our goal, mission, & progress
for The burial forest
our goal
Our goal is to be a certified Conservation Burial Ground. This involves guaranteeing the perpetual conservation of the land via an easement or similarly binding and irrevocable agreement with a local land conservancy organization.
There is still so much in the world worth fighting for….it is not too late to turn things around, if we all do our part.
- Dr. Jane Goodall
our mission
green Burial
To establish Michigan’s first conservation burial grounds, which is essentially a nature preserve supported by green burials. It will provide a simple environmentally positive interment option in West Michigan for those wishing for a beautiful legacy and a sustainable resting place.
Nature Preserve
To provide a peaceful, thriving nature preserve full of native plants and wildlife for public enjoyment and leisure.
Walkable trails through the property will be open from dawn to dusk for public enjoyment. Over time, the goal is to eradicate invasive species and promote the flourishing of native species appropriate to the local ecosystem.
Resources and Advocacy
To provide educational opportunities, offer resources to the community, and engage in advocacy work around green burial, conservation, and sustainability.
We aim to strengthen our community by advocating for a healthier collective approach to the death and grief processes all people face.
our progress
We are regularly offering informational talks on green burial to various organizations and groups.
We have a quickly growing waitlist of folks ready to purchase burial rights (plots) as soon as we are operational.
In 2022, MI Burial purchased 20 acres of oak-pine forest near Newaygo, MI. The property is fully wooded, about 50 minutes north of downtown Grand Rapids.
Partnerships and community connections continue with local conservation-focused organizations and individuals.
According to the health department, the property is suitable for use as a cemetery.
In early 2022, we presented to the township our intention for the property. The township told us that prior to considering a proposal, we were required to have a written agreement with a land conservancy. This often takes many months, as it did for us.
We have found a land conservancy that is willing to hold a conservation easement on the property.
However, unfortunately, during the summer of 2023, the township created a new ordinance banning all cemeteries in the township. Read more about the ordinance here.
On January 11, 2024, on our behalf, the Institute for Justice (IJ) filed a lawsuit against Brooks Township challenging their unconstitutional cemetery ban. We are fighting for our right to use private property and create a livelihood for our family in a way that does not harm the public. Watch this amazing video made by IJ to learn more.
next steps
We have had a major setback, but we are determined to open a conservation burial grounds in West Michigan and are so grateful for the Institute for Justice and their support.
Likewise, your enthusiasm and support for the work we are doing has continued motivating us through the hurdles we have faced. We know without a doubt that you all want to see a green burial forest in this area, and we couldn’t be more grateful for that assurance.
We will continue this important work, because we believe in it and we know you are counting us.
