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Knowing of your support for and interest in the conservation burial grounds may be instrumental in obtaining permits and establishing the burial forest in West Michigan.

For details and logistics about the cemetery, scroll past the form.

Waitlist Form

Information About the Burial Forest

About The Forest

The Burial Forest property is 20 wooded acres in Brooks Township, Newaygo County, approximately 38 miles north of downtown Grand Rapids. It is surrounded by other wooded properties and lies within the boundaries of the Manistee National Forest, near the North Country Trail and Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary.

White pines more than a century old rise above mature white oaks—a forest that still echoes the white oak–white pine community recorded here in the early 1800s.

So far, I've documented over 200 plant species on the property, including approximately 185 native species. Much of the forest grows on dry, sandy soils left by glaciers, while a wetter corner supports Michigan lilies, irises, and marsh fern. These different habitats help make a small property remarkably rich in life. And after five years of exploring this land, I've come to understand that this is a forest worth conserving in its own right.

Our hope is to establish a conservation burial ground where simple burial helps support the lasting protection and care of this living community. The project is not yet approved, but that remains the vision: a place where returning to the earth also helps protect it.

Options

Burial Plots: We anticipate that purchasing rights to a plot in the burial forest will cost approximately $2,500.00 when paid in advance. This does not include opening and closing fees, which will be due at the time of service. Opening and closing fees will start at approximately $1,000.00 and will increase over time with inflation.

Cremation: Service fees for burial or scattering of cremated remains are yet to be determined. We will not offer cremation itself, only a place for cremated remains to be laid to rest.

Pet Burial: Service fees for pet burial are yet to be determined, but we do plan on offering this option as well.

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