Concerned about the environmental impact of traditional burials, Loretto set aside 6 acres of woods and meadow in 2018 as a natural burial site for Loretto Community members. This article, published by America Magazine, provides an excellent overview of how natural burials differ from conventional burial practices, and what a natural burial has to offer.

In 2020, the decision was made to open the Nature Preserve Cemetery to friends of Loretto who have some connection to the Community or to the Motherhouse land.  Those friends could include retreatants, Motherhouse employees, family of Loretto Community members or anyone else who has some connection to the Community and wishes to be buried in the Nature Preserve Cemetery. 

The links below provide the information necessary to understand natural burials and purchase a burial plot in the Motherhouse Nature Preserve Cemetery.  Plots are available, pending approval, for either full body burial or for cremated remains.

• Introduction to natural burials
• Condensed Nature Preserve Cemetery Rules
• Complete Nature Preserve Cemetery Rules and Regulations
• Nature Preserve Cemetery Fees

If you are interested in purchasing a burial plot, the steps are as follows:

1. Read the information provided above.
2. Select and complete the appropriate Nature Preserve Cemetery Request and Agreement Form below.
   Once your form has been received and approved, you will be sent a letter with details regarding payment.
3. Send payment.

Helpful resources:

• Mattingly Funeral Home in Loretto, Kentucky offers natural burials for the area including Louisville and Lexington.  
• Green Burial Council
• Foxfield Preserve
• “A Will for the Woods” Documentary

Questions? Contact Susan Classen through the form below.