ALBANY COUNTY — Several local cemeteries are participating in the state’s  third annual “Caring for Your Cemetery Day,” which will take place on Saturday, April 25, and/or Sunday, April 26.

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, according to a release from the Department of State.

Local cemeteries that will be participating, along with an email address to obtain more information, include:

— Woodlawn Cemetery in Berne, starting at 9 a.m., Woodlawncemetery1897@gmail.com;

— Onesquethaw Union Cemetery in Feura Bush, starting at 9 a.m., mevd62@icloud.com

— Prospect Hill Cemetery in Guilderland, starting at 10 a.m., prospecthillguilderland@gmail.com;

— Medusa Cemetery in Rensselaerville, starting at 9 a.m., Aingalls51@aol.com; and

— Westerlo Rural Cemetery in Westerlo, starting at 10 a.m., filkinsr@duck.com.

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 for untrained volunteers may include:

— Cleaning up small debris and trash;

— Removing downed branches, weeds, and overgrowth;

— Removing old seasonal decorations;

— Planting flowers; and

— Scattering grass seed.

The mission of the State Department’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.

“Our cemeteries are important municipal centers and full of history and culture,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley in the release. “Their beautification and upkeep are critical to ensuring that they remain integral parts of our neighborhoods.”