9/11 Memorial Groves undergo crucial restoration to preserve lasting tribute

On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their lives. Because of the actions of the 40 passengers and crew aboard one of the planes, Flight 93, the attack on the U.S. Capitol was thwarted. Keeping the memory of these 40 people alive, the Flight 93 National Memorial was established in Pennsylvania.

Central to the project are the 40 Memorial Groves, commemorating the passengers and crew of the flight. Sadly, time has taken its toll on the groves, and the National Park Service is moving to restore them.

Trees removed from the Flight 93 National Memorial

Phase one of a multi-year project to revitalize the 40 Memorial Groves and Allée, or walkway, was completed last month. In April, nearly 700 dead or declining trees were removed from the Memorial Groves in preparation for future enhancements. Throughout October, soil remediation and mulching occurred in five groves and nearby sections of the Allée. Trees were also removed from the Allée near the Visitor Center, to allow for soil remediation.

The Memorial Groves and Allée are a key feature of the Memorial’s landscape design. The nearly 2,000 trees of varying species define the open field where Flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001. The original trees in the Memorial Groves and Allée were planted between 2012 and 2016. In recent years, many of these trees have shown signs of decline, including poor health and premature mortality.

Many of the original trees couldn’t adapt

The National Park Service (NPS) is collaborating with several partners, including The Pennsylvania State University, to conduct tree health assessments. The challenges identified include poor soils, drainage and low-quality nursery stock. Initially, several tree species were planted that could not adapt to the challenging conditions of the reclaimed mine site on which the memorial is located.

Groups come together to support Flight 93 National Memorial

“We are honored to share the significant progress we have made in enhancing the resilience of the 40 Memorial Groves at Flight 93 National Memorial,” said Acting Deputy Superintendent Kristina M. Melgar. “This project is a testament to our commitment to preserving the memory of the heroes of Flight 93 while ensuring the sustainability and resilience of this sacred site.”

The NPS and Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial are joint partners in “The Resiliency Project.” That is a pledge to the successful treatment and replanting of the Memorial Groves and Allée.

“As environmental stewards of this memorial, the Friends are committed to supporting the rehabilitation of the 40 Memorial Groves as a living tribute to the 40 passenger and crew members of Flight 93,” said Donna Gibson, Executive Director, Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial.

The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial has committed to supporting this project and raising $100,000 a year over the next decade. The Friends welcome environmental groups, conservation groups, foundations and individuals who wish to contribute toward the Resiliency Project. Click here for more information.

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