The Cost of Conservation Burial | Michigan Green Burial

We have been asked a number of times in our survey responses to explain the anticipated $3,000 cost of a plot in the burial forest. Here are some of our thoughts!

In order to offer this service, we need to secure a plot of land that always feels like a large forest no matter what development happens around it. Ideally, it would be located within an hour of Grand Rapids, and would have scenic quality. All of these variables are costly. Of course, there are also day to day operations and ongoing care of the burial forest.

Our goal is to be a Certified Conservation Burial Ground, which requires that burials are performed at lower density than a conventional cemetery. This ultimately means that fewer plots can be in the burial forest.

$3,000 is the approximate national average for a burial, along with opening and closing fees. This is a reasonable starting point for a plot, opening fees, and closing fees in the burial forest.

Natural burial is likely to be overall less expensive than a conventional cemetery. This is because natural burial inherently does not include a wood/metal casket, cement vault, or embalming.

One can chose to spend as much or as little as desired on the burial vessel. Options range from simple pine coffins or cotton shrouds to handmade, ornate carved wood coffins or fine embroidered burial linens.

Our goal is not to offer the absolute cheapest burial option. It’s not just burial. It’s not just natural burial. It’s conservation burial. We will be offering beautiful, vibrant memorials and simultaneously conserving a forest in perpetuity.

What other questions do you have for us? Leave them in a comment below.