On a chilly morning in January, participants gathered at Mountain View Cemetery & Mortuary in Altadena for a wildlife walk led by Lauren Hamlett, the Director of Wildlife Education and Services at Pasadena Humane. The event aims to showcase the cemetery not only as a resting place for the deceased but also as a vibrant sanctuary for urban wildlife.
As the sun rose, Hamlett guided the group through the 55-acre grounds, pausing frequently to help identify various species of birds, mammals, and other animals. This monthly series of wildlife tours invites community members to appreciate the diverse ecosystem thriving within the cemetery’s serene environment. “Some people think cemeteries are for the dead,” said Cyndee, a staff member at Mountain View Cemetery. “But when someone walks around, there is a lot of life, and the wildlife tours introduce the community to seeing that.”
Resilience Amid Adversity
The sanctuary aspect of the cemetery was put to the test during the Eaton fire, which approached dangerously close to the property last year. Although the main structures survived, the fencing and pump house suffered damage, necessitating a two-and-a-half-month cleanup process. Staff reported that wildlife, including the eight coyotes commonly seen on the grounds, fled immediately following the blaze.
In an effort to monitor wildlife recovery, Hamlett’s team installed a trail camera. Over time, they observed the return of various species, including coyotes, squirrels, skunks, and a variety of birds. Although the wildlife population has not yet reached pre-fire levels, significant recovery is evident. “I now see coyotes on nearly every walk,” Hamlett noted, emphasizing the resilience of urban wildlife.
Ongoing Commitment to Conservation
With essential services like water and electricity restored as of September 2023, cemetery staff remain optimistic about the continued return of wildlife. Hamlett highlighted the importance of providing a reliable water source and safe habitats for these animals, as well as the role of less human disturbance in encouraging their return.
Looking ahead, the cemetery team is planning long-term strategies for wildlife recovery, which include planting climate-appropriate trees and collaborating with community organizations such as Pasadena Audubon. Hamlett’s wildlife walks adapt seasonally; winter events take place at sunrise, while spring and summer evenings offer opportunities to observe bats and their ecological roles.
The next Cemetery Wildlife Walk is scheduled for February 15, 2024, at 06:30. Interested participants can register at pasadenahumane.org/events. This initiative not only fosters a connection between the community and the natural world but also invites a broader understanding of the living sanctuary within a historically significant space.
