Saluting Branches, a national non-profit dedicated to recognizing and honoring U.S. Veterans by helping to make their final resting places a beautiful environment, has selected Evergreen Cemetery as the host of its 10th annual day of service on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A group of arborists from multiple local tree care companies will donate their time and resources to remove dead trees and branches around the cemetery at the largest volunteer event in the tree care industry. Evergreen Cemetery will be closed to visitors during the event.
“We are extremely grateful for Saluting Branches and the volunteers that will donate their time to Evergreen cemetery,” said Matt Puckett, forestry maintenance supervisor for Colorado Springs. “This historic site consists of some of the densest urban canopy throughout Colorado Springs, boasting an inventory of over 3,000 trees and multiple veteran sites dating all the way back to the Civil War. This event is extremely rewarding as it combines a love for the arboriculture industry with the passion to honor the service of U.S veterans. Being a part of the day of service each year, and the pride and comradery displayed amongst local arborists, is the most humbling experience.”
Evergreen Cemetery, established shortly after Colorado Springs was founded in 1871, was deeded to the city in 1875 by city founder General William Jackson Palmer. The original 10 acres has grown to over 220, with more than 90,000 burials. Many of the city’s pioneers are buried at Evergreen Cemetery, including American prospector and philanthropist Winfield Scott Stratton, poet Helen Hunt Jackson, and General William Jackson Palmer. In 1993, Evergreen became only the second cemetery in the state to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Originally created by Rainbow Treecare, Saluting Branches is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and honoring veterans by organizing volunteer tree and landscape care for property dedicated to our veterans. Visit SalutingBranches.org for more information.