Northwest Lowland
2024
Northwest Lowland
The Northwest lowland is a burial area from the early 1980s that includes the graves of many people who died of AIDS-related illnesses. Due to sea level rise, this area is expected to return to its natural state as a wetland.
To facilitate this transition, the location will be planted with salt-tolerant wetland species. Consequently, this area cannot be used for future burials because of the rising water table.
Tidal marsh progression
Ground water is currently less than 4 feet below the surface in this area of Hart Island
During a 2022 burial capacity study, Test Pit 37 revealed groundwater at a shallow depth of only four feet. This finding confirms that the area is no longer suitable for burials.
The city had already ceased conducting burials in this location in the 1980s, and most of the existing graves are now over 35 years old.
Landscape of Hope
This project was conducted in collaboration with landscape architecture researchers at The Ohio State University Knowlton School and was made possible with support of the Lily Auchicloss Foundation and through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Landscape Design Team Members: Jake Boswell, Jack Gruber, Brendan Ayer and Melinda Hunt
©2025 The Hart Island Project
