What is a Burial Forest?
Michigan Natural Burial
simple
No toxic embalming. No expensive metal casket or coffin. No cement vault.
Landscaping and surroundings that are synonymous with nature’s intent for the area.
A return to how many humans throughout history have been buried.
ceremonial
Graves dug with great care by hand, with the option of the involvement of loved ones.
Body carried or transported on a wooden cart through the forest to their resting place.
Tranquil graveside ceremonies in a beautiful, private setting.
sustainable
Nothing toxic is used in the process, natural materials are used exclusively. Everything buried is naturally recycled.
Supports the permanent flourishing of native West Michigan habitat.
Next to no carbon footprint.
What is natural or green burial?
The natural burial or green burial process simply involves burial directly into the earth.
The body can be buried in any organic material - like a wicker or wooden coffin, or wrapped in a cotton or linen shroud.
Natural burial is sometimes offered in a separate section of a landscaped conventional cemetery.
What makes conservation burial different?
Conservation burial is natural burial in a protected native ecosystem with the intent to cultivate a thriving natural area.
In our case, conservation burial will take place in a white oak-white pine Michigan forest, amongst the trees. We will work to remove invasive species, and allow the species that belong in the biological area to thrive.
Each person is buried in proximity to a tree as a marker and living memorial, with the option for an additional marker.
Who else is involved in a natural burial?
When a person passes away, a professional must issue a death certificate. After that, the family can choose whether to involve a funeral home to make preparations or care for and transport the body to the burial forest themselves.
The body will be buried soon after death, kept cool, or prepared with eco-approved embalming methods.
When the family is ready, all who are interested may participate in the burial process along with our burial steward.
What does 'in perpetuity' mean?
Once a property becomes a cemetery, it can no longer be developed.
Because our cemetery is a forest, it will remain forest, conserved and preserved, forever. Our goal is to have a conservation easement on the property to solidify the commitment. Read here about the cost of conservation burial.
An endowment is required to ensure that the (minimal) future costs to maintain the property can be paid for. This includes things like maintaining trails, and ensuring access to the property. More info about the endowment can be found here.
