Cemetery owes much to great volunteerism

Homewood

As president/CEO of The Homewood Cemetery, I am writing on behalf of our chairman and board of directors to thank the people of our city for their excellent volunteerism.

The Homewood Cemetery is a historic nonprofit cemetery in Pittsburgh’s East End that was established in 1878. Homewood’s 200-acre property is a prized example of a lawn park style cemetery, popular in its time for its manicured lawns and exquisitely maintained tree canopy. As it is connected to Frick Park, Homewood serves not only as a place for sacred and dignified burial but also as a special place for remembrance, cultural preservation and as one of the city’s premier green spaces. In 2014, Homewood was honored to have become a nationally accredited arboretum, which necessitates that its landscape is preserved and tended to in a way that meets the highest standards of tree care.

Because The Homewood Cemetery is a nonprofit organization, funding often dictates how much of this important work we are able to accomplish. It is with this in mind that we are so grateful to those involved with a special project called “Arbor Day of Service,” which took place at Homewood on March 31. More than 15 local tree companies as well as 50 members of the Penn Del Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture gathered at Homewood to offer tree removal, pruning and planting completely free of charge.

Their generosity of spirit in sharing their expertise to serve The Homewood Cemetery has had a meaningful impact on our historic property and further beautified a green space that is treasured by the East End community and all who seek out its quiet refuge.

We would further like to thank the Western Arbor Day Committee, Matt Erb of Tree Pittsburgh, Brian Wolynuak of the Penn State Extension, Curt Gumbert of the City Forestry Division and Rob Kruljac of Arborel Tree Service. We would also like to thank the large number of tree care companies who volunteered their day of service by offering a crew and their equipment to maintain and improve our beautiful arboretum and cemetery. DAVID J. MICHENER

President/CEO Allegheny and Homewood

Cemeteries Squirrel Hill