FAQs

In many cases, grave markers are the last trace that a person ever existed. Restoring their final resting place ensures their memory lives on and restores their dignity while preserving local history for everyone.

With a little research you can piece their lives back together to gain an understanding of local history in a way that no textbook can. You learn why that road that school, that farm is named what it is. You gain an appreciation of where you live.

The best way is to message us on Facebook. Please provide as many details as possible.

• What is the address? If there is no address provide nearest address with the general location of where the cemetery is located from that address.
• Do you know who owns the land or who previously owned the land? Any names and any contact information of owners you may have would be very helpful. We will make contact with the owner before any work begins.
• Are there engraved headstones?
• Do you know any of the names of those buried in the cemetery?
• What is the condition of the cemetery the last time you visited?
• If you have any photos of the cemetery?

You can do it. It’s easier then you think. Nothing too strenuous. There is always something that everybody can do, from picking up sticks, trash, raking leaves, weed eating, cleaning or repairing headstones, etc…. We even need people to cheer on the volunteers hard at work!

What you need to do first.

• Follow our Facebook page to keep up to date.
• View our Events Calendar page to find when and where we'll be.
• Show up on event day, we start at 9:00am and finish by 12:00pm.
• See one of the volunteer leaders when you arrive, and they will help you get started.

Please bring your tools with you, rakes, shovels, weed eaters, leaf blowers, chainsaws.

If it’s a day that we are cleaning headstone we will have all the approved cleaning supplies needed.

You will want to wear work clothes, you may get dirty. Long pants and work gloves recommended.

There are no bathrooms on site.

Age limits 10 to 101. Some days may not be best for smaller children under 10, as there maybe lawn equipment being used.

This is a great way to earn volunteer hours for school or scout groups. We will be happy to sign off on required forms or provide a letter.

This can depend on the specific cemetery and how much work we've already done there. The first few visits often involve a lot of raking as well trimming branches and overgrowth. Subsequent visits may involve working on straightening leaning or fallen grave stones.

Bring any yard tools you have that you think would help. You can always ask us on Facebook before an event.

In general, we can always use:

• rakes
• shovels
• weedeaters
• leaf blowers
• gardening sheers

It is recommended to wear work gloves to protect yourself from thorns or other pokie objects.

The following guidelines are for the protection of the cemetery and memorials within. Our goal to preserve these sacred places the best we can without causing further damage.

• DO NOT use any mechanical equipment such as weed eaters or hedge trimmers around headstones. Many of the markers are fragile and can be easily damaged by accidental contact with these machines.
• DO NOT use Round Up, bleach, or any other harsh chemicals on headstones to remove weeds as the chemicals can damage the headstones.
• DO NOT move fallen headstones and markers leave as you find them.
• DO NOT move field stones or rocks as these may be old grave markers.
• DO NOT pull up any iron rods, metal spikes, or pieces of wood. They may be remnants of a marker.
• DO NOT attempt to reassemble or clean headstones. Many of these markers are fragile and there are very specific guidelines for cleaning markers. We will schedule a time just for cleaning the headstones with approved cleaning supplies.
• DO NOT remove any items placed on gravesites. These items are grave goods and can come in the form of cards, letters, flowers, plants, bottles, dolls, etc. They may be current remembrances or from previous generations. If you are uncertain, please leave the item where you found it.

Finally, DO enjoy your time at the cemetery. And know that you are making a difference for the community and that you are playing an active role in ensuring that the lives of those buried here will not be forgotten.

Absolutely! We're all volunteers and trust us, we welcome as much help as you have to offer. We would much rather you show up for a little while than not at all.

We use D/2 Biological Cleaner. It's the same cleaner that they use at Arlington National Cemetery.

Why D/2?

D/2 was developed by conservators who know the damage that can be done by cleaners containing acid or salts. Our product has been specially formulated without these harmful agents. D/2 is a nearly pH-neutral quaternary ammonium solution with surfactants that help carry surface contaminants away. No other solution is more trusted by architectural and monument conservators.

D/2 has been successfully used to remove staining from a variety of surfaces including natural stones such as marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and slate.

D/2 has been successfully used to clean millions of buildings and monuments. From the White House to Arlington National Cemetery, D/2 is trusted to work and keep on working when results matter.

www.d2bio.com