Northwest Lowland
2024 - 2047
Northwest Lowland
The Northwest lowland is a burial area from the early 1980s that includes the graves of many people who died of AIDS-related illnesses. Due to sea level rise, this area is expected to return to its natural state as a wetland.
To facilitate this transition, the location will be planted with salt-tolerant wetland species. Consequently, this area cannot be used for future burials because of the rising water table.
Tidal marsh progression
By mid-century, ground water will be just below the surface in this location.
Due to sea level rise, water from the Long Island Sound will inundate this area. As groundwater rises, existing vegetation and trees will begin to adapt to the increased salinity. Consequently, physical access to this area will become increasingly limited.
Landscape of Hope
This project was conducted in collaboration with landscape architecture researchers at The Ohio State University Knowlton School and was made possible with support of the Lily Auchicloss Foundation and through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Landscape Design Team Members: Jake Boswell, Jack Gruber, Brendan Ayer and Melinda Hunt
©2025 The Hart Island Project
