Natural burial, also called green burial, is the way our ancestors buried their dead—simply and with dignity. It is legal in all 50 states.

According to the Green Burial Council, green or natural burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that furthers many ecological aims, including conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat.

There are three standards that define a natural burial: there can be no embalming, no vaults, and all burial containers or shrouds must be biodegradable. Your body will release nutrients that benefit the soil and combat climate change, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Conservation burial is natural burial that goes a step further to conserve land. This approach to honoring the dead helps ensure that burials promote ecological restoration and do not harm the surrounding ecosystems. Conservation burial requires that an established, independent conservation organization, most often a land trust, serve as a steward of the land and be willing to hold a conservation easement. This legally enforceable instrument, which runs with ownership of the property, guarantees the standards for conservation burial will be upheld in perpetuity and prevent any activity that would adversely affect the land.

Conservation Burial is more than just having an easement, though. It involves active engagement with the land. By protecting rare and fragile ecosystems and restoring areas that have been harmed, every burial physically and monetarily helps heal the land. Conservation burial grounds are sanctuaries where native animals and plants can flourish and visitors can enjoy time in a peaceful environment.

We welcome all walks of life—people of all faiths and spiritual traditions along with those who are non-religious.

We plan to open to the public and offer the first natural burials by 2025. Stay tuned for the latest on our progress!

Currently, the cost range runs from $4,500 to $8,000, depending on which services you select, such as a shroud, willow casket, hosted ritual or ceremony, and other available services to be determined.

No. Because of the density and nonbiodegradable content of cremated remains, Trillium does not allow scattering. Cremated remains consist of calcium phosphate and sodium and are heavy, apt to smother foliage on the surface. Placing cremated remains underground creates nutrient-deficient conditions that have no environmental benefits.

Natural Organic Reduction (commonly known as human compost) from NOR facilities can be deposited as compost in designated areas of Trillium Natural Burial.

Any biodegradable burial product is appropriate for natural burials. Some people use unfinished wood caskets, wicker or woven caskets, and some use a natural cloth shroud. A shroud is just a piece of fabric that is used to wrap a body. People often use family quilts, heirloom blankets, or cotton sheets. The shroud must be made of a natural and biodegradable material like cotton, linen, or wool. If you are planning on building a casket or purchasing one, please contact Trillium to ensure the materials and dimensions are appropriate.

No, animals do not disturb or attempt to dig up sites. Graves are dug to a sufficient depth (3.5 to 4 ft) to prevent this. Natural burial has occurred throughout civilization. Only at the turn of the twentieth century did society begin using embalming and later metal caskets and concrete vaults for burial purposes. Cemeteries throughout history have been vastly populated by wild animals and the graves were not threatened by wildlife.

Depending on soil type, oxygen availability, and moisture present, it takes on average 6 weeks to lose the majority of soft tissue through moisture absorption by the soil, and up to 2 years for complete decomposition. It may take up to twenty years for bones to absorb in moist soils. (Green Burial Council)

No. With burials at 3.5 feet deep, there is no danger of contaminating potable water that is found about 75 feet below the surface. Mandatory setbacks from known water sources also ensure that surface water is not at risk. (See The Science Behind Green Burial).

Soil is the best natural filter there is, binding organic compounds and making them unable to travel. Microorganisms in the soil break down any chemical compounds that remain in the body.

Two excellent resources to check out are the Green Burial Council and the Conservation Burial Alliance.

In addition to the above mentioned organizations, we also gleaned information from the following: Larkspur Conservation, Panorama Natural Burial, and Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery for this FAQ.