Oregon Historic Cemetery Clean-up Days Need Volunteers For This Spring

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) have teamed up with the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization SOLVE for this year’s Oregon Historic Cemetery Cleanup Days spring clean, which takes place in April and May

Oregon’s historic cemetery caretakers gear up for Memorial Day visitors while keeping on top of spring growth.

Oregon Historic Cemetery Clean-up Day

Oregon’s historic cemeteries have traditionally been cared for by nonprofit organizations. One of these is SOLVE, established in 1969. It mobilizes and trains volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Volunteers clean and restore Oregon neighborhoods and natural areas, building a legacy of stewardship for the state.

To participate in the cleanup, historic cemetery caretakers can register their properties by contacting Estrella Valdez at [email protected] or 971-346-2708.

Volunteers will be able to find cemetery locations and sign up in April and May on the SOLVE website. You can follow SOLVE on Facebook at @SOLVEOregon or on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon.

The resources offered by SOLVE to cemeteries registered for the event are:

• Project planning assistance.
• Volunteer recruitment tools: Event flyer templates, promotion, and online registration.
• Free supplies: Gloves, safety vests, litter bags, and first aid kits.
• Advice on native plant species for lower maintenance.
• Funding options for plants, tools, and disposal costs.
• Liability coverage and waivers.

OCHC, established in 1999, coordinates the restoration and maintenance of historic cemeteries and offers online resources, such as the How to Organize a Cemetery Clean Up Day Oregon Heritage Bulletin. OCHC and SOLVE also have free webinar workshops on hosting a successful clean-up. The workshop details are as follows:

• January 23, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: register here.
• February 19, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: register here.

General cleanup day information is available on the Oregon Heritage website.