Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Burials
A natural burial (or green burial) is an environmentally-friendly burial option which allows a body to decompose naturally without embalming chemicals, concrete vaults or metal caskets. The deceased is wrapped in a shroud or placed in a biodegradable coffin and buried directly in the earth.
A natural burial allows us to choose to care for the earth, not only in how we live, but also in how we die. The simple beauty of laying a loved one to rest immersed in nature is a poignant reminder that all life is nourished by what has come before. The burials are deeply personal and inclusive of families and friends.
Loretto Woods is one of about two dozen conservation burial cemeteries in the US. A conservation cemetery differs from other natural burial sites because the land is permanently protected by a conservation easement and managed under strict guidelines to promote a healthy ecosystem.
The layout and capacity for the 13 acre cemetery includes approximately 1500 graves organized in 30’ diameter pods with seven graves per pod. That design offers ample space to ensure we respect the integrity of the woods and don’t damage tree roots.
Other considerations for the long-term plan include setting aside 20% of the burial fees for the perpetual care fund which is used now and in the future to maintain the cemetery as well as ensuring the long term viability of the cemetery within the context of long term planning for the rest of the Loretto Motherhouse property.
Drawn by Thomas J Nieman, landscape architect
Embalming became a frequent practice during the Civil War and has been practiced ever since but no state requires embalming by law.
Regulations can vary, though, according to specific circumstances. For example, some funeral homes may have their own policies requiring embalming for public viewing and a handful of states require embalming when transporting a body across state lines.
No. A body can be preserved for several weeks through refrigeration.
A natural cemetery is different from a conventional cemetery where specific plots are purchased. Instead, you are purchasing the right to be buried here. Decisions about plot location are made at the time of burial in order to prioritize what is best for the woods.
Location considerations include the expected number of guests, the season and recent rainfall, as well as the growth of flora and fauna that might be disturbed. We do, however, honor requests to be buried beside a loved as long as doing so is in accordance with best practices for managing the woods.
The cost of a full body burial is $4,000 and the cost of a cremains burial is $2,000. A payment plan can be arranged for those who would find that to be helpful.
A casket made of natural, renewable resources like bamboo, willow or wood can be used, or the body can be simply wrapped in a biodegradable shroud and buried directly in the ground.
Yes. Grave markers consisting of engraved flat fieldstones are permitted. Fieldstone markers allow a gravesite to be identified while still preserving the natural character of the landscape.
All burial sites are permanently marked with aluminum survey pins and the GPS coordinates are recorded.
Yes. We follow Green Burial Council (GBC) guidelines and the GBC allows cremated remains to be buried in natural burial cemeteries.
Absolutely. Organ donation is compatible with natural burials and can be arranged through the funeral home.
The grave is 3 or 3 ½ feet deep which places the body at the optimum depth for decomposition, while still being deep enough to prevent any disturbance from animals.
Yes. Many find it consoling to spend time in the natural environment where their loved one is buried so visiting is encouraged anytime during daylight hours. You are free to come and go with no need to check in with anyone.
Burials take place regardless of the weather unless there is a dangerous storm. Winters in Kentucky don’t freeze the ground deeply enough to prevent digging a grave so burials take place as normal even in winter.
Loved ones are encouraged to participate. Some may pull the cart which transports the body through the woods to the gravesite. Others may want to help lower the body. Everyone is invited to place flowers and greens as well as to add a shovel of dirt to the grave. If some would like to shovel enough dirt to fill the grave, that is welcome as well. Our goal is to accommodate whatever level of participation that family and friends desire.
