Natural Treasure Guides

Natural Treasure Guides

DESIGNED WITH THE LIVING IN MIND!

Hollywood Cemetery is more than a beautifully designed final resting place for loved ones, historical Presidents, Virginia governors, generals and soldiers, famous writers, and other notables (yes, even well-known local naturalists such as Lewis Ginter!). It's an urban oasis — 135 acres of valleys and hills, towering trees and undulating paths along the James River and a magnet for history buffs, walkers, families and wildlife.

Let us introduce you to its lesser-known natural-resource treasures through these clickable guides. Thanks to the Virginia Master Naturalist Program and Riverine Chapter of the Virginia Master Natural Program for their collaboration on this project.

Tree Icon
The Trees of Hollywood

While the ancient and magnificent Holly trees (for which the cemetery was named) are not to be missed as you descend down the hill from the entrance, take a few minutes to discover the other impressive trees throughout the cemetery. More than 2,000 trees are present today, including stately tulip poplars, black gums, white oaks, live oaks, and a 140-foot bald cypress (some of the finest examples of native heritage trees in the Commonwealth of Virginia, thereby qualifying the cemetery as a registered arboretum). Some have been at the cemetery since the Cemetery was established in 1847.

Learn More Learn More About Our Arboretum

River Icon
James River Geology and Hydrology

Dramatic geologic formations. Ever-changing river dynamics. Dive into this guide for fascinating facts about the natural landscape of Hollywood.

Learn More

Bird Icon
A Birder's Guide to Hollywood

Hollywood’s open spaces, shrubs, hedgerows, trees, and close proximity to the James River attracts dozens of fascinating and varied birds as a winter/summer home or an important migration resting spot. Get the scoop on which species to look for, when, and where.

Learn More

Cross on the River

These guides were developed in collaboration with the Riverine Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists, a community-based natural resources volunteer program helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources and public lands.