Oregon’s historic cemeteries are set for a spring spruce-up during Historic Cemetery Cleanup Day on May 11. The event, organized by SOLVE and the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC), is a volunteer-led effort across the state to care for and preserve Oregon’s historic cemeteries. Historic cemetery caretakers are encouraged to register their properties for the event on https://www.solveoregon.org/Cemetery-event-leaders. SOLVE offers several resources to cemeteries that are registered for the event: Free supplies like litter bags, vinyl gloves, safety vests and first aid kits. Volunteer recruitment tools including forms, online registration and liability coverage. Event flyer template. Possible grants for native species to plant. Advice on native plant species to plant for lower maintenance. Small grants and in-kind donation forms for business that provide food and other supplies. Project planning assistance. In addition, OCHC will offer free in-person and webinar workshops on how to host a successful clean-up March 14 and 15. For details and registration visit the OCHC website at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/OCHC/Pages/index.aspx. “Oregon’s historic cemeteries are sites of great cultural value,” said Kuri Gill, historic cemeteries and grants coordinator with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). “They face many challenges including litter, over-growth of invasive species like thistle and ivy, moss covered monuments and general neglect.” 15 historic cemeteries and over 160 volunteers participated in the 2018 cleanup event. All told, volunteers collected nearly 300 pounds of trash and cleared 4,000 square feet of overgrown vegetation. OCHC was established in 1999; its seven members coordinate the restoration and maintenance of historic cemeteries statewide and advocate for the importance of preserving Oregon’s historic burial sites. SOLVE is a statewide, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission “to bring Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship.” Visit solveoregon.org for more information.
