Zion Cemetery Earns Level I Arboretum Accreditation, Advancing Commitment to Sustainability

Zion Cemetery is proud to announce that its historic grounds have been officially recognized as a Level I Accredited Arboretum through ArbNet, the international arboretum accreditation program founded and led by The Morton Arboretum.

The designation recognizes Zion Cemetery’s continued commitment to thoughtful tree stewardship, environmental sustainability, public education and preservation of its natural landscape.

For Zion, the accreditation represents more than a new title. It is another step in the cemetery’s evolution as a place where history, remembrance and nature come together.

“Becoming an accredited arboretum is an exciting step forward in our efforts to create a diverse, healthy and sustainable property,” said CeCe McCoo, Executive Director of Zion Cemetery. “We want Zion to continue to be a beautiful place for families to remember their loved ones, but also a haven for birds, pollinators and other wildlife and a place where people can simply experience and appreciate nature. We are proud of the progress we have made and excited to continue building on these efforts.”

More Than a Cemetery: A Living Landscape

Established more than a century ago, Zion Cemetery has long served St. Louis-area families as a place of remembrance and connection. Today, its approximately 49 acres also provide valuable green space where mature trees, plant life, birds, pollinators and other wildlife are part of the landscape.

The cemetery has increasingly focused on responsible land stewardship and sustainability, including Green Burial Council-certified green burial options and ongoing efforts to support the health and diversity of the property.

The new arboretum accreditation builds upon that philosophy with an additional focus on the trees and woody plants that help define Zion’s grounds.

What Does Arboretum Accreditation Mean?

ArbNet’s Arboretum Accreditation Program establishes professional standards for arboreta around the world. Level I accreditation recognizes organizations that have established the core elements necessary to operate and maintain an arboretum.

To qualify, Zion maintains an arboretum plan, dedicated staff or volunteers responsible for the collection, an established governing group and a documented collection of at least 25 different labeled taxa of trees and woody plants.

Zion Cemetery must also provide public access and offer tree-focused educational programming, creating opportunities for visitors to learn more about the plants and natural environment around them.

These requirements mean an accredited arboretum is more than simply a property with trees. It is a managed living collection with a plan for its care, preservation, education and future.

Growing Toward the Future

The accreditation fits naturally with Zion’s broader focus on ecology and responsible stewardship. A diverse tree and plant population can provide food, shelter and nesting habitat for wildlife, support pollinators, provide shade and help create the peaceful environment visitors experience throughout the grounds.

Zion plans to continue strengthening the diversity of its landscape, caring for existing trees and exploring additional opportunities for environmental education, wildlife habitat and sustainable property management.

“We have a unique opportunity to preserve the history of this property while also thinking carefully about what we want this landscape to look like decades from now,” McCoo said.

“Every step we take toward a healthier, more diverse property contributes to that future.”

Visitors are encouraged to explore Zion Cemetery’s grounds and watch for future opportunities to learn more about the arboretum and the trees, plants and wildlife that call Zion home.

About Zion Cemetery

Zion Cemetery is a historic cemetery and natural green space serving the St. Louis community. Across approximately 49 acres, Zion provides traditional and green burial options, cremation memorialization and other services while maintaining a strong commitment to preservation, sustainability and thoughtful stewardship of its historic grounds.

About ArbNet

ArbNet is an international community of arboreta and tree-focused professionals founded and led by The Morton Arboretum. Its Arboretum Accreditation Program establishes standards for tree collections, planning, governance, education and conservation, recognizing qualifying arboreta at four levels.