Johnathan S. wrote:
Death is a part of life. Yet when it actually happens to someone close, it can still throw you for a loop.
When our father died, my sister and I found ourselves facing a mountain of chores and obligations. Dad’s life had been reduced to a stack of paperwork and a home to clean out. We had our own emotions to deal with, but it all felt like a full-time job instead.
Our father’s Natural Organic Reduction investment at the Herland Forest Natural Burial Cemetery empowered us to reconnect with the spiritual and emotional aspect of his passage. From the moment we got in touch with Walt, we felt respected and taken care of. Being with our father on his journey back to the earth in a peaceful, natural environment shifted our focus away from the work and on to healing and growth. It made him and the grieving process human again.
Ambria B. wrote:
I want to thank Walt for his kindness and compassion as we laid my brother to rest last month. I felt comforted by his calm presence and his vast knowledge of the land. I am also finding comfort in “nature’s timeline”. I continue to remind myself that acceptance and grief can’t be rushed. I hadn’t heard of natural burial until after my brother passed but it is the perfect fit for him. As a person who was happiest in nature, I am confident that Torrey is where he would be the most happy and that brings me peace. Thank you again to Walt, Kiri and others at Herland who have dedicated themselves to offering this burial option.
Nyal B. wrote:
Though it is not an easy thing to bury a loved one, you made it a very calm and peaceful experience for us. I am telling everyone who will listen about Herland Forest and the option that I didn’t even know existed. Thank you for being a steward for saving our forests and giving us burial choices. It was a beautiful afternoon for our family!
Heather & George C. wrote:
Thank you, Walt, for sharing your time, wisdom and services with our family. It was a blessing to find Herland Forest.
Art and Ellen W. wrote:
Thank you so much for introducing Ellen and me to Herland Forest the other day. We were really moved by the peace and security we felt there, and have decided that we will return as soon as we can to choose our spot. The forest is such a beautiful setting, and every aspect of the process has been so well thought out and tested. That fosters a great feeling of confidence and comfort. The naturalness and serenity of the existing grave sites made us feel remarkably at ease. After years of searching, we both see that we have found our final resting place, and an organization that will insure that our mortal bodies return to the earth safely and respectfully. Thank you so much.
Kima G. wrote:
Finding Herland Forest Cemetery was such a blessing! Not only is it a non-profit, but a portion of the burial cost goes to buying more of the adjacent forest, thus preserving more of the forest and the land from being developed or logged. Walt was such a comforting presence while dealing with a difficult situation, and he communicated so well, about the process and questions I might have. I am so grateful for Walt starting this cemetery, and to his crew for taking such good care of my dad. It’s such a peaceful place and a beautiful, natural forest, and I have no doubt that my dad would approve. I would have no hesitation to recommend this cemetery to anyone who cares about the environment and preserving forests! Walt, thank you so much! With deep gratitude…
Debra M. wrote,
I have such peace knowing my resting place is so beautiful and so well cared for.
Melanie C. wrotes,
We just wanted to thank you again for what you’ve done for us, and for the work you do, and the wonderful things you’re doing for our earth. Your work is powerful and it is a true masterpiece. Thank you. We will see you again soon, and I’ll bug you in a few days for the information for the stones! But for now…I hope you have a merry Christmas. You gave us all a beautiful and perfect gift today, which was to lay him to rest in the best home he will have forever. Thank you. Merry Christmas.
Lisa M. wrotes:
I have had an absolutely heart warming experience with Herland Forest and her compassionate caretakers! In probably what was one of the most heart wrenching moments of my life, my beloved mom passed away and Herland Forest was there for us. In a very short time I was able to have a natural burial for her in a place she would have loved. No fuss, total honor, dignity, and respect for my Beautiful and Creative momma from moment one. Now and forever more she is a Guardian of The Forest! THIS is what she would have wanted. Thank you Herland, for holding my hand and walking me through this with your Compassion, Beauty, and Grace.
Nancy P. wrotes:
Thanks for showing us the forest & giving us the space to make our decision. I feel this is the perfect place for us for many reasons—the peacefulness, the old trees as guardians, the southern exposure, your permaculture practices, your stewardship of the forest and the land, and especially the labyrinth!