importance.
die over time, but their space remains part of the ecosystem. New growth springs up, continuing the cycle of life. Families keep their memorial marker, and their connection to the space endures.” For many, this ongoing transformation is part of the memorial’s beauty. Sitting by a tree and watching the leaves flutter in the wind or noticing new saplings
And Better Place Forests, a conservation memorial forest company where ashes can be returned to the earth at a memorial tree in a protected forest, reflects a larger cultural shift toward green burials and nature-based memorials. Justin Crowe, founder and CEO of Parting Stone, has introduced a deeply
innovative way to honor loved ones by turning cremated remains into smooth, tactile stones. “Whether a family chooses ashes (cremated remains) or stones (solidified remains) following cremation, there is an inherent sense of transformation into a form that feels elemental. This elemental reduction of the body can offer profound comfort, embodying a stillness that feels very different from burial,” Crowe explains. These nature-based memorials extend beyond private rituals to include communal connections and meaningful journeys. Crowe shares stories of families scattering stones in places that held special significance—gardens, hiking trails, and even golf courses. “We’ve seen families embark on cross-country trips with the stones, scattering them in
sprouting from the forest floor can bring a sense of peace and hope.
“Nature is constantly reminding us that things die, transform, and are born again,” Nye says. “It’s a chance to find meaning and healing in something greater than ourselves.” These memorials also offer families a tangible legacy. A loved one’s tree becomes a place of connection, where visits can mark milestones or simply offer a moment of reflection. “One of the things we hope is that people feel welcome and included in the forest,” Nye says. “We want this experience to provide a sense of peace and healing, as well as a way to honor life’s cycles.” As end-of-life traditions evolve, nature-based memorials offer a path forward that is both timeless and innovative. For those seeking an option that celebrates life’s
“
NATURE IS CONSTANTLY REMINDING US THAT THINGS DIE, TRANSFORM, AND ARE BORN AGAIN. IT’S A CHANCE TO FIND MEANING AND HEALING IN SOMETHING GREATER THAN OURSELVES.
”
locations tied to cherished memories,” he says. Such experiences allow for continued connection and celebration of a loved one’s life. Still, the natural life cycle of a forest—where trees grow, age, and sometimes fall—can raise concerns. Nye addresses this with transparency. “We educate families about the natural evolution of a forest. Trees
s connection to the earth, these serene spaces provide an opportunity to create meaning and legacy—for generations to come. In the quiet of a forest, surrounded by the rustling of leaves and the enduring beauty of the natural world, we find not only the memory of those we’ve lost but also the promise of renewal and the enduring cycle of
30
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs