Laurel Hill Cemetery West - Grid Magazine

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Beautiful Blooms: Spring Arbor Tour, Laurel Hill West

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Azaleas, cherries, and dogwoods, oh my! Enjoy the splendor of Laurel Hill’s certified arboretum in all of its spring glory. Aaron Greenberg, Board Certified Master Arborist and Arboretum Manager, will lead guests on a tour of spectacular flowering trees and shrubs of Laurel Hill West.  Don’t miss the Beautiful Blooms of Laurel Hill East on Sunday, April 13 at 1 pm! COST $17/General Admission (Ages 13 and up) $15/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID $12/Members of the Friends of Laurel Hill $8.50/Youth (Ages 6-12) $1.90/Access Card Holders (can purchase up to 4 tickets) ** SOLD OUT Free/Ages 5 and

City Nature Challenge – Laurel Hill

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

City Nature Challenge is an annual initiative that invites people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities. On April 26, join Laurel Hill community members, nature enthusiasts, iNaturalist app-o-philes and other curious individuals as we contribute to the City Nature Challenge by observing and documenting plants and animals in our green burial native plant garden, Nature’s Sanctuary. This event is for anyone who loves observing nature, with opportunities for participation for all ages and abilities. On May 3, join naturalists, hobbyists and professionals as we learn how to identify species observed during the City Nature

Wondrous Women of Laurel Hill West

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

In celebrating Women’s History Month, The Friends of Laurel Hill are offering a walking tour to meet several ground-breakers, now underground, at Laurel Hill West. Join us as we tell the stories of women whose deeds in life have left a legacy through today. Tour Guide: Jen Krivinskas  Want to learn more Women’s History? Check out Daring Dames of Laurel Hill East on Sunday March 26 at 1 pm. COST $17/General Admission (Ages 13 and up) $15/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID $12/Members of the Friends of Laurel Hill $8.50/Youth (Ages 6-12) $1.90/Access Card Holders (can purchase up to

Black Trailblazers

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

In honor of Black History Month, join us to meet and pay tribute to ordinary people who did extraordinary things.  On this walking tour of Laurel Hill West, you’ll meet Black trailblazers who broke color barriers and overcame adversity to make lasting contributions to music, entertainment, politics, sports and more.   You’ll hear their stories and enjoy a walk in the beautiful setting of this historic cemetery. Tour Guide: Sarah Hamill COST $17/General Admission (Ages 13 and up) $15/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID $12/Members of the Friends of Laurel Hill $8.50/Youth (Ages 6-12) $1.90/Access Card Holders (can purchase up to

Sacred Spaces & Storied Places

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Sacred Spaces & Storied Places is the perfect introductory tour that provides an overview of Laurel Hill West including its architectural artistry, stunning trees and horticulture, and the stories of residents that encompass diverse and fascinating Philadelphia history. Experienced tour guides offer visitors a unique perspective as no two tours are the same! Tour Guide: Jen Krivinskas COST $15/General Admission (Ages 13 and up) $13/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID $10/Members of the Friends of Laurel Hill $7.50/Youth (Ages 6-12) $1.90/Access Card Holders (can purchase up to 4 tickets) ** Free/Ages 5 and under ** Access Card + Valid

Tu B’ Shevat Gathering and Arboretum Tour

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Join us for a short tour of Laurel Hill West’s wintry arboretum in celebration of Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year for the Trees. As we examine barks, buds, and berries, we’ll learn about the historical, agricultural, and spiritual origins of Tu B’Shevat and how it is celebrated around the world today. Afterward, enjoy wine along with fruits significant to the holiday and often consumed during Tu B’shevat Seders. This event is presented in partnership with the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. The tour portion of this event lasts approximately one hour and requires some walking on hills

Sacred Spaces & Storied Places

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Sacred Spaces & Storied Places is the perfect introductory tour that provides an overview of Laurel Hill West including its architectural artistry, stunning trees and horticulture, and the stories of residents that encompass diverse and fascinating Philadelphia history. Experienced tour guides offer visitors a unique perspective as no two tours are the same! Tour Guide: Pamela McMahon COST $15/General Admission (Ages 13 and up) $13/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID $10/Members of the Friends of Laurel Hill $7.50/Youth (Ages 6-12) $1.90/Access Card Holders (can purchase up to 4 tickets) ** Free/Ages 5 and under ** Access Card + Valid

Philly Goat Project Christmas Tree-Cycles

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

The Philly Goat Project's Christmas Tree-Cycle Festivals are back! This year Philly Goat Project is hosting three Christmas Tree-Cycle events, the first two at their home at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum and the third at Laurel Hill West Cemetery. Event Details: ● Saturday, January 4, 2025 (Rain date: January 5) – The Farm at Awbury Arboretum ● Saturday, January 11, 2025 (Rain date: January 12) – The Farm at Awbury Arboretum ● Saturday, January 18, 2025 (Rain date: January 19) – Laurel Hill West Cemetery All three events take place from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. These highly anticipated

$20

GOAToberFest

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

On Sunday, October 6, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., Philly Goat Project invites you to its 3rd Annual GOAToberFest fundraiser at the beautiful Laurel Hill West Conservatory. This fundraiser is packed with engaging activities, including goat art raffles and historic cemetery tours. Spend the afternoon with Philly Goat Project’s 13 beloved goats, sip on signature cocktails, sample tasty snacks, play yard games, and enjoy s’mores by the fire pit. Attendees aged 14 and older are welcome to attend. GOAToberFest guests will be the first to see and purchase the signature 2025 Goat Calendar, which features the goats posing at

$25

A Walk Around the Summit

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Laurel Hill West contains approximately 90,000 burials- so there are a lot of stories to tell!  During this tour, visitors will be treated to over 16 stories of fascinating individuals, without ever leaving the “Summit” section. Tour Guide: Joe Lex COST $17/General Admission (Ages 13 and up) $15/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID $12/Members of the Friends of Laurel Hill $8.50/Youth (Ages 6-12) $1.90/Access Card Holders (can purchase up to 4 tickets) ** Free/Ages 5 and under ** Access Card + Valid Photo I.D. must be presented at check-in. Youth and children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets must

Nurture with Nature: Fragrance Walk & Herb Pots

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Working with the healing power of plants can help to decrease stress and anxiety, process grief, and improve overall well-being. Through activities that combine plant materials with eco-mindfulness and creative tools, the workshops in this therapeutic horticulture series explore the five senses to support connection with ourselves, one another, and the natural environment of Nature’s Sanctuary, Laurel Hill’s native plant garden and green burial area. Monthly sessions are led by Kate Irvine, a trained horticulturist and mixed media artist with a certificate in Horticultural Therapy. Participants are invited to attend one, some, or all of the sessions. Fragrance Walk &

Nurture with Nature: Edible Weeds & Infused Honey

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Working with the healing power of plants can help to decrease stress and anxiety, process grief, and improve overall well-being. Through activities that combine plant materials with eco-mindfulness and creative tools, the workshops in this therapeutic horticulture series explore the five senses to support connection with ourselves, one another, and the natural environment of Nature’s Sanctuary, Laurel Hill’s native plant garden and green burial area. Sessions are led by Kate Irvine, a trained horticulturist and mixed media artist with a certificate in Horticultural Therapy, joined by guest speakers. Participants are invited to attend one, some, or all of the sessions.

Nurture with Nature: Fragrance Walk & Herb Pots

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Working with the healing power of plants can help to decrease stress and anxiety, process grief, and improve overall well-being. Through activities that combine plant materials with eco-mindfulness and creative tools, the workshops in this therapeutic horticulture series explore the five senses to support connection with ourselves, one another, and the natural environment of Nature’s Sanctuary, Laurel Hill’s native plant garden and green burial area. Sessions are led by Kate Irvine, a trained horticulturist and mixed media artist with a certificate in Horticultural Therapy, joined by guest speakers. Participants are invited to attend one, some, or all of the sessions.

The Shade Trees of Summer at Laurel Hill West

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

In the cooler hours of the evening, take in and learn about the beautiful trees and gardens in a special tour of Laurel Hill West with Aaron Greenberg, Laurel Hill’s Arboretum Manager and master arborist. COST $17/General Admission (Ages 13 and up) $15/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID $12/Members of the Friends of Laurel Hill $8.50/Youth (Ages 6-12) $1.90/Access Card Holders (can purchase up to 4 tickets) ** Free/Ages 5 and under ** Access Card + Valid Photo I.D. must be presented at check-in. Youth and children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

City Nature Challenge, Laurel Hill

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Celebrate Earth Day with us on Saturday, April 27 for a family-friendly BioBlitz in Nature’s Sanctuary, our SITES Gold certified green burial area. This BioBlitz will take place during the dates of City Nature Challenge, a friendly global competition between the cities of the world to measure local biodiversity using tools like the Seek and iNaturalist apps. In addition to contributing to the Philadelphia Area’s standing-in the contest that starts on April 26 and extends to the end of the day on May 4, all observations of organisms made by participants have the potential to be rated “Research Grade” for

Tu B’Shevat Gathering & Tree Tour

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Join us for a short tour of Laurel Hill West’s wintry arboretum in celebration of Tu B’Shevat, often called the Jewish New Year for the Trees. As we examine barks, buds, and berries, we’ll learn about the historical, agricultural, and spiritual origins of Tu B’Shevat and how it is celebrated around the world today. Afterward, indoors, enjoy Camuna Cellars wine along with fruits significant to the holiday and often consumed during Tu B’shevat Seders. Presented with the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.

SBN 2023 Holiday Party

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

SBN’s annual Holiday Party is the premier event for local, values-driven businesses, allies, and supporters throughout Greater Philadelphia to celebrate the holidays, the successes of the year behind us, and what lies ahead for our community. Join us and connect with familiar and new faces as we gather to lift our spirits while sharing insights from our journey and toast to our successes of 2023. Enjoy food from 12th Street Catering, beer, wine, and cocktails, lively music, and much more! SBN is also hosting a holiday auction with gift items and experiences offered by SBN members and businesses from throughout

Free

GOAT’OberFest 2023

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Join Philly's favorite goat squad for our 2023 GOAT'OberFest FUNdraiser at Laurel Hill West Cemetery! 13 Goats, Signature Cocktail, special swag n snack and all kinds of PGP Goat Shenanigans among the changing leaves and spirits of Laurel Hill West! 2024 PGP Goat Calendar Launch AND exclusive swag!

Free Goat Walk at Laurel Hill West

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Our free community goat walk series at Laurel Hill is back! We have upcoming dates that we’d love to see you at: Wed, Sept 20th at 5:30pm ( Laurel Hill West) Wed, Oct 4th at 5:30pm ( Laurel Hill West) : The walks start promptly at the start times : Walks will be rescheduled for the next day (Thursday) in the event of heavy rain. Check our social media for weather related changes. Meet the Goats at the the parking lot on the North Side of the Funeral Home to walk with the goats and learn about sustainability and Green

Nature in a Victorian Cemetery

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Naturalism played a pivotal role in Victorian culture- in the living world and in that of the dead. Today our cemeteries continue this legacy. View Laurel Hill West with a naturalist’s eye on this walking tour that stops at some of our arboretum’s stately trees, deciphers the floral symbolism in stones and makes a visit to our award-winning green burial ground, Nature’s Sanctuary. Tour Guide: Jen Krivinskas   Naturalism played a pivotal role in Victorian culture- in the living world and in that of the dead. Today our cemeteries continue this legacy. View Laurel Hill West with a naturalist’s eye

Nurture with Nature: Therapeutic Horticulture

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

WHEN Saturday, August 12, 2023 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm WHERE Laurel Hill West Nature's Sanctuary Working with the healing power of plants can help to decrease stress and anxiety, process grief, and improve focus, mood, and overall wellbeing. Through nurturing activities that combine plant materials with eco-mindfulness and creative tools, each session is an invitation to relax, reflect, and restore. Join Kate Irvine, a trained horticulturist and mixed media artist with a certificate in Horticultural Therapy, for one, some, or all four sessions of this outdoor workshop series offering therapeutic practices that honor and preserve our connection with nature.

Why Go Green? A Lunch & Learn Program

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

WHEN Tuesday, June 27, 2023 11:30 am - 1:30 pm WHERE The Conservatory at Laurel Hill West Join us for a complimentary lunch and explore your green funeral and burial options as well as the benefits of pre-planning and a tour of Nature’s Sanctuary. COST This program is free to the public. Seating is limited. RSVP required.   DIRECTIONS We will depart from the CONSERVATORY at Laurel Hill West (not the first building you see when you enter from Belmont Ave.). Click here for directions to Laurel Hill West. Laurel Hill West Cemetery is located at 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd PA 19004 (GPS directions:

Nurture with Nature: Therapeutic Horticulture

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

WHEN Saturday, June 10, 2023 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm WHERE Laurel Hill West Nature's Sanctuary Working with the healing power of plants can help to decrease stress and anxiety, process grief, and improve focus, mood, and overall wellbeing. Through nurturing activities that combine plant materials with eco-mindfulness and creative tools, each session is an invitation to relax, reflect, and restore. Join Kate Irvine, a trained horticulturist and mixed media artist with a certificate in Horticultural Therapy, for one, some, or all four sessions of this outdoor workshop series offering therapeutic practices that honor and preserve our connection with nature.

Love is for All: LGBTQ+ Stories of Laurel Hill West

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Kick off Pride Month with a tour of some of Laurel Hill West’s deceased members of the LGBTQ+ community.   Tour Guide: Pat Rose COST $17/General Admission (Ages 13 and up) $15/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID $12/Members of the Friends of Laurel Hill $8.50/Youth (Ages 6-12) $1.90/Access Card Holders (can purchase up to 4 tickets) ** Free/Ages 5 and under ** Access Card + Valid Photo I.D. must be presented at check-in. Please note – youth and children must be accompanied by an adult. Advanced ticket purchases are strongly encouraged! DIRECTIONS We will depart from the CONSERVATORY at

Fragrant Plants & Tussie Mussies

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Bee balm, passion flower, anise hyssop, and spicebush are just some of the fragrant native plants in Laurel Hill’s natural burial area, Nature’s Sanctuary. Join horticulturist Christopher Barrett Sheridan for a scent-led tour of fragrant plants as we learn about their traditional uses, wildlife benefits, and interpretive meanings throughout history. We’ll harvest and arrange cuttings of the plants into tussie mussies, or nosegays, the small, aromatic bouquets made fashionable during the Victorian era when Laurel Hill was founded. COST $20 General Admission $18 Seniors & Students with ID $15 Members $10 Youth $2 ACCESS Cardholders with ID   DIRECTIONS This

Nurture with Nature: Therapeutic Horticulture

Laurel Hill Cemetery West 225 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Working with the healing power of plants can help to decrease stress and anxiety, process grief, and improve focus, mood, and overall wellbeing. Through nurturing activities that combine plant materials with eco-mindfulness and creative tools, each session is an invitation to relax, reflect, and restore. Join Kate Irvine, a trained horticulturist and mixed media artist with a certificate in Horticultural Therapy, for one, some, or all four sessions of this outdoor workshop series offering therapeutic practices that honor and preserve our connection with nature. May Session: Forest Bathing & Letter Writing  Following a guided walking meditation focusing on release and