Death in a Living Forest
Herland Forest is different from most other cemeteries. And yes, while it is a place where the dead are laid to rest, it’s also a place where all the natural cycles of life play out. It’s a place where a … Continued
Permaculture Cemetery
Herland Forest is different. Instead of rows of graves, you’ll find resting places that are tucked away in forest clearings. Instead of cramped burials where people are squeezed together, Herland Forest is open and vibrant with life. Located right at … Continued
Lichen the Rain
Late summer is a stressful time for a forest. That’s especially true for a forest that evolved to survive the wild fires started by the August thunderstorms. When a thunderstorm comes through, it’s common to see hundreds of lighting strikes, … Continued
Cemetery Picnic
A key goal of the Herland Forest is to help people spend time near their loved one; to craft a private place where they can come to enjoy the beauty of nature in a living memorial to love and devotion; … Continued
Cemetery Babies
The Herland Forest natural burial cemetery is an exploration of the role of death in the circle of life. In winter, the separation between life and death can be very thin, but in spring, life returns with vigor; the tree … Continued
Direct Natural Burial
In order to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the governors of Washington and Oregon have issued orders forbidding public gatherings; those orders include funerals. One result will be that in the days ahead, people will be choosing between … Continued
A Good Death
Our dear friend Elaine Clark has invited us to be part of the natural death program that she’s put together at her church in Seattle in late March. Elaine and her husband James are Guardians of Herland Forest, and Elaine’s … Continued
Undertaking: the podcast
Click on the image to hear the podcast. We just got back from DeathCon, the annual gathering of cemeteries, crematoriums and funeral directors working in Oregon and Washington. It was a fascinating opportunity to connect with other people doing this … Continued