Reclaiming the Past, Securing the Future

Orland Cemetery District recognized a growing challenge facing its cemetery operations: limited available land and an increasing number of long-unused grave spaces. Rather than viewing the issue as simply a space constraint, the District saw an opportunity to thoughtfully reclaim and responsibly repurpose existing spaces while honoring those who came before. The result was a comprehensive reclamation program designed to address today’s needs while planning responsibly for the future.

Working with legal guidance and leveraging technology to improve research, documentation, and recordkeeping, the District developed a process to identify and reclaim eligible, long-unused grave spaces. This approach brought greater accuracy and transparency to the reclamation process while helping the District make better use of its existing resources and available land.

“Reclaiming the Past, Securing the Future” demonstrates how thoughtful planning, innovation, and responsible risk management can turn a difficult challenge into a sustainable solution. The project not only helps address immediate space limitations but also establishes a model for the District’s future cemetery operations—preserving its ability to serve the community for generations to come.

 Congratulations to Orland Cemetery District, and thank you to everyone who shared their projects with us—we’re already excited to see what THRIVE ideas come forward next year!

If you have questions about the program, need assistance with requirements, or would like to get in touch with the agency to learn more about their initiative, please contact us at memberservices@gsrma.org. 

 (Pictured: Trustee Dottie Tefelski and Chairperson Rick Beale with Orland Cemetery District)