[An interdisciplinary group is using presence-evoking virtual reality to design, implement, educate and fund-raise for a restoration project of 40 Memorial Groves of trees at the solemn site honoring the passengers and crew of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. This story about the effort is from the College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) at the State University of New York (SUNY)). –Matthew]

[Image: VR depiction of Memorial Grove created by landscape architecture senior Max Stamberger.]

ESF Utilizes Virtual Reality to Assist Flight 93 National Memorial in Tree Revitalization

September 10, 2024

SYRACUSE, N.Y. –– The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is playing a pivotal role in the restoration of the Memorial Groves at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA, using cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology.

Faculty and students from the College’s Landscape Architecture program are working alongside the National Park Service (NPS) to improve the landscape honoring the 40 heroes of Flight 93 who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

The 40 Memorial Groves, comprising 1,600 trees spread in a semi-circle that frames the crash site, serve as a living tribute to the passengers and crew of Flight 93. However, challenges with soil conditions, irrigation, and initial planting have led to a high tree mortality rate that has prompted a multi-year restoration effort. ESF’s Center for Cultural Landscape Preservation (CCLP) is helping to reshape the groves, ensuring the design intent is maintained while addressing environmental factors.

“Working with such an iconic and meaningful site, we wanted to combine traditional landscape preservation techniques with modern tools,” said John Auwaerter, director of CCLP. “Virtual reality allows us to visualize what the Memorial Groves will look like in 25 years, ensuring the project’s future sustainability while honoring the memory of those who lost their lives.”

Virtual Reality for Preservation

Assistant Professor Aidan Ackerman and landscape architecture senior Max Stamberger created detailed VR models of the site, simulating how the Memorial Groves will mature over time. This immersive technology allows stakeholders to see the growth and development of the trees, enabling better decision-making on species selection, landscape design, and long-term maintenance.

“Virtual reality provides a dynamic tool for collaboration,” said Ackerman. “Being able to visualize the site’s evolution helps resolve design conflicts early, ensuring a collective vision for the memorial’s future.”

The VR model also plays a crucial role in community engagement and fundraising efforts, giving the public and donors a glimpse into the future landscape.

Restoring the Landscape

The restoration project, led by Flight 93 National Memorial, the NPS Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, and the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial, along with soil and tree experts from Cornell University and Penn State, addresses issues stemming from inadequate soil quality due to previous mining activities on the site. About two-thirds of the trees in the memorial groves need to be replaced, and the interdisciplinary team has devised a 10-year plan to rehabilitate the area.

“We revised the planting plan in consultation with the original designers to introduce more resilient tree species,” said Auwaerter. “Originally, the memorial groves were mostly oaks, but many struggled to thrive. Our goal is to create a healthier, more sustainable grove.”

In addition to the Memorial Groves, the ESF team developed vegetation and maintenance strategies for the surrounding meadows, led by Arleen Bartels (MLA ’24). The meadows span vast acres of the memorial site and this holistic approach ensures the entire landscape is properly managed and aligned with the park’s long-term goals.

“It’s not a crystal ball, but it’s the closest we’ve got,” Ackerman said of the use of the virtual reality landscape. “We’ve thought of every possibility and made these trees. It’s as accurate as we believe they could be so we can stand behind this as a predictive tool.”

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.