A natural jewel revitalized
Beechwood Cemetery unveils restored Macoun Marsh
Finally, after a long planning process, the Macoun Marsh has been revitalized and restored for wildlife and people to enjoy. Beechwood Cemetery’s restoration plans had to be carefully designed to respect its nature as well as the surrounding community.
The results of that work were officially unveiled during a reopening event on Earth Day, April 22.
Nicolas McCarthy, Director of Marketing, Communication and Community Outreach, says: “We had to find a sustainable way to remove cattails and invasive species, just enough to maintain balance, support wildlife, and preserve the natural flow of water. We are hoping all this work will show long-term results, even for another 25 to 50 years.”
The next phase will be to reshape the adjacent forests, by removing invasive trees without sacrificing the full canopy.
On the western side of the marsh, Beechwood is developing a green burial site that will look more pastural and natural, to attract birds and pollinators. On the eastern side, a very original and eco-friendly idea emerged looking at the rules in the city for natural removal of invasive plants.
McCarthy and his team are pleased with their project and how people are embracing it. The support has been wonderful.
“The cemetery has to be part of the community and the community has to be part of the cemetery; this is our philosophy.”
Credit
At the April 22 ceremony, McCarthy gave credit to Beechwood Program Manager and Fundraising Specialist Erika Wagner.
“It was really her vision, her dedication and her attention to detail that ensured every element of this project was approached with care and purpose,” he told the crowd. “This was a passion project for her over three years.”
In her address, Wagner explained why the project was necessary.
“Over time, the marsh became overgrown with invasive cattails, limiting its ability to support diversified wildlife,” she said. Wagner added the work was needed “to return balance to this ecosystem.”
The marsh was “responsibly drained” in the fall to give wildlife — “especially the turtles” — the chance to relocate safely. The work was completed over the winter. It included the cattail and invasive species removal and the installation of a rock wall which will help control the spread of cattails in the future.
Today, she said, Macoun Marsh is home to 1,500 species including, for the first time, a pair of hooded merganser ducks.
“It’s so exciting to see the immediate effects of the marsh’s restoration,” Wagner said.
As noted, people can proudly and thoroughly enjoy this little jewel they have at their doorstep. They can take in the beauty nature offers all around them.