , we continue to monitor and usually do not apply any pesticides . We typically make the decision to accept that a number of trees or shrubs may be damaged but that the damage will likely not be fatal to an individual specimen or to the larger representation of a species . The infestation is allowed to run its course with the knowledge that the tree or shrub most likely will recover . In some cases when an infestation is more widespread , tree or shrubs specimens are removed and replaced with other species resistant to the pest .
One such example is our management plan for the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid ( HWA ), an insect pest that has decimated hemlock forests in the United States and Canada as well as the hemlock collection at Mount Auburn . Over 20 years ago we made the decision to only try to save about 33 % of the 300 hemlock trees then present at Mount Auburn . We began removing a number of the most severely damaged hemlocks each year and have taken the opportunity to diversify our
Mount Auburn Cemetery | Climate Action & Sustainability Plan 52