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Dear Friend of Green Burial,
This summer, our board spent a significant amount of time reflecting and bonding, discussing our vision for a future conservation cemetery, and listing what needs to be done to 1) find land and 2) fund and open a conservation cemetery. We've talked to experts, reached out to friends, and kept an open line of communication with our land trust partner.
We don't have all the answers yet, or the right piece of land, but we've made a lot of progress. Thankfully, the natural burial community has been incredibly supportive of our mission and willing to answer our questions.
Opening a conservation cemetery doesn't happen overnight--clearly--but we know it can be done here in Massachusetts. It is going to take a lot of work, a decent amount of money, a ton of dedication, and a little bit of luck. We're thankful to have each other and grateful to our community of champions for natural burial.
Sincerely,
Jo Oltman
President and Board Member, Green Burial Massachusetts, Inc. |
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Visiting the Vermont Forest Cemetery
Last month, I had the opportunity to visit the Vermont Forest Cemetery in Roxbury, Vermont. This nearly 60-acre cemetery, which opened in 2023, is charmingly remote and offers a few different trails with beautiful resting places for the dead. As I walked through the forest cemetery, reading the names of those passed and the messages of love from friends and family who have continued to visit over the years, I was struck by the incredible gift all these people have given.
Not only have the deceased given their bodies back to the forest to nourish the earth, they have spread the message that protecting our environment is something they care deeply about. When people have loved ones who have chosen this as their final gift, they start thinking and talking about it with others. A ripple effect happens as more people realize natural burial is an option, and a few may choose it for themselves.
Ever since I learned it was possible, I've wanted to be buried in a forest. There's something about the sounds of rustling leaves, creaking branches, and chirping birds that gives me peace. I see why people have chosen the Vermont Forest Cemetery as their final resting place. It is stunningly beautiful and serene, and I'm grateful that they were so welcoming.
Learn more about the Vermont Forest Cemetery on their website.
https://www.cemetery.eco/
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| Vermont Forest Cemetery in Roxbury, Vermont |
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Fall is a great time to Prune
Yes, fall is a great time to prune. I was discussing a couple of upcoming transitions with Judith Lorei, Green Burial Massachusetts' former president, and she shared these words from Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister:
"Trees are cut down, pruned, in order to cut away the old growth so out of the same roots new life can spring. When we do that, we have the right to assure ourselves that 'cut down, it will grow again.' Succisa virescit is the Benedictine motto and myth. But only if we ourselves are willing to prune the old growth so that the new growth can be as strong, as vibrant, as clear as the past. That's the reality of the thing, not the myth."
GBM holds an annual meeting every October to elect new board members and the executive team. This year, two board members are stepping down: Joan Pillsbury (treasurer) and myself, Candace Currie (clerk). It has been a passion project and a pleasure for both of us to serve on the GBM board and spread the green burial message across Massachusetts.
We are so pleased to know that what began as our passion project almost twenty years ago continues to take root in the curious hearts and very capable minds of our continuing board members — Jo, Eileen, Coco, and Harper. Thank you. Succisa virescit. |
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Join the Green Burial Massachusetts Board
Would you like to be more involved in getting out the good word about green burial? Apply to join the GBM board. We'll be meeting soon to elect the new board and would love to have more members.
Email info@greenburialma.org to request an application. |
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Green Burial Massachusetts is an all-volunteer organization. Your donation allows us to pursue our mission of educating the public about green burial throughout Massachusetts through presentations, answering your calls and emails, and keeping the GBM website up-to-date.
Green Burial Massachusetts, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your gift to Green Burial Massachusetts, Inc. is tax-deductible in the United States to the extent allowable by law.
Do you have the gift of time? We're seeking volunteers to give presentations, and call cemeteries for our crowd-sourced database. We'd love to hear from you. |
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Fulfilling Our MissionAs part of our mission to educate the public about green burial, we visit libraries, senior centers, green fairs and other venues providing talks, workshops, and webinars, both in-person and virtually.
PresentationsOur presentations cover what green burial is, how it works, where it can be done, and more.
Upcoming Events/Presentations
- Harvest Your Energy Festival - October 17, 2026, 12 PM - 3 PM
Riverbend Park, Medford
- Amherst Neighbors - October 22,2026, 4 PM
Answering Your Calls & Emails
We've responded to several phone calls and emails since our last newsletter. Remember, planning ahead for your own burial is the best gift you can give to others who will fulfill your green burial wishes.
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Does your Local Cemetery Allow Green Burial?Green Burial Massachusetts cemetery database lists 68 cemeteries in 47 Massachusetts municipalities that allow green burial. Volunteers are key to adding new information to the list. Don't see your city or town on the list? Help us expand the number of listed cemeteries by reaching out to a cemetery commission or private cemetery board and collecting information. Even if the cemetery doesn't currently allow green burial, we hope to list what is offered by every town or municipality in Massachusetts. It helps us when answering phone calls from people making arrangements for a loved one who desires a green burial. We'd love your help!
Email info@GreenBurialMA.org for instructions or to let us know about a cemetery that allows green burial.
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