Urban Ecology at Mount Auburn
Wildlife Action Plan
Given the increasing urbanization of much of North America, models for successful urban wildlife refuges are desperately needed. Wildlife refuges in proximate to densely settled towns and cities are of particular importance as places where people can learn about and actively participate in conservation projects within their own communities. In 2014 Mount Auburn convened a variety of experts–landscape architects, wildlife experts, and conservationists–to both evaluate Mount Auburn’s previously completed habitat improvement projects and to identify future initiatives that would further the Cemetery’s goals of creating a more healthy and balanced ecosystem.
Resulting from this collaborative effort is Mount Auburn’s Wildlife Action Plan. This “mini master plan” has identified broad initiatives that further Mount Auburn’s commitment to protect and enhance wildlife habitat within its 175 acres and to more actively engage the public in its ongoing efforts.
Wildlife Population Assessment
To create the baseline data needed to determine species presence and abundance within Mount Auburn’s ecosystem this project began in 2015 with the trapping and release of aquatic species.
Additional projects were undertaken to monitor the populations of terrestrial amphibians, reptiles, and mammals–including a three year project with Mass Audubon to assess migrant and breeding bird populations at Mount Auburn.
Creating Resilient Habitats
Resilient habitats are vital for sustaining wildlife by offering essential elements for survival. They provide secure cover that shields species from predators and extreme weather, supply abundant food and fresh water, and create safe breeding grounds where animals can reproduce and thrive. In an ever-changing environment, these integrated habitats ensure the continuity of biodiversity, enabling ecosystems to adapt and flourish even amid challenges.
Establishing Wildlife Corridors
Wildlife corridors in urban ecosystems are essential lifelines, connecting fragmented green spaces and enabling safe passage for animals.
In 2019, Mount Auburn began a 3-phase project to restore the landscape along Indian Ridge Path, one of our oldest and most significant areas and an important Wildlife Corridor in the Cemetery.
Native Amphibian Reintroduction
Reintroducing native amphibians is key to restoring ecological balance. By reestablishing breeding populations—using carefully sourced tadpoles in vernal pools and fostering terrestrial populations like the Eastern Red-Backed Salamander—these projects not only revive species absent for decades but also rejuvenate the natural chorus of mating calls and vibrant life cycles throughout the landscape.
This reintroduction strengthens biodiversity, ensures robust, resilient ecosystems, and provides critical insights for long-term conservation efforts, even in the face of environmental challenges such as drought.
Water-body Health and Quality Assessment
The Cemetery began a comprehensive assessment of its ponds their associated aquatic bank plantings in 2017. The monitoring will focus on identifying stressors to habitat brought on by climate disruption. Following the assessment, the Cemetery will implement measures to improve water and habitat quality and create resiliency at all four water bodies in periods of drought and inundation due to severe storms.
Creating Habitats for Pollinators
Creating thriving pollinator habitats is essential for enhancing biodiversity and ensuring the health of ecosystems.
In 2015, the sunny hilltop meadow surrounding Washington Tower was transformed by replanting the existing grassland with a rich blend of herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses, and woody plants. This diverse planting strategy was specifically designed to attract and support key pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
The Wildlife Action Plan was created in collaboration with:
Grassroots Wildlife Conservation
Massachusetts Audubon Society
New England Environmental, Inc.
Larry Weaner Design Associations
Pat Cullina Horticultural Design
Joe Martinez, Ed.D.
Brooks Mathewson, M.F.S.
Halvorson Design Partnership
Funding for the Wildlife Action Plan was provided in part by the
A. J. and M. D. RUGGIERO MEMORIAL TRUST.
Citizen Science Naturalist Program
At Mount Auburn, our citizen science program invites community members to become active participants in conservation. Through our Phenology Study, volunteers document seasonal changes in our diverse plant life—tracking the emergence of leaves, flowers, and insects that support a wide array of migratory and resident birds. Expanding this effort, our Microclimate Study empowers citizen scientists to measure temperature, humidity, and other key weather conditions across the Cemetery. Together, these initiatives not only deepen our understanding of local ecological dynamics and the impacts of climate disruption, but also help shape future conservation strategies for our urban wildlife refuge.
Our program provides classroom trainings led by local experts that will introduce beginners to flora and fauna and provide a deeper dive for more experienced nature enthusiasts. Participants will learn about field research protocols and conservation techniques that will prepare them to become capable biodiversity research assistants to support a number of projects on the grounds of Mount Auburn Cemetery.
Citizen Science Naturalist Program Past Field Projects
Adult Dragonfly Survey (2024)
Citizen scientists visited Halcyon Lake, Auburn Lake, Willow Pond Consecration Dell vernal pool, and the Asa Gray fountain to document and (photograph if possible) dragon and damselflies that were present at each location.
Monach Larva Monitoring Program (2022)
Citizen scientists visited milkweed sites on the grounds 1x weekly to document ground temperature, Monarch larva presence and abundance, instar stages, and adult Monarch presence and abundance.
Winter Bird Survey (2021)
Citizen scientists visited 6 bird feeders on the grounds 1x week for timed observations of birds at or below feeders, as well as birds seen or heard nearby.
Breeding Bird Survey (2019)
Citizen scientists walked 1x week throughout the breeding season to visit each observation point on the grounds. A map of nest sites on the grounds was created through recorded observations.
Pollinator Visitation Survey (2018)
Citizen scientists visited selected garden sites on the grounds 1x month to take photographs of insects visiting flowers along defined (and timed) transect routes.
Urban Bat Activity Survey (2017)
Solar-powered, stationary and mobile acoustic bat detectors were utilized to record bat calls in transect areas on the grounds. Mist nets were erected periodically to capture, inspect, and release live specimens. Citizen Scientists walked the transects 1x week on evenings from May to October.
Tree & Shrub Phenology Study (2016)
Citizen scientists walked 1x week on all three sections of the Phenology Trail (red, green, and blue) throughout the spring and fall data collection sessions.