Our Process

OUR PROCESS

Step 1: Locate & identify cemeteries in need of restoration and preservation.  Place on a list of such cemeteries. 

We will accept additions to this list from anyone who is willing to provide the information.  Identify the cemetery by Find-a-Grave name and locally used name along with GPS coordinates.  The placing of a cemetery onto this list in no way implies that we will ever select it to be restored/preserved.

Step 2: Considering all factors, select a cemetery to be restored.

Step 3: Restore the cemetery.

Announce a clean-up day and recruit as many volunteers as possible to help with the initial clean-up.  The initial clean-up includes removal of all bushes, vines, trees (as applicable), etc.  This may be more than a one-day project depending on the cemetery.  Verify and update information on all graves with FAG.

Grind any stumps that need removal.  Repair any tombstones in need.  Clean all tombstones as needed.

Another work group can be recruited to place a new fence as appropriate.  This may include tearing out the old fence row and removal of the debris.  A gate would be included of the size anticipated for future preservation.  It may be determined that a particular cemetery does not need to be fenced, but we should think long-term regarding the type of protection that may be needed.  If a sign with the cemetery name is desired, this work group would be responsible for making that happen.

Level/sow the cemetery.  Depending on the size, etc., this may involve recruiting another work group.  Bring in dirt to fill holes if necessary.  Rake it all as level as possible.  Sow in grass.  Kentucky 31 fescue is the preferred grass.  Cover the seeded area with straw as appropriate to keep moisture and prevent erosion.  In some cases, the decision may be to control vegetation regrowth by spraying with round-up or other vegetation killer, but grass is preferred.

Step 4:  If possible, recruit a “sponsor” to be responsible for the preservation of a specific cemetery. This step may be accomplished before the restoration if a sponsor is available.

The recruiting of these individuals can be accomplished by any member of the Association.  The responsibilities include all follow-on maintenance necessary to keep the cemetery in tip-top shape.  This includes mowing, weed-eating, blowing grass off tombstones, maintaining fence if applicable, clean and/or repair tombstones as necessary.