Evergreen Cemetery has the distinction of being listed
on the National Register of Historic Places, and was once revered by many
locals as "the largest outdoor rose garden in the world", whose sweet
scent could be noted as far as a mile away.
The cemetery, which covers about 220 acres, is comprised of
blocks, laid out much like a typical city. Currently there are
approximately 150 blocks, and each may contain up to several hundred
gravesites. Although the City provides basic grounds maintenance such as
irrigation and mowing, care of the monuments and sites in each block is not
provided. Evergreen Cemetery Benevolent Society, a non-profit partner
with the Cemetery, fills the gap through its Adopt A Block Program,
staffed solely by volunteers. The Society is seeking additional residents
to adopt a block of their choosing and become a Block Captain. 
Becoming a Block Captain is easy and rewarding. You
can select any block you wish. Typically blocks in the older sections
need more TLC, as there are fewer family members left to provide care.
Once you have chosen a block, you will receive guidelines for caring for your
adopted area. You make your own schedule, depending on your available
time. You may be involved in trimming shrubbery, small plants or roses,
picking up debris, straightening small monuments, reporting damage or
vandalism, and generally keeping the area tidy. Those with an interest in
photography may wish to photograph all the monuments in their block to
document their current condition. Training is provided periodically on the
proper methods of cleaning monuments without harming them, and repairing
minor damage. During warmer months, Block Captains solicit volunteers to
help with special project days.
Adopting a block would be an excellent way for companies or
corporations to foster group activities and team building. Schools,
clubs, teams, hobby groups, churches and many other organizations may enjoy
adopting a piece of our local history.
By adopting a block, you will enable our city to
keep the unique and beautiful legacy that is Evergreen Cemetery
enjoyable for generations to come. For more information or details about
becoming a Block Captain, please contact Dianne Hartshorn at 719-385-6251,
or Mark Robbins at 727-244-9031. Visit us on Facebook or go to Evergreencemeterysociety.com or send an email to evergreencemeterysociety@yahoo.com
