Lifelong Nature Lovers

Dana and Laura knew they wanted a natural final resting place. They have celebrated key life milestones in nature: their wedding was outdoors and vacations were trips to National Parks. When they began planning, they searched for natural and green burials options in Illinois, but struggled to find a fit. 

When they first toured Better Place Forests Rock River, it was “exactly what we always imagined” shared Dana.

“It was exactly what we always imagined.” – Dana, Rock River Memorial Forest, Illinois

Surprisingly Fun: Finding their Memorial Tree

Choosing a Memorial Tree turned out to be an enjoyable experience for Dana and Laura.

They loved walking the forest with the Rock River Forest Guides, exploring the different sections of the forest, and finding the Memorial Tree that felt like the perfect fit.

After talking it over at dinner, they agreed on their forever place in the forest. “I know people may think that’s strange, but it was actually fun.”

“I know people may think that’s strange, but it was actually fun.”- Dana, Rock River Memorial Forest, Illinois

A Place that Feels Like Home

Both Dana and Laura get so much comfort knowing they have their place. “Just knowing that whoever goes first, that the survivor will be able to go visit them in a place that speaks to us and will just draw so many memories.

When we started looking for a natural resting place, we wanted a place that looks and feels like home. It’s important to both of us that we are feeding the earth, feeding the trees, feeding the forest.

We derive so much rejuvenation from the outdoors that we wanted to give everything back.  In all ways, this was something that was a very easy decision to make. This was the right choice for our family.”

“When we started looking for a natural resting place, we wanted a place that looks and feels like home. It’s important to both of us that we are feeding the earth, feeding the trees, feeding the forest.”- Dana, Rock River Memorial Forest, Illinois