For centuries, burial grounds existed with shallow graves of simple coffins or shrouds with small stone or wooden markers. There was no chemical embalming, varnished caskets, or concrete vaults. Natural or ‘green burial’ is a return to those traditions that provide a simple, less wasteful, and non-toxic way to send one’s body back to the earth with dignity and with minimal environmental impact. Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery and Arboretum is the only exclusively natural burial cemetery in Maryland. Come for a tour to learn how to reduce your carbon footprint, while protecting and preserving the local habitat. We will walk through the property and out to Inspiration Point, about half a mile. The grounds are open meadows with trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, with the entire property surrounded by an 80-acre forest. Many visit just to hike the trails. Visit the Serenity Ridge website for more specific information on their practices, https://www.serenityridgemd.com/green-burial/.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (low-intensity hiking)
Wear weather-appropriate clothes and hiking shoes/boots.
No pets, please
Specific meeting directions will be sent after registration. Questions to Jayne at JAsh@Marylandnature.org.
CANCELLATION: Cancellations allowed one week ahead of program start. Refunds will not be given for cancellations made less than one week before start of program. Registrations may be transferred to a friend if requested prior to the start date.