By 1808Delaware
The City of Delaware’s Oak Grove Cemetery has reached a new milestone in its ongoing journey to preserve and celebrate nature. It has officially earned Level 1 Accreditation from the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum, recognizing it as an arboretum that meets professional standards for tree-focused institutions around the world.
This prestigious honor places Oak Grove in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a global database of botanical institutions committed to the cultivation and conservation of trees. It affirms the cemetery’s dedication not only to honoring the past, but also to sustaining a vibrant, tree-filled future.
Celebrate the Accreditation with a Tree Tour and Dedication 🌳
To mark the occasion, the City invites residents and visitors to a special celebration on Friday, April 25. The event includes:
- 11:00 AM Tree Tour – Discover the diversity and history of Oak Grove’s tree species.
- 12:00 PM Dedication & Tree Planting – A ceremonial planting to honor this recognition.
Guests should enter through the main cemetery gate at 141 Liberty Road.
A Sanctuary Since 1851
Spanning roughly 70 acres, Oak Grove Cemetery is the largest in Delaware County and holds more than 21,000 interments. Originally established in 1851 and now maintained by the City since 2012, Oak Grove is a standout example of the 19th-century rural cemetery movement.
Its gently rolling hills, winding paths, and natural landscaping were designed to encourage contemplation and appreciation of nature — principles that continue to shape the cemetery’s mission today.
Trees, Wildlife, and Year-Round Beauty 🍂❄️🌸🌞
Oak Grove boasts a 38% canopy coverage with more than 600 trees, including oak, maple, hickory, and pine. Throughout the seasons, visitors can enjoy:
- Spring blooms of dogwood, magnolia, redbud, and crabapple
- Lush summer foliage offering shade and serenity
- Dazzling autumn color in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows
- Winter evergreens adding color to the quiet landscape
The cemetery is also a thriving habitat for wildlife, from deer and squirrels to hawks and bluebirds — making it not just a place of remembrance, but also of life.
More Than a Resting Place
Under the leadership of Cemetery Administrator Amy Wright, Oak Grove’s accreditation process was guided by a clear vision.
“This accreditation affirms our long-term commitment to preserving and enhancing Oak Grove’s natural beauty,” said Wright. “It also supports our mission to serve the community as both a place of rest and reflection, and a living landscape rich in history, ecology, and education.”
Visitors today can explore Oak Grove through group or self-guided tours, featuring:
- Notable Delawareans and local history
- Bluebird nesting boxes and wildlife conservation
- Veteran memorials and tree identification
- Special sites like the Woodland Scattering Garden and the limestone elm tree monument
The cemetery also offers stone-cleaning workshops and educational events throughout the year.
Learn More and Get Involved
To discover more about Oak Grove Cemetery, upcoming events, and how you can experience its natural and historic richness, visit this link.
About Delaware and ArbNet 🌿
The City of Delaware is an award-winning community recognized as an Ohio Magazine Best Hometown and a Money Magazine Top 50 Best Place to Live in America. Known for its vibrant downtown and blend of heritage and innovation, Delaware is a place where history grows into the future.
ArbNet is a global network supporting the advancement of arboreta and botanical institutions. Its accreditation program fosters excellence through professional standards, collaboration, and conservation. Learn more at arbnet.org.
Source: City of Delaware
