FINDING RENEWAL IN NATURE-BASED MEMORIALS
by Elizabeth Campbell with images by Better Place Forests
For centuries, people have turned to nature for solace—to find comfort in its quiet beauty and wisdom. Today, this deep connection is shaping how we honor and remember those we’ve lost. As more families seek alternatives to traditional burials, the appeal of nature- based memorials has grown. These serene spaces offer not only a final resting place but also a profound sense of continuity and renewal. “Spending time in nature makes people feel better,” says Jillian Nye, Customer Experience Manager for Better Place Forests. “It’s often a way people turn to relieve stress or connect with friends and family—whether it’s through exercising, taking a walk, or simply enjoying a picnic. When thinking about their end-of- life plans, it seems like a natural next step for many to say, ‘I’d like to be in nature again.’” According to Nye, as many as 60% of people surveyed in recent years have expressed interest in “a back-to-nature option” over a more traditional cemetery burial. These preferences are often rooted in cherished memories of time spent outdoors and an increasing awareness of sustainability’s
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