Natural burial maryland. Certification by the Green Burial Council allows consumers to rest assured that the green or natural burial services that they are receiving have been thoroughly vetted against stringent and up-to-date standards – created and continuously reviewed by a team of environmentalists, scientists, lawyers, and representatives from the funeral industry. Pennsylvania, Maryland and the District of Columbia also have “hybrid” cemeteries that offer green burials on a portion of their land, and the options are expanding. Natural Burials are low impact, use less energy, and consume fewer resources than traditional burials. Apr 2, 2024 · Natural cemeteries are a trend that is growing in the state—the first such cemetery in Maryland was Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum in Baltimore County in January 2023—and May 21, 2024 · Maryland and Delaware—have legalized human composting. She’s been interested in environmental issues ever since. A natural burial reduces environmental impact while offering families a meaningful and personal way to say goodbye Home Page M aryland Green Burial is a Maryland based company set up to oversee the implementation and authentication of green or “natural” burials held in both urban and rural cemeteries in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. See Resources. Choose an eco-friendly farewell with Natural Burial Services in Northern VA. Natural burial pays special attention to returning the body back to the earth in a safe way that is simple and natural, allows for greater family interaction, and is a more reasonable cost compared to conventional burial. Both human composting and green burial encourage natural decomposition. May 30, 2025 · Green Burials with Michael Judd Green Burials with Michael Judd Are you curious about home funeral and green burial practices/options in Maryland? Join Michael Judd from 2 to 3:30 p. It allows for informed financial planning and decision-making. Use only biodegradable materials (no hardwood trees, copper, brass, steel or concrete), thus reducing carbon emissions. Jan 14, 2026 · Planning for a natural burial at Morris Orchard is made easier with our specially designed Planning Guide. Oct 26, 2023 · Discover the guide that explores planning a natural burial and what you need to know to for a meaningful and eco-friendly experience. Burials here follow green burial principles: no embalming, no vaults, and only biodegradable caskets or shrouds. Vaults and liners prolong the return of the body to the earth and therefore aren’t considered “green” 3. Green Burial upholds natural resource and land conservation, worker health protection, and reduction of pollutants and carbon emissions. In 2023, the Berg brothers – Richard, David and Howard – completed five years of working with the community and local civic leaders to open Serenity Ridge as the first cemetery dedicated to only natural burials in Maryland. Aug 18, 2025 · A new and greener kind of death care is coming to Maryland: water cremation. It is simply placed in a biodegrad-able cofin or shroud and interred without a concrete burial vault. Watch the video below to learn more about the profound experience natural burial can have on family and loved ones and get an inside look at what to expect as you embark on the journey. By Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun - In the 1990s, Kim Holcomb battled for curbside recycling pickup as president of Owings Mills Green Action. com. “They have been extremely helpful as we continue to learn more about the land and how to maintain the natural environment and provide magnificent settings for beautiful services. 814 Bestgate Rd. –Maryland–Virginia) region. Considering Jewish views on green burial, it's significant to recognize that biodegradable materials resonate with the belief in life's cycle, emphasizing the natural decomposition of the body. Mar 20, 2025 · Plan an Eco-Friendly Funeral in Maryland with natural burial choices that reflect your values and protect the environment. This guide walks you step-by-step through how natural burial works in Maryland, what Natural burial pays special attention to returning the body back to the earth in a safe way that is simple and natural, allows for greater family interaction, and is a fraction of the cost of conventional burial. Frequently Asked Questions Where is Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum located? We are located in a country setting at 2406 Ridge Road, Windsor Mill, Maryland. Absence of a vault/liner – Maryland law does not require the use of vaults/ or liners however they are commonly required by cemeteries to keep the earth above stable for landscaping purposes. If your family is searching “vault requirement green burial Maryland,” the fastest path is to ask the cemetery directly and request written confirmation. Many people are looking for a simpler, more environmentally conscious, and often more meaningful alternative to conventional funerals. You can find directions under our “Tours/Events” and “Contact” Pages. Annapolis MD 21401 410-841-6255 All Natural Green Burial Bestgate Memorial Park is currently the only cemetery offering Green/Natural Burial in Maryland that is overseen and operated by a licensed funeral establishment. The natural burial cemetery reflects the same ecological values as the preserve: Bodies return naturally to the earth without chemicals or vaults, Burial areas are managed as meadows, forests, and conservation land Jun 20, 2025 · Eco burials in Maryland honor nature and legacy by using natural materials and preserving native land without harmful chemicals Feb 17, 2026 · Natural burial in Maryland & DMV explained: green cemetery options, burial laws, costs, containers, and how to plan a simple eco-friendly burial. ” Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum, situated in the heart of Windsor Mill, Maryland, is a tranquil oasis designed to commemorate lives while also respecting and preserving the environment. Carewell is a Cremations and Natural Burial guides you to green burial grounds and sustainable funeral options. Aug 16, 2022 · B&L designed and implemented an environmental assessment of the first exclusively natural burial cemetery in Maryland, Serenity Ridge. This shift includes a growing preference for: Avoiding Michael Judd & Jane Dennison are creating a public natural burial ground at the Morris Orchard, the third green burial ground in Maryland. Natural decomposition also respects the body Serenity Ridge, Windsor Mill Manor. Serenity Ridge is the first 100% natural burial cemetery in the state of Maryland, open since January 2023. Woodlawn Memorial Park is proud to offer a Natural Burial Section - being one of only two cemeteries in Maryland offering true Natural Burial. Aug 15, 2024 · Learn important burial and cremation laws in Maryland, including how to get a death certificate and where to legally bury a body or scatter ashes. We enable Maryland families to feel empowered to make death care decisions with the help and support of our award winning funeral directors during this challenging time. Earth offers Maryland families a gentle, low-impact return to nature through our human composting process. The goal is complete decomposition of the body and its Nov 5, 2024 · Maryland's first cemetery dedicated to only natural burials is in Baltimore Archdiocese From the rural road in Windsor Mill, a small sign and a gravel driveway mark the entrance to Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum. It sits inside of a nature preserve and nationally registered arboretum. Dec 20, 2022 · Green Burial - Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation Service, P. Flowers provided as part of interment process. Sep 20, 2025 · In 2025, families across Maryland weigh natural burial against aquamation, using new law, fresh data, and clear questions to guide decisions. First, exclusively natural burial cemetery in Maryland. The body is neither cremated nor prepared with chemicals such as embalming fluids. C. They are the ninth and tenth to join a growing list of states with human composting bills on the books, making the option increasingly accessible across the United States. Oct 31, 2024 · Natural burial – or green burial, as it is sometimes called – is done without embalming, and uses either a biodegradable shroud only, made of cotton, linen, hemp, wool or other natural fibers, or a shroud and a biodegradable casket, made of bamboo or soft woods such as pine or bark. Hybrid Cemeteries are conventional cemeteries that have set aside a portion of their grounds for natural burial. Mar 28, 2023 · Green burials — the American standard until the Civil War — are coming back, as people ditch expensive caskets and decompose into the soil instead. Green Burial Council – Provides information about environmentally sustainable death care and lists cemeteries and funeral homes across the United States. In current times, green burial is also rooted in the spirit of social and environmental change. The cemetery is Green Burial Council certified and operates as Maryland’s first exclusively natural burial ground. How does human composting compare to green burial? Human composting takes place in a closed, reusable vessel while green burial refers to the practice of burying an unembalmed body in a designated green burial cemetery with a simple casket or shroud. Before the modern era, most cultures around the world buried their deceased in a simple, unembellished manner, allowing the body to return to the Earth. Green Burials in Maryland Green Burial: Naturally Caring for Those We Love Many people are searching for more natural solutions to end-of-life care, and here at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam, we are proud to offer those families the choice of green burial & funerals. Feb 6, 2024 · It sits on a portion of a 177-acre property that Berg’s father bought in 1965. Maryland families are embracing natural burial for a lasting, eco-friendly legacy that honors both loved ones and the environment. For green burial: Serenity Ridge, located in Windsor Mill, provides immediate access to natural burial in a dedicated conservation cemetery. The caskets include even wooden screws, rather than metal. It is bordered with natural tree lines and split rail fencing, and planted with Maryland native flowers. Apr 15, 2024 · Baltimore County holds the only exclusively natural burial cemetery in Maryland. The plot is marked only by a small stone plaque leaning against the ground. This guide walks you step-by-step through how natural burial works in Maryland, what Natural burial—also known as green burial—is becoming an increasingly popular choice for families across Maryland and the greater DMV (D. Green Burial is a growing national movement that supports environmentally sound ways of returning the body to the Earth in a natural, simple and dignified way. Here, everything that goes in the ground must be biodegradable—shrouds are cotton or linen, coffins are more sustainable poplar or pine, and may not have metal liners, nails, or Apr 18, 2024 · Green or natural burials have been around for thousands of years, said Jennifer Downs, president of the Green Burial Association of Maryland. Jan 25, 2023 · The Chesapeake Bay portion of Virginia has two cemeteries offering natural burials, one of them certified, like Serenity Ridge, by the national Green Burial Council. We also offer funeral pre-planning and carry a wide selection of caskets, vaults, urns and burial containers. Get answers to common questions about natural burial, green cemeteries, costs, and what to expect at Reflection Park in Silver Spring, Maryland. A. Directory of all green burial sites in the U. We are honored to be the first funeral home in Maryland that meets the criteria for providing green funeral Serenity Ridge natural burial cemetery is the first exclusively natural burial cemetery in Maryland. Green Burial Association of Maryland – Maintains an updated list of cemeteries and funeral homes offering green burial options in Maryland, Washington, D. Opening in January 2023, this natural burial cemetery will promote ultimate recycling of nutrients from interred remains back to the earth. After licensing, Green Legacy says it will become Maryland’s first provider to specialize in Aquamation®, NOR and other funeral care options that are “radically compassionate. Historically, Jewish burial customs have favored wooden caskets and simple shrouds to facilitate a natural return of the body to the earth. Jul 8, 2021 · A green burial is a natural burial with no chemicals or non-biodegradable caskets. A new water cremation and natural organic reduction law in October. These include location, services provided, and materials used. Please note that Morris Orchard Natural Burial Co-Founder Michael Judd shares his personal experience with natural burial, which sparked the inspiration to create Morris Orchard. Serenity Ridge is a nature preserve, surrounded by another nature Jan 16, 2026 · Vault requirements are usually cemetery policy, not a statewide legal requirement. She said this type of memorial has seen a surge in interest over the last decade as an environmentally friendly alternative to a conventional burial or cremation. The company is planning to launch a full-service funeral home in Montgomery County that will earn Green Burial Council certification. At Morris Orchard, you or your loved one may be returned to the earth without chemicals or precious materials Find eco-friendly natural green burial cemeteries near you across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Nov 29, 2022 · But Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum in Windsor Mill will be Maryland’s first cemetery dedicated to the practice, according to the Maryland Office of Cemetery Oversight. Carewell Cremations supports sustainable practices. Natural grave markers, such as flat river stones or native plantings, are used to mark the grave site. Nov 7, 2021 · BALTIMORE — A sprawling field in the Windsor Mill area of Maryland may soon become Baltimore County’s first natural burial ground, an increasingly popular option for loved ones to bury their Natural burial, whether in a hybrid, natural, or conservation cemetery setting, creates opportunities for family-led and family-designed body care and vigil, ceremony, and healing participation by family and friends, often including processionals to the grave, lowering of the body, and closing the grave by shoveling soil. Our Natural Burial section - Wildflower Garden - is designed with the natural environment in mind. To learn more about Morris Orchard and to be kept updated on their progress go . HB 1060 - Natural Organic Reduction – Q&A A Natural Option for Maryland Families What does this legislation do? HB1060 amends current law by adding natural organic reduction (NOR) as another choice Maryland families would have after death, providing a sustainable alternative to cremation and burial. When choosing a cemetery, there are several options in Maryland based on your preference for how strictly green the burial would be and what location you are looking for. Green funerals offer a profoundly organic means of returning to the earth. offers a variety of funeral services, from traditional funerals to competitively priced cremations, serving Baltimore, MD and the surrounding communities. Environmentally Sustainable After-Death Education & Options Green burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health, and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat. Natural burial—also known as green burial—is becoming an increasingly popular choice for families across Maryland and the greater DMV (D. Among the serene and picturesque options is Serenity Ridge Maryland, the first and only natural burial cemetery in Maryland. The first natural burial cemetery and arboretum in the state of Maryland. For the Berg family, it all started with a 177-acre parcel of land in their family since the 1960s. Mar 2, 2026 · This list consists of cemeteries and burial grounds that have been reported to provide natural burial options, including conservation preserves, natural burial grounds, hybrid cemeteries that allow some space for burial without a vault, and even a handful of known municipal cemeteries that simply do not require vaults that do not intentionally identify themselves as green. Aug 8, 2023 · Human Composting: Maryland bill could offer new burial alternative that transforms body into soil BALTIMORE - When's the last time you've taken a moment to think about how you'd like to say your Nov 1, 2021 · Natural burials draw on both Old World and modern concepts, said Shelley Morhaim, a member of the Natural Burial Association of Maryland who spoke independently of the organization. And so, when she learned that Baltimore County would host Maryland’s first natural burial ground, Holcomb felt called to sign on for a plot. Our historic nut orchard has become a sacred space where life and legacy comes full circle. Aug 22, 2023 · Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum — the state’s only exclusively green/natural burial cemetery — seeks to provide an alternative to conventional burials. , including classification of burial grounds & guides about local natural burial services. Oct 31, 2024 · The land has been family-owned since 1965. Lawmakers recognized the demand for sustainable funeral alternatives and the environmental impact of traditional methods. 459 likes · 5 talking about this · 7 were here. ” Feb 5, 2024 · Human composting is referred to as natural organic reduction in legislation, and is commonly known elsewhere as soil transformation. , and nearby states. Natural burial conserves resources, reduces carbon emissions, protects workers’ health, and preserves or restores natural habitats. Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum was founded on the belief that our community needed a simpler more natural place of burial, open to everyone. Feb 14, 2025 · Maryland’s Legalization of Body Composting A Shift Toward Green Burial Laws Maryland became one of the few states to legalize natural organic reduction, joining Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and California. In the United States, funeral and burial regulations are set by individual states, and some states have been slower to adopt green burial practices than others. Understanding the economic implications of natural burials is important for individuals and families considering this option. Appointments to visit the Green Burial section may be arranged by calling: (410) 841-6255 or you can visit www. Human composting is an earth-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation gently transforms human remains into life-giving soil over the course of 60-90 days. May 31 as The Garden of Remembrance (Gan Zikaron) Memorial Park in Clarksburg, Maryland – the region’s only nonprofit cemetery serving the entire Jewish Community – is the first Maryland cemetery certified as a Green Hybrid Burial Ground by the Green Burial Council (GBC). Berg, a gardener and Baltimore native with a deep appreciation for the natural world, read up on the idea of natural burial and even drove to New Jersey to visit the closest such cemetery. . Nov 1, 2024 · Father Patrick Carrion, director of Cemetery Management for the Baltimore Archdiocese noted that burying without embalming has been done for centuries. As an environmentally-friendly alternative to cremation and burial, the process is appealing to the huge number of people concerned about their impact on our planet. As Maryland’s first dedicated natural burial ground, Serenity Ridge provides a sanctuary where families can lay loved ones to rest in harmony with the land. What states allow natural burial or green burial? Dec 18, 2025 · The Chesapeake Bay portion of Virginia has two cemeteries offering natural burials, one of them certified, like Serenity Ridge, by the National Green Burial Council. " In addition, there are a number of natural burial grounds in surrounding states. May 1, 2023 · “The Green Burial Association of Maryland holds its meetings here, as well as a local stargazing club,” Berg explains. Michael Cordes, board member, and Explore a Green burial cemetery map worldwide to find certified natural burial sites and community locations. bestgatememorialpark. We serve communities statewide, including Annapolis, Baltimore, Frederick, Silver Spring, and the Eastern Shore, with an earth-friendly and meaningful alternative to conventional burial or cremation. m. This approach honors the natural cycle of life and death, allowing individuals to rest in harmony with the earth. We have created a 'green' or natural burial cemetery as an alternative to conventional burial, while offering compassionate care to individuals and families as they grieve and process the transitions of life and death. Aug 26, 2025 · Why More Maryland Families Are Choosing Natural Burial Across the state, from the rolling countryside of Harford County to the more densely populated suburbs, families are rethinking traditional funeral models. This sustainable process, known as natural organic reduction (NOR), offers a gentle, earth-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation, transforming human remains into Nov 1, 2024 · The land has been family-owned since 1965. Reflection Park is a nonprofit, multi-faith natural burial ground serving Maryland, DC & Virginia. Discover green burial options and plan now. Sol Levinson is proud to build on our over 130 year history serving the community to provide families with natural (“Green”) burial options. Those who’ve done it describe it as a gentler way to send off a loved one. Sagel Bloomfield, a trusted name in funeral services in Rockville, MD, and the greater DMV area, is proud to expand our Green Funeral Division by partnering with Recompose, a pioneering leader in human composting. With growing awareness around environmental impacts and a desire to make sustainable choices, many families are turning to natural burial as a respectful and meaningful way to reduce their ecological footprint. Natural burial -- or green burial, as it is sometimes called -- is done without embalming, and uses either a biodegradable shroud only, made of cotton, linen, hemp, wool or other natural fibers, or a shroud and a biodegradable casket, made of bamboo or soft woods such as pine or bark. What is green burial? Green (or natural) burial emphasizes simplicity and environmental sustainability. S. Nov 1, 2024 · Maryland's first natural burial cemetery, Serenity Ridge, provides a green and intimate burial option, allowing families to return loved ones to the earth without embalming or vaults. Feb 12, 2025 · Choosing a green burial in Maryland provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional interment methods. GBAM Jan 29, 2024 · Maryland’s Only Natural Burial Cemetery Makes Death an Act of Conservation Internment at Serenity Ridge is like the dust-to-dust burials of the pre-Civil War era. It represents a method of honoring the departed with reverence while ensuring minimal ecological footprint. Apr 18, 2024 · Green or natural burials have been around for thousands of years, said Jennifer Downs, president of the Green Burial Association of Maryland. Green Burial conserves resources, reduces carbon emissions, protects workers’ health, and preserves or restores natural habitats. Jul 27, 2021 · Levinson's can handle burial services at any cemetery. Honoring life, preserving nature. Maryland Green Burial works in conjunction with the following organizations: Bestgate Memorial Park: Cemetery located on Bestgate Road in Annapolis, Maryland offering a section dedicated entirely to Green Burial. Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia also have “hybrid” cemeteries that offer green burials on a portion of their land, and the options are expanding. Known interchangeably as natural burial, this practice has been the customary way of laying the deceased to rest across many cultures throughout history. Nov 11, 2025 · Natural burial laws in Maryland bring new options for families who want eco‑friendly arrangements with clarity about regulation and process. Who We Are The Green Burial Association of Maryland promotes environmentally sound burial practices in the State of Maryland through public education, funeral industry outreach, legislative advocacy, and support for creating conservation burial grounds. Nov 28, 2022 · A deer watches visitors walk through Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum, which is billed as Maryland’s first dedicated green burial cemetery. Conservation Burial Grounds embody the highest level of environmental responsibility. Oct 5, 2023 · The Historical Perspective While the Maryland Natural Burial trend might seem like a new-age concept, in reality, it draws from ancient burial practices. Certified by the Green Burial Council – the national organization setting the standards nationwide. Maryland’s First Natural Burial Cemetery Makes Death an Act of Conservation At Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum in Windsor Mill, "the idea is to care for the dead with minimal environmental impact. At least one Maryland funeral home is marketing itself as a green funeral provider. Nestled in the serene foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Frederick, Maryland, Morris Orchard is more than just a natural burial site—it's a sanctuary of peace, renewal, and connection. It doesn't look much like a cemetery from the roadway, since there are no gates or raised headstones. Use of biodegradable casket and/or shroud – a casket or shroud made of organic Dec 24, 2025 · Maryland’s new law creates legal permission, but infrastructure takes time to develop. In it, you’ll learn about what you’ll need for visiting the natural burial ground, purchasing your preferred grave space, care and preparation before arrival, and what to expect and plan for during the funeral service. Apr 10, 2024 · The cost of natural burials, compared to traditional methods, can vary based on several factors. Can I use a funeral home for a natural burial? Many funeral directors are open to natural burial, but you might have to specifically ask. Members of our team specialize in green burial and have the knowledge and resources to tailor the funeral service to your specific wishes. As opposed to traditional burial practices, Serenity Ridge focuses on eco-friendly principles and emphasizes a return to nature. This widely-shared list from NH Funerals, Education & Advocacy consists of cemeteries and burial grounds that have been reported to provide natural burial options, including conservation preserves, natural burial grounds, hybrid cemeteries that allow some space for burial without a vault, and even a handful of known municipal cemeteries that Green Burial Options in Maryland A natural burial (or green burial) is a simplified and natural way of returning the body to the earth. Jul 11, 2024 · Growing interest in green burials: a second dedicated cemetery for green burials will open in Maryland this year On a brisk, sunny morning, Evelyn Bradley climbs the grassy hill at Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery to visit the grave of her mother, Anna Ballard. The grave site is allowed to return to nature. May 23, 2024 · Natural Organic Reduction and Aquamation will soon be possible in Maryland. Plan a green burial, bury cremains, or attend an open house. The following funeral homes have green burial Aug 8, 2023 · When it comes to exploring burial options in Maryland there are many different options based on preferences and beliefs. Dedicated natural burial grounds and true green sections typically prohibit vaults and liners, while conventional cemeteries often require them. Environmental concerns, simplicity, and a desire for more personal memorials have made green burial a meaningful alternative. It focuses on simplicity and environmental sustainability. In 2023, the Berg brothers — Richard, David and Howard — completed five years of working with the community and local civic leaders to open Serenity Ridge as the first cemetery dedicated to only natural burials in Maryland. The seven-part GBC certification assessment process reviewed all aspects of the Garden of Remembrance to evaluate our 2. ciempx wgzmlp dsxi ogkj pslbl vvwygf qkqhwb annjr aebob hbg