September 17, 2024
Nestled in the heart of Greensboro, Green Hill Cemetery is not only a place of reflection and remembrance but also a historic treasure that has stood the test of time. Thanks to City of Greensboro cemetery staff and the tireless efforts of the Friends of Green Hill Cemetery, the facility remains well-maintained and cherished by the community. These dedicated volunteers not only help preserve the cemetery’s historical significance but also lead engaging tours that bring its rich history to life for residents and visitors alike.
Since 2009, the Friends of Green Hill Cemetery have worked hand-in-hand with the Greensboro Parks Foundation to raise funds for the cemetery’s upkeep and enhancement. From leading educational tours that explore the fascinating stories of those laid to rest in this storied ground to organizing plant sales that raise money for enhancements such as benches and new trees, these volunteers are a shining example of how a small group can make a big difference.
Their partnership with the Greensboro Parks Foundation has allowed the Friends to further their mission and tackle larger projects over the years, including complex restoration initiatives. By leveraging Greensboro Parks Foundation’s Project Partner Program, the Friends of Green Hill Cemetery have been able to secure additional resources and coordinate their efforts with other community organizations.
This long-standing collaboration has led to noticeable improvements at the cemetery, from new landscaping to the restoration of headstones, ensuring the cemetery remains a welcoming and respectful environment for all who visit. This relationship between the Greensboro Parks Foundation and the Friends of Green Hill Cemetery is a testament to what can be achieved when passionate volunteers and supportive organizations work together toward a common goal.
Says Ann Stringfield, lead volunteer for the Friends of Green Hill Cemetery, “We encourage the living to enjoy Green Hill’s 51-acres, adjacent to vibrant downtown Greensboro, as a public place for your respectful respite. Our volunteers have learned about people buried here since the late 1800’s, and share that information in walking tours and off-site presentations. Thanks to a professional botanist’s generosity, we’ve identified over 1,400 trees and shrubs, ventured into growing and selling cemetery tree seedlings, and donated and water dozens of young trees. Such team efforts helped fund nine handsome park benches, a central Gathering Area for picnics, bronze entrance plaques, bluebird houses, a tour booklet, flyers, and an annual picnic for city cemetery staff.” Stringfield adds that, “In 2024, new volunteers have ventured to learn, teach, and accomplish repairs of aged, broken cemetery monuments. We anticipate creating virtual tours to conveniently highlight noteworthy monuments, distinctive plants, and people who’ve influenced Greensboro’s development.”
As the Friends of Green Hill Cemetery looks forward, their leadership team encourages your volunteer engagements such as: learning to present cemetery walking tours, creating virtual tours for remote access, weekly watering young cemetery trees in their first years of growth, soliciting local artists, musicians, and writers to display their creative talents, joining birding groups identifying avian life flitting amongst Green Hill trees, supporting an annual cemetery staff picnic, or funding additional permanent seating in Green Hill’s central “Gathering Area” to encourage gathering after services and respectful respite any beautiful day. Email your specific interests to info@FriendsOfGreenHillCemetery.org.
The Greensboro Parks Foundation, through its Project Partner Program, continues to encourage other groups and residents to get involved in improvement projects across the city. From neighborhood parks to public spaces like lakes and trails, there are countless opportunities for residents to contribute to the upkeep and enhancement of their favorite Greensboro Parks and Recreation facilities. The success of the Friends of Green Hill Cemetery stands as a model for other local groups looking to make a difference.
If you have a passion for Greensboro’s parks and public spaces, consider getting involved. Whether you form your own volunteer group, like the Friends of Green Hill, or join an existing project, your efforts can have a lasting impact on the community. Together, we can ensure that Greensboro’s green spaces continue to thrive for years to come. For more information about Greensboro Parks Foundation’s Project Partner Program, contact Paula Barger at pbarger@gsoparksfoundation.org or at 336-373-2560.
By Paula Barger, Executive Director
