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County accepts conservation easement for Woodland Cemetery to preserve historic African American burial ground
Summary
The Board approved accepting a deed of open‑space easement from the Woodland Restoration Foundation to protect Woodland Cemetery, a historic African American cemetery founded in 1917 that includes notable interments.
Henrico County on Oct. 14 approved a resolution authorizing the county manager to accept an open‑space easement from the Woodland Restoration Foundation to protect Woodland Cemetery in perpetuity.
County staff said Woodland Cemetery was founded in 1917 by John Mitchell and is the final resting place for many African American residents, including tennis player Arthur Ashe and physician Dr. Zenobia G. Gilpin. The acceptance of the easement follows a Virginia Outdoors Foundation grant that supported cemetery improvements.
Why it matters: The conservation easement places legal limits on future development or disturbance of the cemetery, preserving both cultural and historical resources. County acceptance of the easement makes the protection official and enables future maintenance work under the easement's terms.
Board action: Supervisors voted to accept the deed of easement and complete steps necessary to record and manage the easement alongside the Woodland Restoration Foundation and other partners.
Next steps: Real Property staff will record the easement and coordinate with the Woodland Restoration Foundation on preservation activities and grant reporting.
