Green Burial Cemeteries in Washington
The Green Burial Council certifies three categories of cemeteries offering natural “green burial:” hybrid , natural and conservation burial grounds. Washington is blessed to have all three kinds of burial grounds, with committed people working to create more for the future. When new sites are available, they’ll be included here. Meanwhile, here’s a description of what we have so far:
The Meadow Natural Burial Ground, founded in 2009, was the first certified natural burial ground in Washington state and is part of Moles Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale. Each natural burial adds to the restoration of The Meadow’s native ecosystem. A “guild” of three harmonious native plants—a tree, a shrub, or groundcover—can be planted at the gravesite, in memory of the deceased. Engraved river rocks are also available for memorialization.
For more information, visit their website , call toll-free at (866) 899-5534, or email them at [email protected].
The White Eagle Nature Preserve Cemetery at Ekone Ranch is a certified conservation burial ground situated near the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Opened in 2008, its 20 acres are set within 1100 permanently protected acres of oaks, ponderosa pines, and meadow. It is the only wilderness cemetery in the country. Wildlife includes deer, eagles, and the occasional bear.
Burial sites are spacious, about 20 by 20 feet, each comprising a little ecosystem. One can get acquainted with a site while still alive, in order to know what will be nourished after passing on.
For more information and to arrange a tour, see their website or call (206) 383-3285.
Woodlawn Cemetery was the first in Snohomish County to open a Green Section of their lovely cemetery in 2009. They are certified as a hybrid burial ground by the GBC and are committed to maintaining this area as “green.” Taking a look around, sitting high on a hill one can see eagles and rabbits, a few scattered headstones dating from the 1890s, and the distant swath of the Snohomish River.
With each green burial, a family can select a tree to be donated and planted in the decedent’s name near the grave.
For more information, go to their website, call (360) 568-5560, or email them at [email protected].
Herland Forest natural burial cemetery
The twenty-acre Herland Forest sits at the edge of the Cascadian wilderness, on the southern slopes of Mt. Adams, near the Klickitat River. High prairies rise up from the Columbia River in the distance, with Mt. Hood standing prominently to the Southwest. It’s a quiet place where wild meets rural, and all are bound to the seasonal cycles of life. Please note that this cemetery is not currently certified by the Green Burial Council.
For more information, go to their website, call (509) 369 2000, or find them at 55 Windward Lane, Wahkiacus, WA 98670
Cedar Lawns Memorial Park in Redmond – (425)-885-2414. For more information, please see their website. Please note that this cemetery is not currently certified by the Green Burial Council.
It is possible to have a “green burial” without a cement vault in some rural cemeteries in the state of Washington. These cemeteries are not GBC certified, but they are open to people who want a simpler, more natural burial.