More than two centuries have passed since the first burial at the Beard-Green Cemetery. Over that time, natural weathering has steadily affected the grounds and memorials. Exposure to the elements has softened inscriptions, encouraged the growth of lichen and moss, and, in some cases, led to cracked, displaced, or fallen stones.

Caring for a historic cemetery is an ongoing and thoughtful process. While the effects of time are inevitable, careful maintenance can slow further deterioration and help preserve the cemetery’s historic character. Earlier documentation efforts illustrate both the value of preservation and the consequences of inaction. In 1940, Bertie Dawes recorded 79 graves that were already missing legible markers. When the Johnstown Genealogy Society revisited the site in 1970, they were unable to locate 18 markers that Dawes had documented just thirty years earlier.

These losses underscore the importance of long-term planning and measured conservation. Preservation at Beard-Green extends beyond visible headstones. Modern, non-invasive technologies—such as ground-penetrating radar—offer opportunities to better understand the cemetery’s layout, identify unmarked burials, and guide future care while minimizing disturbance to the site.

Responsible stewardship requires specialized expertise. Resetting displaced monuments, stabilizing cracked or broken stones, safely managing biological growth, and cleaning historic markers must be carried out by trained professionals using appropriate conservation methods. 

Through continued care, research, and collaboration, the Beard-Green Cemetery can be preserved as a place of remembrance and historical study—ensuring that the stories of Licking County’s earliest settlers remain accessible to future generations.