(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Evergreen Cemetery is set to get some much-deserved service and attention by the national nonprofit, Saluting Branches, for its 11th Annual Day of Service on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Saluting Branches is a group dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans by ensuring that their final resting places are beautiful and maintained. A group of local tree care and landscaping companies will be removing dead trees and branches from the cemetery. According to Saluting Branches, this is the largest volunteer event in the tree care industry.

Photo courtesy of the City of Colorado Springs

“We are incredibly grateful that Saluting Branches has chosen Evergreen Cemetery for the fourth consecutive year to volunteer their time and expertise in caring for our trees. Their dedicated efforts not only enhance the beauty of this historic site but also serve as a meaningful tribute to our U.S. veterans who are interred here. The work performed by these volunteers and skilled arborists is invaluable, and we are thankful for their commitment to preserving the natural landscape that honors the sacrifices made by our heroes.”

Matt Puckett, Colorado Springs City Forester

Saluting Branches’ day of service will begin at 7 a.m. on Sept. 17, and work will conclude at 3 p.m.

Originally 10 acres, Evergreen Cemetery has expanded to over 220 acres with more than 90,000 burials since its creation. It became the second cemetery in Colorado state history to be inducted into the National Register of Historic Places. It also boasts over 3,000 trees and veteran sites dating back to the Civil War.