JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Highland Memorial Park Cemetery has launched a new community-based initiative to restore its landscape after a tornado swept through in 2023, uprooting trees and devastating the grounds. When cemetery president Joseph Swift returned to work after the tornado rolled through, he was shocked. "It was devastating. It was unbelievable," Swift recalled. "I couldn't believe it. I had never seen anything like it." BACKGROUND: Johnston cemetery disturbed by powerful tornado Storm damage in Johnston at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in August, 2023 (Joe Cortese/WPRI-TV) Dozens of trees were toppled or completely snapped in half. The damage is still visible in the park more than a year later. "What I'm trying to do is replace as many trees as we can and as many gardens as we can, because most of these trees were 100 to 125 years old that just got literally ripped out of the ground," Swift explained. The cemetery hopes to restore its roots by launching a memorial tree garden program. Participants can select a spot to have a tree planted in memory of their loved one. Memorial plaques will also be available. ALSO READ: Eastside Marketplace, Johnston Stop & Shop close The cemetery is a special place for Swift and so many others. "My wife is buried up here," Swift said. "My superintendent's wife in buried up here. It's really a community cemetery." With the memorial trees, Swift hopes to restore the grounds. "You are never going to replace [the trees], but at least we can start by putting the color, the beauty back that we lost." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW