Scenic Regional Library branches of Owensville and Hermann are seeking individuals interested in participating in their Save a Story Grave Cleaning Club.

Over time, gravestones can become covered with dirt, bird deposits, sap, and biological growth such as algae, moss, and lichen.

If left unmaintained, these additions can cause a gravestone to deteriorate and lettering can become worn to the point where it’s no longer readable.

Cleaning gravestones helps beautify the cemetery and preserve the grave markers.

Each month, clubs meet at a local cemetery and clean gravestones. The library provides supplies and library staff demonstrate the process to participants.

The library utilizes an environmentally friendly biological chemical called D/2 and non-metal tools to clean gravestones in the gentlest manner possible to avoid damage.

Together, the two branches will clean gravestones at six cemeteries.

So far, they’ve cleaned gravestones at Hermann City Cemetery, St. Peters United Church of Christ Cemetery in Owensville and Little Berger Cemetery in Hermann.

In Owensville and Hermann, groups are limited to 15 participants per outing and registration is required.

As of Tuesday, there were still 12 spots open for the Aug. 3 outing at Liberty Baptist Church near Owensville, 10 for the Sept. 7 cleaning at Saint John/Stolpe United Church of Christ near Hermann and 14 for the Oct. 5 outing at New Salem Cemetery near Owensville.

Sponsors for the Owensville and Hermann clubs include Victorian Place of Owensville and Hermann, St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Cemetery, Theresa Black of Gasconade, and an anonymous sponsor.

To learn more about the grave cleaning clubs or to register, visit scenicregional.org/gravecleaning, call 573-437-2188, or stop by the branch.