Spread Ashes in a Protected Forest
Choose a sustainable and affordable alternative to cemeteries.
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What is a Forest Spreading Garden?
Every Forest Spreading Garden Includes
Everything you need to spread ashes in the forest in an eco-conscious way
Support from our team to ensure all legal paperwork is filed
Ongoing rights to visit the forest for you and your loved ones
Better Place Forests vs. traditional cemeteries
TRADITIONAL CEMETERY
$13,750
BETTER PLACE FORESTS
$2,500
Over 6,000 families served across 9 forests
“
The day of the ash spreading ceremony will live inside me as a cherished memory. I have a sacred forest to return to, which represents one of mom’s greatest desires.
David L.
Point Arena Memorial Forest
California
“
What I like about Better Place Forests is that since the placing of my family’s ashes, I know of people who have gone to visit a living, vibrant forest.
Lea G.
Point Arena Memorial Forest
California
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There’s something very magical about picking out your tree and knowing that you’ll become a part of that ecosystem. In a way, you’ll live on in the future.
Susan K.
Litchfield Hills Memorial Forest
Connecticut
“
I had been looking for the right place for my husband’s ashes for 5 years when I learned about Better Place Forests.
Julie S.
Rock River Memorial Forest
Illinois
How it works
Plan Ahead
Our team works with you to ensure legal paperwork is filed and there’s a plan to spread ashes in the forest.
Come to the Forest
When your loved ones come to the forest, our Guide team will take you to the dedicated Forest Spreading Garden.
Integrate Ashes & Soil
Ashes are integrated with native forest soil and placed in a “nest” on the forest floor, joining the ecosystem.
Cycle of Life
Wildflower seeds are provided as a symbol of new life and a next chapter. Share memories and take in the forest.
Commonly asked questions
Where are the forests located?
We have 9 forest locations across the US:
Northeast: Connecticut and Massachusetts
Midwest: Minnesota and Illinois
Southwest: Flagstaff, Arizona
West Coast: San Bernardino Mountains, Santa Cruz Mountains, Mendocino Coast, and near Yosemite National Park
How much does it cost to spread ashes in a Forest Spreading Garden?
The all-inclusive cost to spread ashes in our protected Forest Spreading Garden is $2,500.
How are the Forests Protected?
Better Place Forests purchases properties that are active wildlife habitats and may face a threat of development.
Once we have purchased a property, we develop forest management plans and obtain local permits that provide for the preservation, protection, or enhancement of that conservation value. Then, we grant each customer an irrevocable license to access the forest, and we record those licenses with local governments.
Finally, we establish Stewardship Trusts to fund the perpetual maintenance of our forests, and we seek conservation easements to permanently protect the land from development. This is a years-long, multi-step approach for each of our forests.