by Elaine & George Hopkins, Peoria, IL

We support  protecting the Springdale Savanna.  It’s a piece of Illinois history that deserves to be left alone.

Please keep the existing agreement with the state IDNR. The Savanna should not be used for green burials because of its biological value.  There are many other sites in the cemetery more appropriate for green burials, where volunteers could construct memorial benches and plant gardens for quiet contemplation.

Do not mow any more of the Savanna or sell traditional concrete vault cemetery plots within its boundaries.  If burial sales are slow and revenue is needed, there are plenty of places to sell plots already, especially if you develop creative ideas to market the cemetery.

Destroying the Savanna won’t create many burial plot sales, and is likely to alienate many potential customers including us. We are long time supporters of Springdale.  We are also senior citizens, but have never selected grave sites. We are waiting to see what happens with Springdale!  We know others who agree with us.

Please preserve the most beautiful natural area in Springdale, as even rapacious past owners did for a century.  Destruction of even a portion of the Savanna will not fix the financial problems that the cemetery faces, and likely make it worse, as a boycott of Springdale can be easily organized in this day of instant communication.  (Perhaps the Occupy group can be persuaded to camp out there – that would make news everywhere!)

Get creative young people involved in marketing, to generate more sales, after you promise not to touch that Savanna!