The Forest Conservation Burial Ground of Southern Oregon

04/30/2026

Most simply, a shroud is a covering, a piece of fabric that wraps the body. They can be simple and practical, but they can also reflect connections to family and friends left behind.

Bed linens, including quilts or blankets, might carry memories of ancestors, hospitality, and homelife. A special tablecloth might bring to mind family and holiday gatherings. Prints and embroidery recall the beauty or craft your loved one appreciated.

How would you choose to be held?

04/28/2026

...But that other thing called death,
Which crumbles us up into good rich soil,
And sprouts grass over the place
Or weeds—
What kind adjustment
That trues one nicely to the universe,
And bestows the good gift: the immortal insignificance
Of a leaf, or a grass blade,
Or one of the small stars!

From “Death,” by Viola I. Paradise

04/23/2026

Natural decomposition is a safe, essential part of life. Our bodies contain the everything they need to return to the earth in a way that nourishes the land. The human body is not inherently harmful, and embalming is not required to protect public health.

Earth first, earth last. Dust to dust.

04/20/2026

We may know that all dogs go to heaven, but did you know that The Forest also includes a dedicated Pet Cemetery?

Our pets provide companionship and unconditional love, a bond that bond continues after death.

At The Forest Pet Cemetery, the natural burial of animals or their cremated remains will return your beloved family members to the earth in simplicity and dignity.

04/14/2026

The Forest is a home to many.

We’re proud to offer beautiful pine birdhouses set with bronze memorial plaques, as a particularly forest-friendly way to honor your loved ones.

04/10/2026

This land will be a cemetery forever.

We have chosen to operate as an endowment care cemetery, which means that a percentage of every plot sale is invested into an externally held fund that ensures the perpetual care of the grounds, including access.

Owners Suzanne Willow and Lanita Witt also established a stewardship trust, which protects and limits future use of the land.

This land will be cared for, loved, protected, and availale to you and your families for generations to come.

04/07/2026

The Springtime colors of conservation at The Forest 🌲🪻🌱💐

The Forest Conservation Burial Ground supports ongoing conservation efforts of a rich, diverse, and healthy ecosystem here at . Pictured are a few of our native species in Springtime bloom.

Videos show (1) Ashland Thistle, a rare species of thistle endemic to this land, and (2) an old, mighty Ponderosa Pine reaching up into the sky.

Schedule a private tour on our website or come up for a self-guided walk through The Forest to enjoy the vibrant Spring colors!

04/02/2026

What does a conservation burial ground have to do with the FBI?
When plants and animals die, their nutrients are recycled back into the soil through a process known as decomposition. Decomposers, including FUNGI, BACTERIA, and INSECTS, gain energy by breaking down leaves, branches, trees, animals, and at The Forest, humans.
Decomposers return nutrients found in dead matter to the soil for other organisms and future generations to use, playing an essential role in all environments. Without them, life would not be possible.

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

Pre-planning for your death is one of the most caring things you can do for your loved ones.
Not sure where to begin?
The Green Burial Council has a handy planning guide to help get you started. Find the link in our bio.

03/26/2026

We invite you to visit The Forest Conservation Burial Ground.
Death doesn’t end our relationships. Across the world, visiting burial grounds, decorating gravesites, and intentionally communing with the deceased are common traditions. At The Forest, it’s common to see families and friends walking in the cemetery and visiting their loved ones, often bringing picnics, flowers, and photos to their graves. We’re honored to provide a beautiful place for such relationships to remain strong and connected.
If you’d like a tour or to have our help finding a grave, please call, we’d be glad to meet you.
The burial grounds are open to visitors from dawn to dusk every day, and the ranch and farm store from 11:00-5:00. We hope you’ll come enjoy the spring with us!

03/24/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for our annual Spring Equinox event! Together we walked the burial grounds and shared our reflections on the endless, inextricable cycles of life and death.

It was an honor to welcome spring in community with you.

Group tours are special quarterly events, but we offer individual tours any time! Call or email us to schedule one whenever it's convenient for you.