The Davis Cemetery District and Arboretum has earned Level II Arboretum Accreditation from the prestigious Morton Register of Arboreta in Illinois. You can learn more about the Morton Register at www.arbnet.org.
In 2012, the Davis Cemetery District became a Level II accredited arboretum through the Morton Register of Arboreta, which establishes guidelines and standards for arboretum accreditation. Level II accreditation signifies that the Davis Cemetery District and Arboretum contains more than 100 species of trees and woody plants, employs a designated staff member to manage the arboretum, and offers public education programs.
The cemetery is also home to the last natural hill and swale in the city. A swale is a low-lying area where rainwater and irrigation runoff collect and gradually seep into the soil, helping to recharge groundwater supplies. From 2007 to 2009, community volunteers completed a revegetation project in the swale, planting 42,000 native grass and sedge plugs. These native species help filter pollutants from the water.
In addition, several gardens throughout the cemetery provide spaces for visitors to enjoy. The Scent Garden features a variety of fragrant plants, while the Bulb Garden showcases flowers that bloom at different times of the year. Visitors may also walk the labyrinth for a quiet, meditative experience or relax while listening to the soothing Veterans Memorial Fountain.