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Dr. Thomas Ombrello steadfastly worked with his students to catalogue and inventory over 60 species of trees within the cemetery to apply for and receive a Level I Arboretum status. 



Perhaps people do not associate the word garden with the word cemetery, but historically, cemeteries have been places of beauty and nature, which offer respite and tranquility to their communities. While there are few cemeteries that qualify as an arboretum, Fairview has this distinction with its wonderful botanical collection of trees.  Other New Jersey arboreta are Duke Farms, Morven Gardens and Reeves-Reed to name a few. 

In 2021 the cemetery initiated a commitment to further its efforts for continued beautification of the cemetery, and to aid in its dedication to community involvement, with additional beautification, cultural and educational endeavors that would last long into the future. As a result, “Friends of Fairview” was created as a name to enable this work through a program of giving that would bond the community with the beautification efforts of the cemetery and its cultural involvement.

 Fairview Cemetery is now a Registered Charitable Organization with the State of New Jersey and the Registration of the Alternate Name of “Friends of Fairview” has been established. Tax deductible donations to Fairview Cemetery AKA Friends of Fairview, are now accepted to further the beautification of the cemetery and provide community education programs that will continue long into the future. The stated mission of Friends of Fairview is the enhancement and preservation of Fairview as a place of natural beauty, serenity, and historical significance. Further, Friends of Fairview offers opportunities for scholarship, community engagement and cultural growth.

Fairview continues to expand its existing programs and develop these new initiatives. 

As part of the Friends of Fairview initiative, Fairview has now gained Level II Arboretum status by reaching, among other things, the measure of well over 100 recognized species of trees on the cemetery grounds. This has enhanced Fairview’s beautification mission as the trees are now catalogued under the Friends of Fairview program. QR codes have been physically added on all of the catalogued trees allowing anyone who missed the arboretum walking tours, to take a self-guided walking tour, simply using a smart phone to call up all relevant data concerning each species. In addition, the Friends of Fairview program has introduced bird walking tours in the months of May and October to explore the cemetery grounds and to discover the sight and sounds of the songbirds in Fairview’s beautiful setting. Ongoing beautification projects are under consideration which will further enhance areas of the cemetery.

Since its founding in 1868 Fairview has faithfully served families with care, dignity, empathy, and compassion. Its design blends exceptionally well with its natural topography, landscape and magnificent arboretum making it one of the most, if not the most, beautiful cemetery in the State.  Fairview Cemetery continues to evolve and grow yet remains a place of beauty and serenity for all. Fairview cemetery truly is “A Lasting Memorial and a Fitting Tribute.’’