The third annual Caring for Your Cemetery Day will take place statewide on Saturday, April 25 and/or Sunday, April 26, 2026, with participation dates varying by cemetery.
The NYS Division of Cemeteries program is seeking volunteers and hoping to increase public participation in local cemeteries, which are important centers of our cities, villages and towns.
Community members are encouraged to locate listed cemeteries in their neighborhoods that are participating in this event and help with cleanup activities as they prepare for the Spring season and Mother’s Day visits.
“Our cemeteries are important municipal centers and full of history and culture. Their beautification and upkeep are critical to ensuring that they remain integral parts of our neighborhoods,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley, in whom department the Division of Cemeteries operates.
“Caring for Your Cemetery Day is an excellent volunteer opportunity for New Yorkers to help local cemeteries transition out of winter months, celebrate Earth Day and to gather community support when extra assistance is most needed to contribute to a clean environment.”
This event is designed to engage community residents to participate in the cleanup and beautification of local cemeteries and to raise awareness of the hard work and dedication that goes into their care, maintenance and preservation.
Over the last two years, nearly 100 cemeteries signed up to participate in Caring for Your Cemetery Day. This year, nearly 140 cemeteries plan on participating statewide.
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 that are appropriate for untrained volunteers
The mission of NYS’s Division of Cemeteries is to help ensure that regulated cemeteries are kept in good standing with the communities they serve and that they continue to operate on a not-for-profit basis.
The division regulates approximately 1,700 not-for-profit cemeteries in New York State. 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 ensure long-term viability.
Visit the webpage to see which cemeteries are participating, and be sure to check the day and time each cemetery is participating.
Read more about New York cemeteries and their history.
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