At Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, caring for the earth is part of our mission to pass on traditions to new generations and our enduring commitment to
Tikkun Olam. As part of the Jewish call to heal and sustain the world, environmental stewardship is woven into everything we do, from the way we water our lawns to the way we welcome families seeking eco-conscious memorials.
We spoke with Troy Campbell, Director of Facilities and Cemetery Operations at Hillside, to discuss how sustainability shapes the park’s day-to-day decisions, long-term planning, and role within the larger community. We learned beauty and serenity can coexist with responsibility, and that lasting impact begins with small choices.
Water, Trees, and Conserving Local Resources
“We’re driven by a consciousness of our impact,” says Troy. That impact starts with the land itself. Hillside's 45 acres include lush lawns, shade-giving trees, and peaceful plantings—all maintained with care for both beauty and sustainability.
A key part of that approach is thoughtful water management. Hillside draws heavily on groundwater from an onsite well, reducing reliance on costly, energy-intensive treated water from LADWP. “We track how much we use from each source, and our goal is to lean on the well as much as possible,” Troy explains. The park also participates in a regional water-sharing program, helping preserve the local aquifer and prevent seawater contamination. “We’re not just using a resource,” he notes, “we’re helping protect it.”
In tandem with efficient irrigation, Hillside is continually expanding its use of native and drought-tolerant plants, from the new Garden of Solomon to the perimeter landscaping along Centinela Avenue. Tree preservation is another top priority. “Trees don’t live forever,” Troy says, “but every time we remove one, we plant another. Maintaining that canopy is essential for cooling the grounds, creating a bucolic atmosphere, and honoring our responsibility to the environment.”
Renewable Energy and Conscious Innovation
Since 2017, Hillside has operated a solar energy system that produces over 570,000 kilowatt-hours annually, dramatically reducing the facility’s carbon footprint. “There was nothing forcing us to install the array,” Troy says. "We did it because it’s the right thing to do.”
That same mindset shapes countless smaller initiatives across the grounds. When the team realized that running water features every day was using unnecessary energy, they introduced timers to give the filtration systems rest days. The result? An annual savings of over 30,000 kilowatt-hours without sacrificing the serene ambiance families have come to love.
Even decisions as granular as testing new grass types or converting sprinklers to drip systems are made with sustainability in mind. “We’re always looking for ways to do better,” says Troy. “Sometimes that means trying something new and seeing what works.”
Small Decisions, Big Impact
Even chemical use across the park is carefully limited. “We’re highly selective about any pesticide or insecticide,” Troy explains. “When we treat our trees, we use nutrients at the roots and avoid harsh chemicals.” These choices protect both the land and the people who visit and care for it.
For Troy and the Hillside team, these practices are about more than checking boxes. They are about intention. “If you’re driven and conscious, celebrate the small things,” he says. “Every shift in a water timer, every adjustment in our landscaping, adds up. And when you’re working at the scale we are, 45 acres, those small choices make a big difference.”
A Living Expression of Jewish Values
Hillside’s commitment to sustainability is a living embodiment of
Tikkun Olam. It reflects not only our duty to preserve the natural world but our responsibility to future generations, offering them a sacred space that is as restorative as it is respectful.
“We could limit access,” Troy says, “but we don’t. We want this to be a semi-public green space. A place for people to experience calm, beauty, and care for themselves.”
We invite you to experience that care for yourself. Come walk the grounds, meet our team, and learn more about how Hillside honors tradition, beauty, and responsibility together.
Visit us in person or take a virtual tour at:
https://www.hillsidememorial.org/about-hillside/gallery
