Winter 2022 Burial Forest Update
A brilliant (and warm!!) autumn has officially come and gone here in Michigan. We had GORGEOUS warm and sunny weather well into November! Colors changed, leaves fell, then so did snow. All the while, our work towards opening the burial forest continues into this winter season. A few updates:
Site, Zoning, & Land Approvals
As you know, we have a 20-acre forest in Brooks Township (Newaygo, MI) where we hope to establish the green burial forest. Talks with the Brooks Township Planning Commission, which began in February 2022, are still underway. In July, the township decided that they are willing to move forward with our proposal after we provide: a written agreement with a land conservancy for perpetual care of the property, and a site plan for the cemetery.
We had planned to begin pursuing an agreement with a nature conservancy after becoming an operational cemetery, since the process is typically lengthy. But, as soon as we received that requirement from the township, we began to pursue an easement with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. We later became aware of an alternative that is moving forward more quickly. We have now been working with the conservation division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). They are excited about what we are doing with the burial forest, and we are starting to draft the easement together!
We are also working to finish the site plan. This has required having the property surveyed, which has been a lengthy process.
In addition to permission from the township, we are working on approval from the County Health Department. We anticipate having the map we need for completion of that approval in the next couple weeks.
FALL PRESENTATIONS
In September, we gave two presentations about green burial in general and our burial forest plans in Grand Rapids, MI. The first was for the biology seminar at Calvin University, which included a good turnout of folks from the Calvin Institute of Lifelong Learning (CALL). We also gave a presentation hosted by the Creation Care Team at Sherman Street Church.
If your organization, church, or spiritual community is interested in learning more about green burial, drop us a line. We’d love to connect and share with your community in person or on Zoom.
NON-PROFIT FORMATION
MI Burial was established as an LLC. We have decided that a non-profit model makes sense and has some significant benefits, so we are working on forming a non-profit. Currently, we are deciding on a new name for this entity and putting together our board. If you’re interested in being involved, let us know.
GroWING WAITLIST
The waitlist for plots continues to consistently grow. We are not yet able to sell burial rights in the forest, but the number of those that are committed to purchasing their burial right once we are operational is encouraging. If you’d like more information or to join yourself, click the button below.
HOLIDAY GIFTS
We have a whole shop full of unique gifts, including a beautiful fine art botanical prints made by yours truly (Annica)! Every dollar of support means the world to us!
This design represents some of our favorite things in the burial forest: white pines, hepatica, chickadees, oaks, ferns, mushrooms, and the moon.
This camping mug is lightweight, durable and multifunctional. Use it for your favorite beverage or a hot meal, and attach it to your bag for easy access on a hike. Made of enamel. Dimensions: height 3.14″ (8 cm), diameter 3.25″(8.25 cm). Handwash only.
This is a print-it-your self digital poster file. Physical poster and frame not included.
Upon purchasing, a link to a PDF download will be sent to your email address. THe link will last 24 hours after the first download.
The PDF contains three pages, each formatted to print in a different poster size (24” x 36,” 18” x 24,” and 11” x 17”).
The poster is for your personal use only. It may not be sold, re-sold, altered, or distributed without explicit permission.
MI Burial is not responsible for outside lab dissatisfaction.
3”x2” Vinyl Sticker
Perfect for your laptop, water bottle, notebook, etc. Sticker design & original watercolor painting by Annica Quakenbush, co-owner of MI Burial. Sticker has a durable matte finish; is water, oil, and scratch-resistant; and has a split back for easy peeling and application.
Peter and Annica need financial support for permit applications, administrative costs, website fees, property taxes and improvements on the forest property we hope will become the burial forest, to hire professionals services, to build our endowment fund (for perpetual care once we establish a cemetery), and to make this effort sustainable for our family by covering necessary life expenses.
We are deeply grateful for your contributions.
MI Burial’s custom designed chestnut and navy t-shirt is 52% cotton, 48% polyester, and is seriously comfy.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
MI Burial’s custom designed olive t-shirt is 52% cotton, 48% polyester, and is seriously comfy.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
MI Burial’s custom designed sweatshirts are 100% organic cotton on the outside, 100% organic cotton and 20% recycled polyester on the inside, and are seriously comfy. They are cozy, but lightweight - perfect for chilly summer nights or warm winter days.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
Our hoodies are so soft, made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The hood is double-lined with matching drawcord, and front pocket. They are medium weight, and super cozy.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
MI Burial’s custom designed t-shirt is 52% cotton, 48% polyester, and is seriously comfy.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
MI Burial’s custom designed sweatshirts are 100% organic cotton on the outside, 100% organic cotton and 20% recycled polyester on the inside, and are seriously comfy. They are cozy, but lightweight - perfect for chilly summer nights or warm winter days.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
MI Burial’s classic custom designed t-shirts are 100% cotton and are seriously comfy.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
MI Burial’s custom designed sweatshirts are 100% organic cotton on the outside, 80% organic cotton and 20% recycled polyester on the inside, and are seriously comfy. They are cozy, but lightweight - perfect for chilly summer nights, autumn, and indoor winter days.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
Our hoodies are so soft, made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The hood is double-lined with matching drawcord, and front pocket. They are medium weight, and super cozy.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
MI Burial’s custom designed t-shirts are 100% cotton and are seriously comfy.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
MI Burial’s custom designed sweatshirts are 100% organic cotton on the outside, 100% organic cotton and 20% recycled polyester on the inside, and are seriously comfy. They are cozy, but lightweight - perfect for chilly summer nights or warm winter days.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
We are obsessed with how soft and light these shirts are. They have just the right amount of stretch for a comfortable and flattering fit for all. Made of 100% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
MI Burial’s custom designed tan t-shirt is 52% cotton, 48% polyester, and is seriously comfy.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
MI Burial’s custom designed t-shirts are 100% cotton and are seriously comfy.
Please reference the size chart shown below.
Our green burial shirts are great conversation starters!
This fine art botanical portrait of a flowering dogwood was made at the burial forest property in 2022 by photographer Annica Quakenbush. The image is printed for you in Grand Rapids, Michigan and includes:
thick, textured cotton rag paper
vivid color and rich, deep blacks
hand-torn deckled edges
white border around image (1/2” border for 5”x7” print, 1” border for 8”x10” print)
museum-grade archival longevity
rated at 100+ years
signed by the artist
Optional ready-to-hang custom framed print includes an 8”x10” print float mounted on a white mat in a 16”x18” black wooden shadow box frame.
This fine art botanical portrait of a common blue violet was made at the burial forest property in 2022 by photographer Annica Quakenbush. The image is printed for you in Grand Rapids, Michigan and includes:
thick, textured cotton rag paper
vivid color and rich, deep blacks
hand-torn deckled edges
white border around image (1/2” border for 5”x7” print, 1” border for 8”x10” print)
museum-grade archival longevity
rated at 100+ years
signed by the artist
Optional ready-to-hang custom framed print includes an 8”x10” print float mounted on a white mat in a 16”x18” black wooden shadow box frame.
This fine art botanical portrait of a wild strawberry was made at the burial forest property in 2022 by photographer Annica Quakenbush. The image is printed for you in Grand Rapids, Michigan and includes:
thick, textured cotton rag paper
vivid color and rich, deep blacks
hand-torn deckled edges
white border around image (1/2” border for 5”x7” print, 1” border for 8”x10” print)
museum-grade archival longevity
rated at 100+ years
signed by the artist
Optional ready-to-hang custom framed print includes an 8”x10” print float mounted on a white mat in a 16”x18” black wooden shadow box frame.
This fine art botanical portrait of a star-flower was made at the burial forest property in 2022 by photographer Annica Quakenbush. The image is printed for you in Grand Rapids, Michigan and includes:
thick, textured cotton rag paper
vivid color and rich, deep blacks
hand-torn deckled edges
white border around image (1/2” border for 5”x7” print, 1” border for 8”x10” print)
museum-grade archival longevity
rated at 100+ years
signed by the artist
Optional ready-to-hang custom framed print includes an 8”x10” print float mounted on a white mat in a 16”x18” black wooden shadow box frame.
This fine art botanical portrait of a may-apple was made at the burial forest property in 2022 by photographer Annica Quakenbush. The image is printed for you in Grand Rapids, Michigan and includes:
thick, textured cotton rag paper
vivid color and rich, deep blacks
hand-torn deckled edges
white border around image (1/2” border for 5”x7” print, 1” border for 8”x10” print)
museum-grade archival longevity
rated at 100+ years
signed by the artist
Optional ready-to-hang custom framed print includes an 8”x10” print float mounted on a white mat in a 16”x18” black wooden shadow box frame.
This fine art botanical portrait of a hepatica was made at the burial forest property in 2022 by photographer Annica Quakenbush. The image is printed for you in Grand Rapids, Michigan and includes:
thick, textured cotton rag paper
vivid color and rich, deep blacks
hand-torn deckled edges
white border around image (1/2” border for 5”x7” print, 1” border for 8”x10” print)
museum-grade archival longevity
rated at 100+ years
signed by the artist
Optional ready-to-hang custom framed print includes an 8”x10” print float mounted on a white mat in a 16”x18” black wooden shadow box frame.
This backpack has plenty of room with a big inner pocket, separate section for a 15'' laptop, front pocket, and a hidden pocket at the back for valuables. The bag is made out of a water-resistant material with a soft mesh back and padded ergonomic straps.
Capacity - 4 gallons
Dimensions - H 16⅞" (42cm), W 12¼" (31cm), D 3⅞" (10cm)
Designed by Annica Quakenbush, locally printed on high-quality art paper.
Each stationary greeting card is folded, with a blank interior, and a finished size of 4”x6.”
Included are 5 cards and 5 kraft-colored mailing envelopes.