ALBANY, NY — The New York Department of State recently announced the second annual Caring for Your Cemetery Day, which will take place on Saturday, April 26. Members of the public are encouraged to find cemeteries in their area that are participating in this program and help with cleanup activities; the spring season and Mother’s Day visits are coming up. Through this program, the department and participating cemeteries seek to recruit future volunteers or even officers, trustees and directors with skills that cemeteries need.

The program also seeks to generate interest in local cemeteries, especially among younger people, and raise awareness of the hard work and dedication that goes into cemeteries’ care, maintenance and preservation. Last year, more than two dozen cemeteries participated in the event. This year, more than 75 cemeteries will participate.

“New York’s cemeteries are home to so much of our state’s history and culture, and it’s critical that we collectively work to preserve and care for these treasured, but often overlooked, community assets,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “That’s why I’m proud to announce our second annual ‘Caring for Your Cemetery Day’ on April 26. I encourage all New Yorkers to take this opportunity to volunteer at your local cemetery and help future generations learn to appreciate the history, culture and unique stories our cemeteries have to offer.”

Clean-up day tasks may include:

Cleaning up small debris and trash

Removing downed branches, weeds and overgrowth

Removing old seasonal decorations

Planting flowers

Scattering grass seed

Other light tasks appropriate for untrained volunteers

The mission of the department’s Division of Cemeteries is to help ensure that regulated cemeteries, by continuing to operate on a nonprofit basis, do not become a burden on their communities. The division regulates approximately 1,700 not-for-profit cemeteries in New York State by—among other things—providing technical assistance in cemetery operations and financial accounting. The division also offers training workshops year round to educate cemetery operators and other interested individuals on how to maintain cemeteries, keep financial records and try to ensure long-term viability.

Participating cemeteries can be found below at www.dos.ny.gov/Cemetery-Day.