Volunteers are being asked to help remove more than 8,600 wreaths from veterans’ gravestones at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.
The wreaths were placed during the Wreaths Across America event on December 13.
The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, beginning at 8:30 a.m., and volunteers will receive instructions after a brief orientation.
Organizers said anyone can help, and participants are encouraged to dress for cold weather and bring gloves. Pickup trucks or trailers are also helpful. Water will be provided.
The effort is organized by the Nevada Veterans Coalition and is open to all ages. School groups, civic organizations, veteran groups, and individuals are welcome.
All collected wreaths will be recycled through a partnership with local and regional farmers, who will use them as feed for goats. The farmers will be on site to accept the wreaths, offering an environmentally friendly way to dispose of them at no cost.
“This is a great way to do some community service and honor veterans at the same time,” a coalition spokesperson said.
