https://51295.blackbaudhosting.com/51295/2023-Storm-Clean-UpJuly 2023 Storm Damage at the Cemetery

FROM THE DESK OF SHERRY SMITH
PRESIDENT  AND CEO OF BELLEFONTAINE CEMETERY AND ARBORETUM

The ordinarily peaceful grounds of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum rattled with thunder and strong winds the weekend of July 1st, 2023 as heavy storms rolled through St. Louis. As century-old trees fell to the ground, the cemetery trembled with a force that left our beautiful grounds in disarray. Scores of big, beautiful trees fell to their demise, impacting our normally smooth operations. As a Level III Arboretum, we mourn the loss of these majestic trees, and have plans to replant as soon as possible.

As St. Louisans, we expect some volatile weather during summertime storms. However, you can never be prepared for this magnitude of debris. We are aware that we are not the only ones affected by the storms, and our hearts go out to everyone affected.

We are currently closed to the public with the exception of funerals and those calling to make arrangements for loved ones. We thank you for your patience.

Our staff and partners are working diligently to restore the beauty of our cemetery. We look forward to reopening soon to all our families and friends.

Contact us online: https://bellefontainecemetery.org/contact/getting-here/

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Contact Linda Gaal at 314-737-7700

FOR DONATIONS:
Call Joe Shields at 314-381-0750 or choose one of our three options for online donations:

🌎 On our website: Donate Now
✅ Using VENMO: https://venmo.com/FriendsofBellefontaineCemetery
✅ Using PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/FriendsofBellefontai

From St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Nathan Evans, right, and Cody Frawley feed fallen limbs into a grinder on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum at the 4900 block of West Florissant Avenue in St. Louis. After severe storms battered the region, the cemetery, whose century-old trees have been a draw for nature enthusiasts and wildlife alike, was forced to close their gates for cleanup until further notice. Photo by Arthur H. Trickett-Wile, atrickett-wile@post-dispatch.com Media Links: Bellefontaine, Calvary cemeteries continue storm cleanup | ksdk.com ST. LOUIS — More than nine days after storms devastated the St. Louis area, cleanup continues at two of the St. Louis area's largest cemeteries. The skies have cleared over Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, but President and CEO Sherry Smith still can’t believe what she saw once the storms passed. “It was complete devastation,” said Sherry Smith, President and CEO of Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum. The roadways were impassable. There was debris everywhere. It was really unimaginable.” For the past nine days, Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum has remained closed. “Our sole purpose is safety,” said Smith. “We’re still conducting funerals, so we have to strategically comb through the areas making sure it’s safe with no widow makers hanging from the trees and that it’s safe to walk on the lots.” Read More: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/bellefontaine-calvary-closed-as-storm-cleanup-continues/63-4973f086-b54d-4f17-9039-fed7bccaf1b0 Other media links: KSDK: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/historic-north-st-louis-cemeteries-storm-damage/63-9cfe185b-d6f5-4655-88d4-717c18d81967 KSDK: https://www.ksdk.com/video/news/local/historic-cemeteries-in-north-st-louis-hit-hard-by-recent-storms/63-4a9a31cf-4460-4056-862b-35349e2b3ccc FOX2: https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/cleanup-continues-for-2-historic-north-st-louis-cemeteries-after-severe-storm/ KMOX: https://www.audacy.com/kmox/news/local/bellefontaine-cemetery-closed-due-to-storm-damage Alton Telegraph: https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/bellefontaine-cemetery-stlouis-closed-18182955.php St. Louis Post-Dispatch: https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/two-north-st-louis-cemeteries-closed-cleaning-up-after-storm-uproots-trees-damages-gravestones/article_eb08cd76-1f6d-11ee-9bbe-7bbcc6e9064f.html St. Louis Post-Dispatch: https://www.stltoday.com/news/multimedia/pictures/photos-storm-fells-trees-damages-gravestones-at-north-st-louis-cemeteries/collection_e37ea9f0-1f6c-11ee-80dc-5f4dd976c6ec.html

Nathan Evans, right, and Cody Frawley feed fallen limbs into a grinder on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum at the 4900 block of West Florissant Avenue in St. Louis. After severe storms battered the region, the cemetery, whose century-old trees have been a draw for nature enthusiasts and wildlife alike, was forced to close their gates for cleanup until further notice.
Photo by Arthur H. Trickett-Wile, atrickett-wile@post-dispatch.com
Media Links:
Bellefontaine, Calvary cemeteries continue storm cleanup | ksdk.com
 
ST. LOUIS —More than nine days after storms devastated the St. Louis area, cleanup continues at two of the St. Louis area’s largest cemeteries.
The skies have cleared over Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, but President and CEO Sherry Smith still can’t believe what she saw once the storms passed.
“It was complete devastation,” said Sherry Smith, President and CEO of Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum. The roadways were impassable. There was debris everywhere. It was really unimaginable.”
For the past nine days, Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum has remained closed.
“Our sole purpose is safety,” said Smith. “We’re still conducting funerals, so we have to strategically comb through the areas making sure it’s safe with no widow makers hanging from the trees and that it’s safe to walk on the lots.”
Read More:

Other media links: