What Visitors Need to Know

What to Know When Visiting Oliverian Everlasting

These rules are for your safety. Uneven terrain, lack of lighting, and visits from wildlife pose health and safety risks. Our goal is to grant open access to visitors who are respectful and appreciative of the sanctuary nature provides here. Your adherence to the following will enhance your experience as well as protect Oliverian Everlasting for others. Thank you.

Fern among rock, Oliverian Everlasting

Directions

To find Oliverian Everlasting, see our directions.
The speed limit for Boucher Road is 10 mph. Please drive slowly!

Amenities

We have a port-o-potty comfort station, but no indoor bathrooms.
No Wi-fi or cell service is available at this time.

Be Prepared

Dress appropriately for the weather and please wear sturdy shoes.
We suggest bringing an umbrella for rain and for protection from the sun in very hot weather.
Those with medical conditions that make walking difficult or dangerous should notify staff so we can provide a golf cart or other alternative transportation prior to the event.
Mosquitos, yellow jackets, ground bees, and wasps are valuable players in the eco-system. Those with severe allergies should bring their Epi-pens.
Ticks are plentiful in the grasses, so bring insect repellant and wear clothing that prevents access to skin and hair.
Some of the trails are rustic and uneven, so a walking stick could be desirable.
Please stay on the trails and mown areas.
Especially in hot weather, bring water.

Flowers and Tributes

Please do not bring sprays of flowers containing metal, plastic, or glass tubes, or other difficult-to-recycle materials.
Avoid bringing garden flowers or sprays with seeds.
All plant material must be approved prior to establishing it on the grave. Unauthorized adornments and plantings will be removed and disposed of by staff.

Handicap Access

Handicap parking is just inside the gate in good weather. In winter, please leave room nearest the gate for those needing closer access.
Accommodations for those with mobility challenges can be arranged prior to the service by contacting burial ground staff as early as possible.
Trails are not yet ADA compliant, but our plan is to make the Brook Trail accessible soon.

Arrival and Parking

Parking is located along Boucher Road on the burial ground side only.
Please carpool whenever possible; parking is limited.
Upon arrival, family and friends generally gather inside the entry gate unless otherwise advised. Staff will be on hand to direct you, depending on the family's wishes.
Some families choose to have a procession beginning at the gate; others might already have the casket on the grave for lowering, or already lowered into the grave. A few families prefer for the grave to already be closed. Pallbearers may be needed for carrying.

During Committal

Some families have a brief graveside service or other observance. Pallbearers then raise the casket with the straps as a staff member removes the slats, and the body is lowered into the grave. The family and friends can then put a scoop of earth or drop seedless flowers into the grave.
Families are allowed to, but are not required to help, shovel the grave closed. Several shovels of varying lengths will be available. Those with back conditions, heart problems, etc., should consider whether or not to participate. The closure is done with the deeper soil going in first and then the topsoil, then any plants rescued from the site, then any native plants or seeds provided by OEBG.
Some families and friends stay until the grave is closed and participate in a planting and watering finishing ceremony; others choose to leave after the lowering and final words.

Use of Trails and Facilities

All are welcome to take a walk on Oliverian Everlasting's trails before or after a service and all are welcome to come back at any time from dawn to dusk. Walking on the property and use of recreational walking trails is at your own risk.
Use of the pavilion for gathering must have prior approval. Activities other than funerals are also possible.
This land has been open for hunting, fishing, and trapping for generations and will continue to be in the future. Sportspeople should understand and respect the sacred nature of this site.

Winter Burial

Burials during winter will be accommodated in burial spaces with closest access to the entrance and parking.
Dress appropriately for the weather and temperature.
Snow grippers are recommended; snowshoes may be useful but not necessary.

Where the Water Flows

Water from the flood-controlled Oliverian Dam is not a threat to the burial ground. Seasonal water does flow into lower areas where fern and false hellebore thrive but these areas are not used for burial. Please stay on trails to avoid sensitive wet areas.
The Oliverian Brook is open for fishing. Please check with the NH Department of Environmental Services for watershed report cards.
Any water sport or recreation on or in the Oliverian Brook along the burial ground's property is at your own risk.

Hard and Fast Rules

Please pack out all trash.
No smoking or vaping on the property.
Please leave balloons, pinwheels, and other plastic derivative items at home.
Animals are welcome, but all waste should be collected and disposed of properly. Dogs should remain on their leads.
Oliverian Everlasting is open dawn till dusk every day.
Please be respectful of other visitors.
Visiting after hours is considered trespassing and vandalism is punishable by law. See #21 and #22 of the Rules and Regulations for possible repercussions. The property is monitored.