What is Natural Burial?

A natural or “green” burial is a legacy we all share, as members of the human family. “Green burial” is a time-honored tradition in many cultures, including our own. Today, green burial is also rooted in the spirit of social and environmental change – and Heritage Acres is committed to being part of that change.

Before there were contemporary conventional cemeteries with graves organized in carefully measured rows and marked by gray cement headstones, there were natural burial grounds and practices that did not include chemical embalming, varnished caskets with velvet lining, or concrete vaults. A natural burial is a return to a tradition that provides a simple, less wasteful, non-toxic means of dedicating one’s physical form back to the earth to rejoin the soil with dignity and minimal environmental impact.

At Heritage Acres, we are dedicated to changing the way we view and think about death. Each of us will die – and we believe death can be an experience that helps to restore our bonds with the earth. When we embrace death in a way that is truly community-based, transformation can occur. Grieving families can experience healing, acceptance and solace. Green burial reminds us that inhabiting a body that is bound for decay is part of who we are as living, breathing, sentient beings.

Finally, green burial is affordable. The cost of a natural burial in a dedicated natural burial sanctuary is dramatically less than the average cost of conventional burial. See our price list here.

A natural burial at Heritage Acres includes:

• commitment to serving families and loved ones
• no embalming
• no concrete or metal vaults
• burial containers and shrouds that are biodegradable
• natural grave markers that are made of flat stone or wood
• graves that are four feet deep, so nutrients will benefit growth above
• minimal use of mechanized equipment
• invitation for families and loved ones to participate in grave opening and/or closing
• ceremonial practices determined by family members and loved ones