Here are just a few facts about the process of natural or green burial.

the grave site

A natural burial site uses a shallow grave, about 3-4 feet deep. This facilitates decomposition of the remains and is deep enough to protect the remains from animals. The site is marked with a ground level native stone that may be engraved.  A short time after burial, the site is restored with native plants. Each grave site is recorded by its unique GPS coordinates.

The preparation

Take time to develop your own plans for how you would like your death to be handled. Planning ahead will be a gift to those who need to make decisions on your behalf and helps ensure that your plans are carried out. Make sure that you have All Souls Natural Burial Ground listed in your directives as the place the body will be interred after death.

the burial

Your loved ones can use a local funeral home to pick up, clean, and prepare the body for burial without embalming. They will deliver the body to the burial site in a biodegradable container. Alternatively, friends and family may choose to organize a care team to carry out the wishes in the home with or without funeral home services. Education is available for those wishing to learn more. Burial ceremonies at the grave site are common, as is assisting in the closing of the grave.