Arboretum
Fairview Cemetery has been recognized by the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. Historically, cemeteries have been places of beauty and nature and offer respite and quietude to its neighbors. Few cemeteries also qualify as an Arboretum, a distinction which Fairview can claim.
Every fall, Fairview Cemetery hosts an annual arboretum walking tour, highlighting some of the 103 cataloged species of trees which reside within the Cemetery grounds. Led by Dr. Tom Ombrello, professor of Biology at Union County College, the tour is open to the community and is free to the public.
In 2002 Dr. Ombrello, along with his students worked diligently to catalogue and inventory 60 species within the cemetery grounds. This work enabled the cemetery to apply for and receive arboretum status, having been accepted as a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental conservation. In 2021, the number of cataloged species was increased to a total of 103.
At the turn of the century, the Cemetery saw many changes and significant development as the City Beautiful movement – a time when governments and private individuals took an increasing interest in cemetery and park planning – took hold in Union County. The Union County Park system was laid out by the renowned Olmsted Brothers, famous park planners of the day. Fairview's design and streetscape mimicked the same design philosophy as fashioned by the Olmsted Brothers.
Fairview Cemetery was organized on January 13, 1868 under the statutes of the state of NJ and the grounds were dedicated in that same year on September 24th. Fairview's 150th anniversary was commemorated in 2018 with community events organized by the Board of Trustees.
The Trees of Fairview Cemetery
Common Name (Scientific Name)
Each tree is labeled with a QR code. To view detailed information about any of the trees in our collection, simply open your camera or QR reader app, aim at the QR code located on the top right corner of the display label, and follow the link that appears when it is recognized by your device. It will direct you to the web page about that specific tree!
Friends of Fairview
The mission of Friends of Fairview is the enhancement and preservation of Fairview Cemetery as a place of natural beauty, serenity, and historic significance through charitable donations.
In addition, Friends of Fairview will offer opportunities for community engagement, scholarship, and cultural growth that will keep Fairview Cemetery actively participating with its surrounding communities for generations.