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
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
Spring in Herland Forest
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... READ MORE
Deoonaka and the indigenous origin of
Enhanced Natural Burial
People generally think of burial as something that happens at the end of a person’s life. In the case of a modern burial using embalming fluid and interment in a concrete vault,... READ MORE