One of the remarkable things about the Herland Forest Natural Burial Cemetery is that we’re committed to doing natural burials year round. Death doesn’t take a mid-winter holiday, and neither do we. We live here along with our sheep and … Continue reading →
Note: This blog post refers back to the summer of 2019, and much has evolved since then, but the article still has considerable historical value, so we’re leaving it up for now. Recently [2019], the Washington state legislature approved a … Continue reading →
The death of a loved one presents the next of kin with the need to make a series of decisions. Most of those decisions will involve practical choices about what to do with the person’s remains, but some decisions will … Continue reading →
Today, the primary alternatives to burial are cremation, aquamation, and natural organic reduction. Each type of disposition will transform a person’s remains into a hygienic material that can be used in a variety of ways. Perhaps the most notable difference … Continue reading →
“The fairest thing in nature, a flower, still has its roots in earth” ~ D.H. Lawence A key part of the vision behind the Herland Forest involves creating a living memorial, a testament to the enduring power of love. So each … Continue reading →
Herland is hidden away in a private forest located on the eastern edge of the Cascadian wilderness (map). There’s a modern, paved road that leads to our driveway, but when one leaves the county road, you still have to travel … Continue reading →
…and S’mores around the campfire Each fall, we join with friends of the Herland Forest to plant thousands of daffodils and tulips throughout the cemetery. We take a special delight in transforming graves into bouquets. In spring, as the winter … Continue reading →
Amelia’s dad was reduced here in the Herland Forest last fall. Last month, the family picked up the drums of compost and took them away to be used by the family. Not knowing what to expect, Amelia had some trepidation … Continue reading →
In the heart of the Herland Forest, in what we think of as the “middle forest”, there’s a syncline that channels runoff from the watershed forest north of the cemetery. One result is that the moist forest floor is carpeted … Continue reading →
In the Herland Forest, the cold, wet days of winter are giving way to spring. The annual pageant is getting underway as the first wave of wildflowers brings beauty that uplifts the heart after a long winter. It’s exciting to … Continue reading →
