Northwest Lowland
2024 - 2100
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
By 2100 this area will be a tidal marsh.
By the year 2100, this area is expected to experience daily tidal inundation and transition into a tidal marsh. At this point, the mass graves, which are currently over 35 years old, will be more than a century old and should be fully subsided. This area is not expected to be publicly accessible.
The Role of Tidal Marshes
According to the New York State Department of Conservation, tidal marshes are wetlands dominated by grasses and plants that are adapted to salty water and the ebb and flow of tides. These habitats are crucial for the ecosystem, providing a hiding place for juvenile fish and serving as a vital food source when the plant blades decay, providing nutrients for other marine life.
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
