Although a summer evening stroll through a graveyard sounds like something straight out of “The Addams Family," the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown’s cemetery tours offer an educational twist on an otherwise spooky outing.

Held on Saturday, June 21, groups can tour the Sanford Cemetery on County Route 6 in Dunraven from 4 to 7 p.m. to hear costumed presenters portray several different historical figures buried in or around the area. 

The cast of characters include pioneer farmers, teachers, tavern keepers and even an Esopus sachem, all researched at-length by historical society members, President of the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown Diane Galusha said.

Instead of recounting eerie ghost stories and chain rattling, Galusha said the tours provide insights into the lives of Middletown residents. 

The miles of trails that crisscross the Catskill Park would be in rough shape, if not for the volunteers that brave mud, weather, prickers and bugs every year to keep them in good condition. 

This month -- just in time for National Trails Day -- those volunteer efforts got a major boost. With funding from the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) has formed the Catskill Conservation Corps, a volunteer program that will build trails, help with the DEC's scientific research, and generally support outdoor recreation in the Catskill Park.

"DEC is pleased to partner with the Trail Conference to form the Catskills Conservation Corps to protect and improve lands and waters in the Catskills and create additional access for residents and visitors,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said in a recent press release. “Working together, we will preserve critical habitats, develop and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking and fishing, promote tourism in the Catskills and ensure our environment is in good hands.”