Volunteers say cemetery nonprofit secured 501(c)(3) status and outline restoration plans at Crystal Springs and Morton Hill

At a regular meeting, an unidentified presenter delivered a status report on Crystal Springs and Morton Hill Cemeteries, saying volunteer activity and formal organization have increased. The presenter said volunteers donated substantially more time than the prior year and that the group has obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

The presenter said the group recorded volunteer hours and documentation: "We worked a total 878 hundred and 7 hours were donated, by 12 different individuals," and that the year prior the group recorded 644 hours. He said the organization "honored over 2,000 veterans last year by placing flags under graves" at both cemeteries and that drawings and maps are being cataloged and stored for future use.

Project work outlined included installing safety rails near culverts, removing trees and vegetation, creating and marking trails between bridges and across the ravine, and establishing zones to help emergency responders navigate the cemetery. The presenter said the cemeteries cover more than 80 acres and that about 12 acres are inside a ravine that will be a focus for erosion control and trail work.

During a follow-up, a board member asked about the cost of protective boxes and storage racks for documents; the presenter responded that "for the storage of documents, we probably, spent, close to $200." The presenter also noted the group held guided tours last fall that drew 48 attendees.

The presenter closed by outlining work planned for the coming year: continued flag placement from Memorial Day through July 4, trail establishment in previously unmarked areas, and ongoing cataloging of cemetery records. No formal action was taken on the report; the board moved on to other business.