Amid the Green Funeral Movement, Scattering Ashes Ensures These Forests Remain Pristine Forever
Better Place Forests
Across America, small parcels of forested land are being bought from private owners by a conservation group called Better Place Forests.
With the intention of providing the roots, trunk, and branches of a tree as the site of a loved one’s final resting place, the group is also ensuring that by law the forest will remain preserved forever.
They own and maintain “memorial forest preserves” in Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Minnesota, and soon Illinois. These preserves feature heritage sugar maple stands, California redwoods, quaking aspen colonies, views out across the Pacific or the Twin Lakes, and every tree is up for grabs for just a few thousand dollars.
Share:
Better Place Forests Berkshires, chosen for its high conservation value in Drury, Massachusetts, protects 200 acres of forestland and sets to open in-person in 2021
Today, Better Place Forests, the company that built America s first conservation memorial forests, announced it is officially starting online tours of its newest property in Berkshire County. The company s second forest in the Northeast region of the country and sixth overall,
Better Place Forests Berkshires boasts 200-acres of forestland in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and is located 30 minutes east of Williamstown, just off of Route-2, the Mohawk Trail, and after the iconic hairpin curve. Better Place Forests Berkshires is an easy day trip from New York City and Boston. The forest features views extending from the nearby Berkshires all the way to the Green Mountains in Vermont, and helps protect an important wildlife corridor which runs from the Deerfield River to the heart of the Mohawk State Forest.
0:47
What do you plan to do with your body after you die? Instead of having it buried in a grave with a tombstone, some people are choosing to have their ashes spread beneath a private tree.
Better Place Forests is responding to that trend by turning forest land into memorial preserves. There are five in the country, with two in the works, including one in northern Illinois.
Sandy Gibson is the CEO and founder of Better Place Forests. He says his early experience with death led him to create this company. When he was a little boy, his parents died within one year of each other.
OREGON Better Place Forests recently announced its expansion to Ogle County within the Rock River Valley to create Illinois’ first conservation memorial forest.
Mar 3, 2021
Here is Renee s interview with Sandy Gibson, co-founder and CEO of Better Place Forests.
He shares about Better Place Forests, including his personal story, and how Better Place Forests helps you choose a beautiful, serene location for end of life arrangements.
Listen to the complete interview here:
About Better Place Forests in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
A protected forest with endless views
Experience jaw-dropping views of the Housatonic River Valley and distant mountains, unforgettable fall foliage, a seasonal stream that provides a peaceful soundtrack, and a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War.
A private spot for your memorial