Volunteers, students rally to restore storm-damaged Old North Road Cemetery

LEAVENWORTH — Volunteers and community groups are mobilizing to clear storm damage and restore the Old North Road Cemetery following the December storm that caused widespread destruction at the historic site.

The Upper Valley Historical Society is coordinating cleanup efforts after the storm toppled dozens of trees, leaving fallen branches, limbs and uprooted trunks scattered throughout the cemetery. While most burial plots were spared, some sustained significant damage, including two graves that were completely upended.

While the majority of the plots were spared, some sustained significant damage, including two graves which were completely upended, volunteer Amy McCoy said.

Upper Valley Historical Society President Emeritus Matt Cade also reported about 18 damaged trees blocking roadways and pathways through the cemetery.

Approximately 70 high school volunteers are expected to assist with cleanup efforts on Monday, April 20, coinciding with Earth Day activities. Students from the Interact Club will help move and pile branches and other nonhazardous debris, while experienced volunteers and professionals handle more complex work such as tree limbing and log removal.

“We want them to be moving branches and piling up branches. They’re not going to be cutting anything,” Cade said, noting that local volunteer Kirk Sunitsch and his family will assist with cutting and removing larger limbs and trunks.

The student-led effort is expected to play a key role in preparing the cemetery for the annual “Rake the Spring Twigs” cleanup event scheduled for Saturday, April 25, beginning at 10 a.m. Organizers encourage community members to attend and assist, bringing gloves, rakes and loppers.

McCoy said the cleanup is essential to preserving the site’s historical significance. The cemetery is the resting place of longtime Leavenworth families, including members of the West, Kelly and Hoxsey families, and continues to serve as a gathering place for descendants who hold annual reunions there.

The historical society has been working to connect with family members of those buried at the cemetery and plans to expand an email list of descendants and interested community members. Organizers are also seeking additional volunteers to join the cemetery committee and are considering professional services for stump removal and further restoration work later this year.

Donations are being accepted to support ongoing preservation efforts. Those interested in volunteering or contributing are encouraged to contact the Upper Valley Historical Society for more information.

Organizers also recognized the efforts of Sabrina Westbrook, who has spent countless hours mowing, trimming and locating gravesites and buried memorial markers. Using a metal probe created by her husband, she has uncovered more than 30 markers at the cemetery.