Volunteers Plant 500-Foot Green Fence at Selma Cemetery

Volunteers are transforming a tornado-damaged cemetery in Selma, Alabama into a peaceful refuge for grieving families, one shrub at a time.

Cemetery Preservation Group volunteers recently launched the Green Fence Project at New Live Oak Cemetery, planting more than 130 evergreen shrubs along 500 feet of fencing on Dallas Avenue. The living barrier will replace greenery destroyed by a tornado three years ago, while creating a quieter space that shields visitors from heavy traffic noise.

"This project is about restoring dignity and beauty to one of Selma's historic cemeteries," said Doug Buster, President of Cemetery Preservation Group. The green fence will help create a more peaceful place for families visiting their loved ones while improving the appearance of this historic property for the entire community.

The nonprofit organization is covering the entire cost through donations and volunteer labor, asking nothing from the city. Volunteers have already cleared debris, ground stumps, and dug planting holes for the carefully selected evergreen varieties that will thrive in Alabama's climate.

The Ripple Effect

This project represents more than just landscaping. Cemetery Preservation Group volunteers regularly clean and repair grave markers, restore brick and stone walls, and beautify three historic cemeteries across Selma.

Founded in 2019, the organization works closely with the Alabama Historical Commission to meet the highest standards for historic preservation. They use only approved products to ensure their restoration work lasts for generations.

The volunteers will maintain the new landscaping for one year before turning ongoing care over to the Selma Cemetery Department. The organization plans to expand its services to additional cemeteries throughout central Alabama and beyond, bringing the same care and attention to other historic burial grounds.

Community members can follow the organization's work on social media and support their efforts through tax-deductible donations to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The Green Fence Project shows what's possible when volunteers come together to honor the past while creating beauty for the future.