The Herland Forest Natural Burial Cemetery is a non-profit cemetery dedicated to facilitating an individual’s return to the circle of life. This permaculture forest, located on the eastern edge of the Cascadian wilderness, combines the native pine, fir and oak with non-native varieties such as chestnut and walnut, ginko and cherry, apple and hazelnut, to create a living sanctuary that supports the birds, bees, animals, and people who make the forest their home.
Herland Forest lies right at the transition between the wet forests to the west and the dry highlands to the east. Here you’ll see Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine growing side by side among ancient oaks, as we work to diversify the forest to increase its ability to support life in the wild.
Herland Forest uses cutting edge permaculture techniques to increase the forest’s ability to nourish life, and to protect it from the wildfires that threaten the western forests.
Herland Forest delights in transforming graves into bouquets of flowers that herald the annual return of spring to the forest.
We ask you to join with us as we work to enable death to create new life.
News and Updates
The Road to Herland
Herland is hidden away in a private forest located on the eastern edge of the Cascadian wilderness. There’s a modern, paved road that leads to our driveway, but when one leaves the county... READ MORE
Flowers in the Forest October 21-22
…and smoores 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... READ MORE
What’s the compost like?
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... READ MORE
Strawberry Fields Forever
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... READ MORE