Higher Ground in Winter
What makes Higher Ground a conservation cemetery, not just a green burial cemetery?
Commitment to a conservation management plan, in keeping with our conservation partner Vermont Land Trust, that protects woodland and wildlife habitat and limits the number of burial plots to minimum density. Meeting these standards isn’t required for green or natural burial grounds.
What will Higher Ground green burial cost and who decides?
Higher Ground board leadership sets the fee with input from the community. Founding member fee is now $2,000, with those able to pay more making an additional tax-deductible gift, which helps to cover fees of those not able to pay as much.
How do I subscribe?
Be in touch and we’ll get back to you with a welcome note outlining all you need to know including reservation of your placeholder interest, and simple contract form that documents understandings and commitments.
How much are deposits, are they refundable?
We request a $1,000 deposit, refundable if circumstances dictate.
Can burials happen in Winter?
Yes! We have pre-dug burial plots to allow burials in frozen ground, though perhaps with some additional charge to help pay the cost of re-warming the fill dirt.
Are organ donations possible with HG burial?
Extraordinary services from New England Donor Services of Waltham, MA make the details around organ donation possible with HG burial, ask us for details.
Is there an easy way to plan for HG burial and make my wishes known to family?
Yes! Include your wishes in a Vermont Advance Directive, with specific plans and details relative to green burial, home funeral, and related areas of interest you might have.
Can Higher Ground provide options for biodegradable casket, cardboard box, shroud et al?
Yes. We can provide information on a range of options—including local artists and craftspeople—or help procure what you need.
What kind of grave markers or other commemorations are deemed appropriate?
Local clay artists have stepped up with ideas for simple flat-lying grave markers for minimum visual intrusion and ecological impact. Natural benches made from local trees are also under consideration.
What about transportation, home funerals, other details around doing everything ourselves?
The local support group that’s been meeting regularly for some time is stepping up with area resources to support families in helping fill these needs. Touch base with Caring for Our Own if you’re not already on the mailing list by using our contact form..
Is green burial available for cremation ashes too?
Under consideration.
Can I visit Higher Ground?
Yes! We schedule woods walks yea round, get on the contact list for times.
How much on-site parking is available?
Parking for 24 cars is planned at the main entry, with over 20 more at the Manitou entrance.
Will there be any sort of shelter?
No, we do not have a permanent shelter or use tents in inclement weather.
What maintenance for the natural burial grounds is planned, today and for generations to come?
A Sustainability Fund for driveway and access trail upkeep will be established, along with forest maintenance to be done in collaboration with the abutting Manitou conservation land.
What protections exist for sanctity of the land over time?
Sanctions in the deed, in binding agreements with Vermont Land Trust, and State statutes tightly restrict land use beyond burial purposes in perpetuity.
Commitment to a conservation management plan, in keeping with our conservation partner Vermont Land Trust, that protects woodland and wildlife habitat and limits the number of burial plots to minimum density. Meeting these standards isn’t required for green or natural burial grounds.
What will Higher Ground green burial cost and who decides?
Higher Ground board leadership sets the fee with input from the community. Founding member fee is now $2,000, with those able to pay more making an additional tax-deductible gift, which helps to cover fees of those not able to pay as much.
How do I subscribe?
Be in touch and we’ll get back to you with a welcome note outlining all you need to know including reservation of your placeholder interest, and simple contract form that documents understandings and commitments.
How much are deposits, are they refundable?
We request a $1,000 deposit, refundable if circumstances dictate.
Can burials happen in Winter?
Yes! We have pre-dug burial plots to allow burials in frozen ground, though perhaps with some additional charge to help pay the cost of re-warming the fill dirt.
Are organ donations possible with HG burial?
Extraordinary services from New England Donor Services of Waltham, MA make the details around organ donation possible with HG burial, ask us for details.
Is there an easy way to plan for HG burial and make my wishes known to family?
Yes! Include your wishes in a Vermont Advance Directive, with specific plans and details relative to green burial, home funeral, and related areas of interest you might have.
Can Higher Ground provide options for biodegradable casket, cardboard box, shroud et al?
Yes. We can provide information on a range of options—including local artists and craftspeople—or help procure what you need.
What kind of grave markers or other commemorations are deemed appropriate?
Local clay artists have stepped up with ideas for simple flat-lying grave markers for minimum visual intrusion and ecological impact. Natural benches made from local trees are also under consideration.
What about transportation, home funerals, other details around doing everything ourselves?
The local support group that’s been meeting regularly for some time is stepping up with area resources to support families in helping fill these needs. Touch base with Caring for Our Own if you’re not already on the mailing list by using our contact form..
Is green burial available for cremation ashes too?
Under consideration.
Can I visit Higher Ground?
Yes! We schedule woods walks yea round, get on the contact list for times.
How much on-site parking is available?
Parking for 24 cars is planned at the main entry, with over 20 more at the Manitou entrance.
Will there be any sort of shelter?
No, we do not have a permanent shelter or use tents in inclement weather.
What maintenance for the natural burial grounds is planned, today and for generations to come?
A Sustainability Fund for driveway and access trail upkeep will be established, along with forest maintenance to be done in collaboration with the abutting Manitou conservation land.
What protections exist for sanctity of the land over time?
Sanctions in the deed, in binding agreements with Vermont Land Trust, and State statutes tightly restrict land use beyond burial purposes in perpetuity.
“Such kindness and compassion to ourselves and to the Earth, nourishing it and our community with this practice!”
—Linda Huebner, Director, Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center