Question 1

Is natural burial safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The natural decomposition process does what it has always done and
takes care of harmful (to humans) bacteria. Decomposition nourishes the soil
and the absence of any preservatives or non-biodegradable materials means a
healthier and safer ecosystem. You can read about the science of natural burial
(and much more information) at the Green Burial Council’s website.

Question 2

What kind of land are you looking for?

Accepted Answer

The ideal location would be zoned for agriculture. We also hope to find land with
water features (a river or stream) for potential watershed discipleship and
restoration. Much of the land in our region of Southern Michigan lies in the Grand
River Watershed. We plan to work with a land trust as we determine location so
that we know the land will have conservation value and also be suitable for a
conservation cemetery.

Question 3

Do you plan to operate all of the projects on the same piece of land?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. While the projects will be mutually beneficial (each will restore the
land and our relationship to it) and exist in the same area, any food that is grown
will be on separate acreage from the conservation cemetery. At each crucial step,
we will be sure to consult with health and conservation officials to ensure the
best decisions are made for the land and surrounding community.

Question 4

Why partner with a land trust?

Accepted Answer

In addition to their ability to hold a conservation easement on the property,
land trusts ensure adherence to best practices for conservation, and allow
conservation cemeteries to offer quality care to bereaved families. (From
conservationburialalliance.org)

Question 5

Why choose natural burial?

Accepted Answer

It’s simple, sustainable, intimate, affordable. For many, this ancient practice aligns with their spiritual and religious beliefs. Others appreciate the minimal environmental impact. It sequesters carbon, enriches the soil, and if you’re buried at a conservation cemetery, it preserves and restores the land for all. Natural burial opts for a living memorial surrounded by beauty in nature, forever.

Question 6

Will there be headstones?

Accepted Answer

Folks laid to rest in our conservation cemetery will be able to choose from simple field stones that blend in with the landscape, marked with a name and year, if they choose. There will not be headstones, but friends and family will always be able to visit and pay respects with a GPS pin, a metal marker, findable by a detector, and access to a QR code to find out more about the loved one or read their obituary.

Question 7

How deep would I be buried?

Accepted Answer

The typical burial depth for natural burial is 3 to 3.5 feet. Not 6 feet under. The combination of soil temperatures, moisture content, microbial activity, and presence of nematodes and other organic matter at that depth make it optimal for decomposition.

Question 8

What is a land commons?

Accepted Answer

A land commons is one of the oldest forms of a commons. We use commons today like wikipedia, parks, CSAs, or libraries. There is some form of shared risk for a shared benefit. Land, like anything we rely on for life, can be cared for and tended by many people for the benefit of many. With the land we acquire, we plan to have many activities that will incorporate some form of shared risk for a shared benefit, such as space to grow and share food, incubate farm enterprises, and delight in nature. The first space we will create, of course, is a conservation cemetery.

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