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Historic cemetery, Mount Mora, fights tree disease by replanting native trees.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph's oldest cemetery is turning a loss into new life.
Mount Mora Cemetery, a landmark since 1872, recently partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to remove a long-standing ash tree that had succumbed to a deadly and fast-spreading disease.
The large stump of the dead ash tree.
The tree, which had towered over the historic grounds for decades, fell victim to ash decline, worsened by the invasive emerald ash borer beetle—part of a national crisis threatening ash trees across the U.S.
'There is no cure and little protection for ash tree infection,' said officials from the MDC's tree division. 'This natural disease will take ash trees very much like the elm disease did in years past.'
After years on the cemetery's watch list, the tree was safely removed with the help of MDC's Timothy Wolfe.
In its place, two native Missouri trees—a pecan and a persimmon—were planted in the cemetery's Range five, six and seven sections to carry on the site's tradition of biodiversity and natural beauty.
Baby Persimmon Tree Growing in Mount Mora Cemetery.
Suzanne Lehr, Mount Mora historian, said, 'I'm just grateful for what we can do when those things come along and being able to have people help us take care of it. That's what I'm grateful for.'
One of the brand-new baby trees is growing among the gravestones.
Designed in the 19th-century Rural Garden Cemetery style, Mount Mora's grounds double as a peaceful sanctuary. The replanting effort is part of a broader mission to maintain the cemetery not only as a cultural treasure but as a model of responsible environmental care.
Find out more about what you can do to help Mount Mora Cemetery's preservation and restoration at
A sign outlining the history of the property at the entrance to Mount Mora.
