At Better Place Forests, our Forest Guides play a vital role in helping families find peace, healing, and connection in nature. They are the heart of our Memorial Forests, guiding visitors through the process of choosing a Memorial Tree, hosting Forest Memorials, and ensuring that every guest feels supported during their time in the forest. But what is it like to be a Forest Guide? We sat down with three of our Guides—Tori, Ashley, and Natalie—to learn more about their work, favorite memories, and advice they have for visitors. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day.
A Typical Day as a Forest Guide
Every day in the Memorial Forest is unique, but there’s a rhythm to the work that our Guides have come to love. From setting up the welcome area to guiding visitors through the forest, each day is filled with meaningful interactions and moments of connection.
Tori, a Forest Guide at Better Place Forests St. Croix Valley, describes her typical day:
“Every day is a little different. When I get to the forest in the morning, I first make sure that it’s a welcoming environment for visitors. I typically get my first visit at 10 am and each visit lasts around 90 minutes. Between visits I check on the health of the forest, making sure that everything is accessible, whether that means the trails are cleared or the restrooms are clean. Generally, I have between three to five visitors a day.”
Ashley, a Forest Guide at Better Place Forests Yosemite Gateway, adds:
“We start the day by going into the forest, setting up the welcome tent, and getting everything ready for visitors. When somebody arrives, they check in at the tent, and they’ll see the incredible view from the back of the tent. It overlooks a beautiful meadow and all the Ponderosa Pines out there, which is just the first wave of beauty. From there, we walk through the forest, helping them find a Memorial Tree that speaks to them. While we’re exploring, I’ll provide information about the Yosemite Gateway Memorial Forest and answer any questions. I’ll also point out the Memorial Table, which is where we start all of our Forest Memorial ceremonies. At the end of our tour, guests are free to explore on their own for as long as they’d like.”
Natalie, Better Place Forests Director of Forest Operations explains a Forest Memorial:
“Forest Memorials are always very special. The day of the ceremony we start by preparing the chosen Memorial Tree to return ashes to earth. First we collect some native soil from the base of the Memorial Tree that will be mixed with the departed’s ashes to neutralize the pH of the ashes. Next we create a nest at the base of the Memorial Tree where the ashes will be returned to the earth using natural materials from the forest floor.”
“When the family arrives, I introduce myself and walk them through the process of the Forest Memorial and gently explain how the day will go. We allow the family to be as hands-on or off as they’d like. We start the ceremony by placing the departed’s ashes at the Memorial Table, where we mix the ashes with native soil from the base of the departed’s Memorial Tree. From there, we proceed as a group to the chosen Memorial Tree to host the Forest Memorial ceremony. It’s such a special ceremony, no two events are alike because guests can personalize the ceremony and make it their own to reflect the life and values of their loved one.”
Special Memories in the Forest
The Memorial Forest is a place of healing, and our Forest Guides often witness deeply touching moments that stay with them forever. These memories remind them why their work is so important.
Tori shares a particularly moving story:
“We had a Forest Memorial for a young adult in their early twenties and it was a sudden, unexpected loss. The family asked if we could do the Forest Memorial at sunset so it could be this moment when the forest was orange. We set up little lanterns along the trail, and as we were heading up, the sun had already started to set. You could see the procession of young friends holding out their phones illuminating and creating a path. It was a beautiful moment to honor their beloved friend.”
Natalie remembers a unique visit with a guest and their parrot:
“Someone brought their parrot with them. They had their parrot on leash and on their shoulder the whole time throughout the visit. The parrot engaged with other birds in the space, and it was just a really unique and fun experience to have a pet there other than a dog.”
Ashley recalls a heartwarming moment with a family:
“We had a Forest Memorial for a young son who had passed away. The whole family participated, and the kids all had their own speeches to say at the dedicated Memorial Tree. Hearing the kids talk about their little brother in such a beautiful forest setting was incredibly moving. I think everybody just felt so open and willing to release any emotion they had into the forest. And at the same time, there were these beautiful silences throughout where you’d hear the wind blow through the trees. It was such a moving experience for everyone.”
Advice for Guests
Our Forest Guides have a wealth of wisdom to share with visitors. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, hosting a Forest Memorial or returning for ongoing remembrance, Guides’ advice can help you make the most of your time in the Memorial Forest.
Tori offers this insight:
“You’re going to leave the Memorial Forest feeling better than when you came. Whether you come to see your Memorial Tree or come for a Forest Memorial, when you leave, you will feel better. It doesn’t take away all of the grief, but it brings a little peace and uplifts the spirit to be surrounded by the beauty and life in the forest.”
Ashley encourages visitors to embrace the silence of the Memorial Forest:
“Go in with an open mind and an open heart, and try to let the Memorial Forest do some of the talking. Find moments of silence while you’re there, just listen and feel the forest—it’s moving. I also recommend attending Better Place Forests’ community events that we host in each Memorial Forest. It’s such a cool way to connect with nature, other Memorial Tree owners, and your Forest Guides.”
Natalie reminds guests to come prepared for the elements:
“The weather is constantly changing in our nine Memorial Forests located coast to coast. Being prepared for an outdoor environment and allowing enough time to be present in the forest is key.”
The Impact of Being a Forest Guide
Being a Forest Guide isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. For many of our Guides, the role has profoundly impacted their perspective on life, loss, and the healing power of nature.
Tori reflects on how the job has changed her:
“As humans, we want to believe that we’re invincible. We don’t think about the end of life or that death it’s going to happen. So for me, seeing more people willing to talk about death and understanding that it’s part of the natural cycle of life has been incredibly powerful. It’s opened up the conversation in my own life, and I feel honored to be part of this work.”
Natalie shares how her perspective has shifted:
“Before working at Better Place Forests, death was a taboo. Now, I am open to topics of death and dying. Seeing first-hand how life goes on in the forest has given me a fresh perspective that helps me support others as they cope with their losses in a beautiful, natural way.”
A Final Thought
Our Forest Guides are more than just Guides—they’re caretakers of both the Memorial Forest including the forest ecosystem of Memorial Trees, plants and wildlife…and the families who visit. As Tori puts it, “The healing power of nature is real. When people leave the Memorial Forest, you can see it in their faces. They feel it.”
Whether you’re visiting to find a Memorial Tree or honor a loved one, our Forest Guides are here to support you every step of the way. We hope this glimpse into their world inspires you to visit a Memorial Forest near you and connect with nature.
Thank you to Tori, Ashley, and Natalie for sharing their stories and experiences. If you’d like to learn more about visiting a Better Place Forests Memorial Forest location, reach out to us today. We welcome you to come explore it for yourself and find your perfect Memorial Tree.
