On each Memorial Day and 4th of July, dozens of small American flags appear on the graves at Highlandlake Pioneer Cemetery. The grass is mowed, and the gravestones are cleaned. All this is due to Lee and Helen Swenson, a retired couple who have unofficially adopted the graveyard as their own.

The Swensons became the graveyard's guardian angels after helping Pauli Smith, curator at Historic Highlandlake, Inc., out of a mowing bind 8 years ago. The couple, who live near the cemetery, make periodic visits to trim around gravestones, and collect fallen branches and debris.

Under the Swensons' care, vandalism in the two-acre plot has gone down dramatically. "It is harder to justify that a cemetery is abandoned if it is kept up," said Smith. Now it is a popular attraction in the Highlandlake and Mead area.

Aside from their volunteer work, the Swensons have another personal interest in the cemetery. Their son, who passed away in 2002, was the first person to be buried in the graveyard for many years. He is buried side-by-side with his brother, who recently lost his battle with cancer this May.

"They loved this area," Helen said. "We're very glad they were able to be buried here."

For information about volunteering with Historic Highlandlake, Inc. or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.