Trevor Cofer of Isabella is well on his way to completing his Eagle Scout Service Project, but he is asking for more help from the community.

Cofer, 16, chose to organize and lead a cleanup at the historic Old Raspberry Family Cemetery near Isabella to fulfill his Eagle Scout requirements.

Cofer held two workdays at the cemetery in June, and his next workday will be Saturday, Sept. 1, beginning at 8 a.m.

Cofer discovered the cemetery near his home several years ago, researched it and found that the cemetery contains graves dating back to the early 1800s and the Civil War period.

After deciding he wanted his Eagle Scout project to be the cemetery restoration, Cofer contacted the landowner for permission to re-define the perimeter, remove the debris and clean and restore some of the grave markers.

Cofer’s father, Rick, said his son has been in the Boy Scouts since the age of 6.

“I’ve been involved with him every meeting and every trip since we started,” Rick said. “It’s probably the best education that a young man could get other than in school. It’s really helped him grow to really know what it means to be a leader.”

Cofer is a member of Troop 747 out of Jemison, in the Frontier District of the Tukabatchee Area Council.

Rick said the cemetery has not been cleaned since the 1980s.

Descendants of those buried in this cemetery, fellow scouts and anyone interested in helping with the project are invited to attend the workday Sept. 1 or donate money for signs, fencing and concrete benches for the cemetery.

Those who attend the workday are encouraged to wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, socks, closed-toe shoes and a hat.

Other materials to bring are chairs, insect repellant and tools for clearing limbs and undergrowth. Drinks will be provided.

The Old Raspberry Family Cemetery is located just north of Isabella High School on County Road 223.

To get to the cemetery from IHS, go north on County Road 29 one-half mile, then straight on County Road 223 (turns to dirt) for another mile.

From Clanton, take Highway 22 west toward Maplesville. Turn right (north) on County Road 15 near the signs for Isabella High School and Mulberry Baptist Church. At the four-way intersection at IHS, turn right (east) on County Road 29. When County Road 29 forks, go left (northeast) on County Road 223 (a dirt road). Signs leading to the cemetery will be on the left.

Donation checks can be made to Trevor Cofer (FOR: Eagle Scout Service Project) and mailed to 23 County Road 223, Thorsby, 35171.