A historic cemetery in Woodside was overgrown and overlooked until some residents decided to step in. NY1's Clodagh McGowan filed the following report.
John Colgan calls one neighborhood lot the Woodside Jungle.
"There are vines growing all over the place. It's the densest bushes that I've ever encountered in my life," said Colgan.
But beneath the weeds and foliage lies some of Woodside's early settlers. The Moore-Jackson cemetery dates back to 1733 - it's 43 years older than the United States. The cemetery is now owned by the Queens Historical Society but Colgan says it hasn't been maintained in more than a year.
"It's an absolute disgrace. It's unbelievable. It's our history going down in flames," said Colgan.
So, Colgan decided to do something about it. He's been spending all of his free time here, clearing the weeds and cleaning up the garbage.
His hard work inspired his neighbors. Jill Infante and her 13-year old son, Tino Hernandez to get involved too.
"You have to take responsibility. It's your neighborhood. You feel pride," said Infante.
"Well, we're kind of like making an example of what this country should be. Not just like people on the couch," added Hernandez.
Colgan says residents are complaining they hear voices of people hanging out in the cemetery at night. And based upon what he keeps finding in there, he thinks they're up to no good.
"I just found another crackpipe. That makes I'd say a dozen now, in the past five or so days. We just found more two hypodermic needles, over by the graves," explained Colgan.
A representative for the Queens Historical Society tells NY1 they plan to meet with the residents immediately to discuss any concerns about the space.
They say there is a plan to restore the cemetery and the intent is to preserve its historical integrity.
As for Colgan, he hopes it'll once again be a place where kids can go on field trips to learn about the borough's history.