Sustainability

The cemetery complex in Roslyn, which consists of 27 historic cemeteries side by side and includes many immigrant and lodge communities, incorporates sustainability methods that unite environmental conservation, historic preservation, and community-driven care.

Historic Preservation as a Core Sustainability Strategy

The Roslyn Cemetery Commission and Roslyn Cemetery Legacy Association manage the entire cemetery complex with a mandate to preserve historic, cultural, sociologic, and archaeological significance. This includes:

• Protecting original cemetery layouts and historic markers
• Preventing commercialization and ensuring respectful use
• Documenting and archiving cemetery history
• Sharing cultural heritage through tours, presentations, and public education

Environmental Sustainability, Volunteers & Landscape Protection

Examples of capital projects directly support environmental resilience:

• A 330‑foot retaining wall was constructed at the Sokol Lodge Cemetery to stop erosion and stabilize the hillside.
• The Serbian Cemetery received new steps and historic wire‑loop fencing, improving safety and protecting the landscape.
• A Croation monument and landscaping was completed beautifying the landmark cemetery
• The Cemetery entrance was visually improved with new landscaping of cherry trees and grounded rock in the parking lot supporting the physical kiosk construction which hosts the  “digital storyteller” of the families interred on the grounds
• Recognizing sustainability of our scared grounds is not a “one day” event but one where our volunteers groom the landscape throughout the year.

These projects help prevent soil loss, protect burial sites, educate our community, maintain long‑term structural stability, and create community unification.