Pinelawn Receives 'Certified Audubon Classic Sanctuary' Status

Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum is proud to announce that they have been certified as “Classic Sanctuary” by Audubon International, the noted New York based not-for-profit, recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This prestigious certification marks Pinelawn as the first cemetery in the United States to meet the program's strict environmental standards. These standards include adopting design and operations practices consistent with the principles of sustainability, including a strong commitment to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and other environmental safekeeping. There are only two facilities to hold this certification in the U.S. - Pinelawn and the Osprey Point Golf Course in Boca Raton in Florida.

"To reach certification as a Certified Audubon Classic Sanctuary, Pinelawn needed to implement a high degree of environmental standards in a number of areas," stated Christine Kane, CEO, Audubon International. “These categories included environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management.”

Specifically, some of Pinelawn’s initiatives that lead to its new status included:

• Replacing underground fuel tanks with safer, accessible, above-ground storage.
• Introducing a new, water recycling washdown station for Pinelawn’s equipment fleet. The on-site cleaning process eliminates a wide range of contaminants from a vehicle’s surface, such as oil, chemicals, pathogens, and weed seeds, including layers of dirt and maintenance-related substances like fuel and motor oil.
• Installing a weather station to optimize its irrigation system and reduce water usage.
• Enhancing its wildlife habitat by creating buffer zones and habitat centers.
• Continuing its successful on-site community educational programs.

“Our goal is to minimize our impact on the environment,” said Justin Locke, President and CEO, Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum. “We worked closely with Audubon International throughout the certification process, sharing our progress, accomplishments, and compliance. Receiving this recognition is a reflection of our dedication to the environment. We are elated to be recognized for our environmental excellence.”

“I would also like to thank our Pinelawn team for their hard work and dedication throughout this process,” continued Locke. “By implementing innovative practices we're setting a new standard in environmental care. This important certification is a testament to our team's hard work and the legacy we continue to build for the community.”

The Audubon Classic Sanctuary Program provides information and guidance to help properties preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Properties from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification from Audubon. Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum is the 7th property in the world to receive this honorable certification.

For more information about Pinelawn’s ongoing environmental efforts, please visit pinelawn.com.

About Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum

Located in Farmingdale, New York, Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum is a non-sectarian cemetery prided on creating and maintaining a beautiful and serene environment where families can find tranquility and comfort. Its open and expansive landscape features hundreds of acres of manicured grounds, unique architecture, flowing bronze fountains and flower-lined walks. Its beautiful memorial gardens offer all who visit, scenic beauty where they can reflect upon their loved ones in peace. For more information on Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, or to schedule a tour of the property, visit www.pinelawn.com or call 631-249-6100.

About Audubon International

Audubon International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Troy, NY. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities, and new developments with the purpose of delivering high-quality environmental education and facilitating the sustainable management of natural resources. For more information, visit www.auduboninternational.org.