The Constellation of Living Memorials (CLM), a groundbreaking environmental and public health response, featured in The New York Times models how abandoned cemeteries can reconnect us to our roots and communities, become ecological sanctuaries, enrich local economies, create jobs, and attract visitors statewide.

Garret Boone, Co-founder of the Container Store and Philanthropist, remarks, “ How exciting (for CLM) to be at the forefront of this transformational movement.”

CLM addresses the broader issue of nature-deficit disorder while strengthening the bonds between humanity and the natural world. Since its launch in November 2023, CLM has enrolled five historic forsaken cemeteries in marginalized communities to transform their grounds into wildlife habitats. A $30,000 matching grant from the Texas Historical Foundation was quickly followed by a $50,000 grant from the Eugene McDermott Foundation, propelling the program toward its shared goal of reviving Dallas’s rich cultural and natural history. 

Now entering its 2nd year, CLM is transforming systems and pathways, forging a coalition of diverse stakeholders, including artists, historians, students, scientists, politicians, and others, each looking beyond their discipline to create knowledge greater than the sum of its parts. Supported by a multigenerational workforce, CLM provides opportunities to build bipartisan bridges for economic, environmental, and social transformation. CLM’s programs focus on conservation, biodiversity, heat mitigation, environmental equity, mental/spiritual healing, community health, cultural identity, heritage/eco-tourism, and education.

“You opened my eyes to the fact that there are little cemeteries all over Dallas. What a wonderful idea to turn [cemeteries] into learning laboratories and wildflower parks. Congratulations on finding hidden treasures in plain sight.”

–Mary McDermott Cook, The Eugene McDermott Foundation

“The Constellation of  Living Memorial project is the perfect way to create public open space for all to enjoy in the heart of an urban area while preserving our rich Dallas history. It’s a paradigm shift for our City. This is an opportunity for Dallas to influence cities across America.” 

–Paula Blackmon, City of Dallas District 9 City Councilmember

1. CLM received the esteemed SMU Texas Impact Enterprise Award and was included in the Texas Impact Map Hub, a pioneering mapping platform aimed at showcasing the diverse impact of enterprises across various sectors in our state.  

2. CLM partners with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension programs, including Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, 4-H, and Master Wellness. 

3. A 1-year cultural archeological study and curriculum program designed and led by  Victoria Clow, Cultural Resource Management, U.S. Government and Adjunct Professor, Dallas College, is established, sponsored by a $30,000 grant from Summerlee Foundation.  

4. Master Naturalist citizen scientists were enlisted to collect flora and fauna data 3 times a year for 2 years, uploaded into the Texas A&M Qualtrics portal for statistical analysis. The final report will be published for distribution through symposiums and other outlets.

1. CLM Volunteer Leads: Monica Newbury – Oakland Cemetery

   Kim Cole – Albert Carver Cemetery

   John Hampton- Beeman Cemetery

   Van Johnson – Western Heights Cemetery

   Kathy Ann Reid – W.W. Glover Cemetery

2. Matt Orwatt – Texas A & M AgriLife Extension Agent.

   Texas A & M AgriLife Extension partnership scientific component Volunteers collect flora and fauna data 3 times a year for two years and upload it into the Texas A&M Qualtrics portal for statistical analysis. The final report will be published for distribution through symposiums and other outlets. The Texas Historical Foundation provided a $30K matching grant for the cemetery's two-year native landscape transformation.

3. Victoria Clow - Cultural Resource Management, U.S. Government and Adjunct Professor, Dallas College. Victoria led 1-year cultural archeological study and curriculum program — $30k grant from the Summerlee Foundation.