We’re proud to announce our first forest in Southern California — Better Place Forests Lake Arrowhead! This 51-acre forest features stunning mountain views, giant pines and oaks, and 30 species of colorful spring wildflowers. Located 15 minutes from picturesque Lake Arrowhead, and 90 minutes from Los Angeles, our newest forest is the perfect place to spend eternity among the San Bernardino mountains. You can travel to the forest from Orange County within 2 hours, and it’s 2.5 hours from San Diego.
Reserve your memorial tree in our Lake Arrowhead forest today.
Native wildlife in Better Place Forests Lake Arrowhead
How to become an early supporter
This is a rare piece of forestland in Southern California that we are committed to protecting. Bordered by the San Bernardino National Forest, you can see views of mountains from every angle, and on a clear day, you may even see the Pacific Ocean. The forest boasts a wide diversity of tree species including white fir, incense cedar, black and interior live oak, and sugar and ponderosa pine — as well as 30 different wildflower species that bloom in early spring.
Better Place Forests Lake Arrowhead plans to open for online forest tours this fall, but starting today you can put down a $95 fully-refundable deposit to reserve your memorial tree. As an early supporter of our Lake Arrowhead forest, you will get advance access to in-person tours in the fall of 2021. You will also save 20% on your chosen tree, enjoy the first pick of trees, be invited to exclusive events, and have your name commemorated in the forest. The first memorial ceremonies are expected to be held in 2022.
Protecting local flora and fauna
This forest lies within a county-designated wildlife corridor on the northern side of the San Bernardino mountains. It’s home to a diverse array of local wildlife, like the San Bernardino flying squirrel and California spotted owl. We’ve worked with local stakeholders and the community to create a forest management plan that will help protect the native flora and fauna that call this forest home.
This is our 10th forest in the United States and first in Southern California. We’re honored to protect this beautiful forestland and offer people a natural burial in Southern California.
Reserve your memorial tree in our Lake Arrowhead forest today
What community members are saying
We’re thankful to have received support from local organizations, community members, and land trusts.
Save Our Forest Association comments: “Given the impacts of climate change, the proximity to the millions of residents in Southern California, and the fact that the San Bernardino National Forest is the most visited in the United States, we believe that it is more important than ever to collaborate with willing private landowners to preserve our natural resources. As a result of our conversations over the last several months with the team at Better Place Forests, we are confident that their organization has developed an effective model for forest conservation.”
Tree People Land Trust says: “As committed land stewards in Southern California for over 35 years, we believe it’s more important than ever to work with willing private landowners to preserve land and ensure our lands are protected for future generations. To that end, it is critical for land trusts throughout the region to support new and innovative ways to preserve land. Through our conversations over the past several months with the team at Better Place Forests, we see their organization as an innovative approach to conserving forests.”
Community member, Steve S. comments: “I am happy Better Place Forests is joining our community. There is so much ecological and historical value to this beautiful forest. The older growth conifer trees on the property deserve everlasting honor, just as those who will be memorialized into eternity here.”
We’re thrilled to be a part of the Twin Peaks community. In the coming months, we’ll be hiring forest stewards, arborists, and memorial ceremony team members locally. Our local forest staff is integral to our operations and the health of our forests — and we look forward to welcoming new faces to our growing team.
Wildflowers bloom on the forest floor of Better Place Forests Lake Arrowhead
How does Better Place Forests compare to other end-of-life options?
Better Place Forests Lake Arrowhead is an affordable green burial alternative near Los Angeles. In a survey of over 300 Baby Boomers in Southern California, nearly half of respondents (49%) said that rising costs are their main concern around end-of-life planning. The average burial, plot, and headstone costs around $15,000 per person. Better Place Forests customers can have their own tree in a private and protected forest — at less than half the cost of traditional burial.
Pricing for a memorial tree in Better Place Forests Lake Arrowhead starts at $4,900. This is based on several factors, including: location, setting, tree type and size, and the number of ash spreading rights.
Sign up today to become an early supporter of Better Place Forests Lake Arrowhead. You’ll be the first to know about exclusive offers and forest updates.
