It might seem unlikely that a place designed for the departed could be teeming with life. Cemeteries have a long history of serving the dual purpose of honoring the deceased while also proving a space for the living to gather and grieve in the embrace of nature. Touted as some of the earliest public parks in the country— with mature trees, open grasslands, meadows of wildflowers—cemeteries are also attractive to birds and wildlife. In an age of distractions and disconnection, cemeteries create a sense of place where visitors can reconnect with nature while exploring the cultural history of a region. For bird watchers, cemeteries offer easy walking, open spaces to peer into habitats, and a peaceful place to feel the breeze and listen to the quiet conversations of nature.

Places to Order a Book:

Book People- Austin- Click here to order

Texas A&M University Press- Click here to order

Monkey and Dog Book Shop- Fort Worth - Click here to order

Interabang Books- Dallas- Click here to order

Barns and Nobel- Click here to order

Amazon- Click here to order (I'm not a fan of Amazon so please use one of the local stores first.)