Funeral Director Guidelines

Amenities

Until we have completed building permanent structures that include an environmentally friendly comfort station, we have provided a portopotty for public use that is serviced weekly.

Arrangements

Call or text 603-800-9209 to schedule a burial. We aim to have burial space prepared within 24 hours, weather and other circumstances permitting.

Arrival

Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before the burial is scheduled to commence.

Body Preparation

You'll find detailed requirements for body preparation here: Preparation for Natural Burial>Professional Body Preparation. Shrouds and caskets will be inspected for any seepage prior to removal from the service vehicle. Travel sometimes causes issues so please bring necessary products for mediating any concerns.

Cemetery Staff and Volunteers

We will have people to help direct parking, assist with carrying and lowering, and closing if the family wants help. It's important to note that our burial ground volunteers are there to participate as needed, as well as to provide witness. This community approach is in keeping with natural burial practices and is not meant to displace funeral directors. Our goal is to work together with you and the family to make this experience as organic and meaningful as possible.

Containers

All materials used in the manufacturing or construction of caskets, burial containers, shrouds, quilts, blankets, clothing, and urns must be 100% biodegradable and non-toxic. Materials used must be plant derived, natural, animal, or biodegradable material, including the shell, liner, handles, fasteners, and adornments of any burial container, shroud, quilt, blanket, clothing or urn. Materials used in the manufacturing, construction, and finishing of products used for burial shall not contain plastics, acrylics, metals, or similar synthetic polymeric materials. (See more in Rules and Regulations.)

We recommend obtaining locally sourced and made containers. Families can make them themselves or find craftspeople at the Funerary Artisans Collective. Local New England makers include:

You may also wish to investigate Green Burial Council approved products here: https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/burial-products/

Gathering Spaces

Until the timber frame pavilion is built, we will provide a 12' x 12' open tent to provide shade and rain protection over a modest number of portable chairs or benches graveside.

Grave Preparation

When you arrive, the grave will have been dug to container size specifications you or the family have provided. The bottom will be lined with biomass, and large planks will have been placed either side of the grave. Rails will have been placed across the planks, with lowering ropes coiled on them, ready to receive the casket or shrouding board. More biomass will cover the soil with shovels ready to be blanketed over the casket or shroud once interred.

Handicap Access and Assistance

Until ADA trails and walkways have been completed, walking on the grassy areas may be difficult for those with mobility issues. We will provide assistance to those in need to and from the burial area. Please alert us to need when making the appointment. Two handicap parking spots will be available at the gate.

Lowering

If there are enough able-bodied attendants willing to lower in the funeral party, we will stand by to guide. We will also provide additional pallbearers and lowers as needed. Please let us know your best guess when you make the appointment.

Memorial Table

We will provide a 3' x 3' covered table for flower vases, mementos, and photographs.

Opening and Closing

Opening and closing of the grave is included in the price. Due to liability concerns, all graves are dug by cemetery staff and volunteers unless family members and friends request to help. Shovels in every size are made available so that family and friends can close the grave if they choose. If they don't wish to participate, our volunteers will complete the closing and mounding when the family has left.

Parking

Public parking for services is located past the gate and along the cemetery side of the road. We reserve two spaces in front of the gate for handicap access. We also reserve a space near the gate for a service vehicle to park during the service.

Processions

We encourage carrying the casket or shrouding board in from the parking area to the grave space, recovering the practice of processions. Both the Meadow and Grove burial areas are within short walking distance of from the entrance. Our volunteers will be on hand to assist.

Transporting and Unloading

We recommend using a service vehicle for ease in transporting to the burial ground. Limos and hearses may require help in turning around at the entrance as the road is not wide. The Town of Benton is responsible for plowing Boucher Road, and their plowing schedule may mean access limitations, so a sturdy vehicle is a must in winter.

If there is no procession planned, temporary access by service vehicles may be allowed for unloading purposes only. Staff will be available to assist in carrying and positioning the casket or shrouding board or canvas. An electric cart with a trailer will be available in the future.

Visitor Preparation

Please refer families to What Visitors Need to Know and be sure to read through yourself for general expectations and ways to prepare to make your visit more comfortable.

Water

We provide drinking water in a 10-gallon container. Water bottles are recommended.

Winter Burial

Winter burials may require more preparation time, depending on conditions and time of the week. Burials in winter will be located as close to the entry area as possible for ease of access for all.