Our land and restoration
A former hay field near Dellroy, returning to native woodland habitat.
From hay field to native woodland
Ascend sits on 20.5 acres in Rose Township, Carroll County, near the village of Dellroy. For years the land was farmed for hay. It held little room for native plants, insects or birds.
We are changing that. Our Rules say Ascend is managed first as a natural restoration site and second as a place of burial. Burials help pay for the work of bringing native habitat back, one season at a time.
We do this without herbicides or other chemicals. The work is slower that way, and we think it is worth it.
Restoration in progress.
The lay of the land
Ascend covers 20.5 acres of rolling ground: two broad hills with a grassy swale between them. From Halo Road, the land runs south about 1,900 feet, more than a third of a mile. In all, it is about the size of 15 football fields.
- North Hill, about 5.4 acres, closest to the road.
- South Hill, about 10.7 acres, the larger of the two.
- The swale, about 3.4 acres. A low, grassy channel that carries rainwater between the hills. It stays free of burials and is protected.
- The woodland edge, about 1.1 acres along the west side, where mature oak and hickory stand. It also stays free of burials.
- Entrance and parking on Halo Road.
How we restore the land
- Mowing. Well-timed mowing knocks back weeds and gives young native plants light.
- Native trees. The natural plant community here is oak forest. We plant native trees such as oak and white pine, and protect the mature oak and hickory along the field edge.
- Native ground cover. Native grasses and wildflowers hold the soil and feed pollinators while young trees grow.
- Invasive plants. Removed by pulling, cutting, mowing or other targeted, non-toxic methods.
- Prescribed fire. Fire is a natural part of Ohio's oak woodlands. When it is safe and lawful, trained crews may burn sections of the land to renew native plants.
- Protecting water. Low, wet areas and drainage swales are kept free of burials.
Studies of the soil and the environment were completed before any burials, to make sure the land suits a cemetery.
What you will see through the year
A restored natural landscape does not look like a lawn. After mowing or a burn, parts of the land can look bare or blackened for a few weeks. New green growth follows. The first few years, newly restored land often looks weedy while native roots grow deep underground and young trees get established.
Mowing, burning and seeding may change how a grave or marker looks for a while. Some areas may close for a short time before, during or after this work. We will post closures on this site and let families know.
Photo points
We take photos from the same fixed spots each season, so you can watch the land change over the years. The first set is coming soon.
Fall 2026, coming soon
Fall 2026, coming soon
Fall 2026, coming soon
Our progress
Last updated
Done
- Soil study and environmental assessment completed. Registered with the State of Ohio as a cemetery.
- Endowment Care Trust Fund established, overseen by its three local trustees.
In progress
- Restoring native woodland habitat, without chemicals.
- Recording a deed restriction that limits the land to natural burial and conservation.
Next
- Green Burial Council certification.
- A conservation easement held by a land trust, to protect the land for good.
We will update this page as each step is completed.