Each cemetery in the Constellation of Living Memorials will transform their grounds into a wildlife sanctuary where native plants, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife will thrive, where families and children can learn about our natural environment, and where community can come together to honor their ancestors and Dallas’ rich history.

Each participating cemetery shall:

1. Obtain written approval from the property owner and provide this written approval to the Friends of the Warren Ferris Cemetery Board before any land restoration commences. If ownership of the land is unknown, cemetery will share title research with the Friends of the Warren Ferris Cemetery Board.

2. Commit to faithfully executing the environmental survey protocols outlined in the Cemetery Agreement.

   1. Time requirement: It is estimated that a small team of citizen scientist volunteers should be able to execute the field work portion of the environmental survey protocol requirements in three (3) partial days per year. Some additional time to organize photographs and notes may be required but should not be burdensome.

3. Consult the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors for local, pro bono survey assistance defining the cemetery’s topography and trees for the selected areas of land restoration.

4. Identify the Cemetery’s eco-region and eco-zone, as outlined by the Texas Parks & Wildlife.

5. Cultivate a local community around the cemetery to bring together neighbors and volunteers.

6. Create educational materials and plan outreach events to communicate the shared goals on the cemetery and the Constellation of Living Memorials Program.

7. Keep a journal in its respective blog section on the Constellation of Living Memorials website.

8. Develop landscape restoration plans in concert with the cemetery’s environmental restoration objectives, documenting the reintroduction plant list, and creating a schedule to estimate timings for new plantings throughout the two-year period.

   1. Landscape restoration plans may include the use of all types of tools and technologies that are deemed to be appropriate for the individual circumstances of the cemeteries.  Plant removal methods may include hand pulling or hand tools, large excavation, or cultivation equipment, burning under the direction of the Fire Department, or chemical products such as herbicides used only by a certified professional. During removal of invasive plants, circumstances will vary, and methods should be assessed, considering sensitive areas such as open waterways, depth of water tables, local regulations, proximity to homes or proximity to EPA defined endangered species.

9. Within one (1) month of signing Cemetery Agreement, define each area of the cemetery to be restored, both on a map as well as with fixed ground-markers.

   1. Photograph at least three (3) images of each area to be restored before and after the two-year period.

10. Schedule regular citizen scientist volunteer protocols to collect data and imagery and provide reports back to the Constellation of Living Memorials, adhering to the timelines required.

11. A minimum of 80% of the matching grant will go towards the purchase of plants. At least 75% of plant purchases must be native flora.  The balance may be used for non-native flora so long as the purchase is for non-invasive, beneficial pollinator flora.

12. A maximum of up to 20% of the matching grant may be used for educational signage, materials for educational events, non-motorized gardening tools and garden hoses.

13. No hardscaping or shed purchases from this grant is allowed, but topsoil (if needed), and mulch for pathways may be purchased. FWFC has advised Cemetery that wood chips can often be delivered free from local tree service companies.

14. All volunteers/Employees /Contractors must refrain from mowing for two years in the areas of restoration, except for pathways to access headstones.