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Preparing for Burial
Planning
We recommend a tour of the cemetery where we can present gravesite options and answer your questions about what will happen at the time of burial. This may help you begin to ask some questions about designing the funeral and how to procure burial vessels.
Purchasing Grave Space
Higher Ground will provide introductory materials that both outline the understandings, terms and conditions for purchasing grave space, as well as the contract used to document rights and responsibilities. Either an initial deposit or payment in full is made with contract execution. Contact us
Timing
Higher Ground recommends burial within four days from when the death occurs, though circumstances may make that shorter or longer as necessary.
Preparing the Body
Whether the family or a licensed funeral professional has care of the body, keeping it clean and cool are essential. Bodies must arrive at the cemetery for burial with no visible bodily fluids showing from the casket or shroud or other container integrity issues. For tips. see How to Perform Body Care.
Transporting the Body
We recommend that the body arrive in a casket or shroud in a closed vehicle, such as a truck with a cap, a van or RV. Family members and friends can transport, as well as professionals, with a burial/transport permit obtained at the time the death certificate was filed. Higher Ground may also be available to support the family in their transportation arrangements.
Caskets
Wooden containers must be constructed with wooden dowels and non-toxic glue, and be free of toxins from glues, finishes, paints, and varnishes. These may be purchased or built by family, friends, local craftspeople or artists.
Shrouds
Any natural fabric shroud is acceptable, including cotton, wool, and linen. No other container is required if a shroud is used. Each shroud must have either an integrated board or be placed on a shrouding board for stability, unless other means of stabilization are otherwise built into the shroud. (See Preparing the Body above. See Resources to find a shroud maker))
We recommend a tour of the cemetery where we can present gravesite options and answer your questions about what will happen at the time of burial. This may help you begin to ask some questions about designing the funeral and how to procure burial vessels.
- What container will you choose?
- What will the service entail?
- Who will be in charge?
Purchasing Grave Space
Higher Ground will provide introductory materials that both outline the understandings, terms and conditions for purchasing grave space, as well as the contract used to document rights and responsibilities. Either an initial deposit or payment in full is made with contract execution. Contact us
Timing
Higher Ground recommends burial within four days from when the death occurs, though circumstances may make that shorter or longer as necessary.
Preparing the Body
Whether the family or a licensed funeral professional has care of the body, keeping it clean and cool are essential. Bodies must arrive at the cemetery for burial with no visible bodily fluids showing from the casket or shroud or other container integrity issues. For tips. see How to Perform Body Care.
Transporting the Body
We recommend that the body arrive in a casket or shroud in a closed vehicle, such as a truck with a cap, a van or RV. Family members and friends can transport, as well as professionals, with a burial/transport permit obtained at the time the death certificate was filed. Higher Ground may also be available to support the family in their transportation arrangements.
Caskets
Wooden containers must be constructed with wooden dowels and non-toxic glue, and be free of toxins from glues, finishes, paints, and varnishes. These may be purchased or built by family, friends, local craftspeople or artists.
Shrouds
Any natural fabric shroud is acceptable, including cotton, wool, and linen. No other container is required if a shroud is used. Each shroud must have either an integrated board or be placed on a shrouding board for stability, unless other means of stabilization are otherwise built into the shroud. (See Preparing the Body above. See Resources to find a shroud maker))
The Higher Ground Experience
Scheduling the Burial
Funerals must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of the service. Cemetery staff will consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Contact us
Preparing Visitors
Arriving at the Cemetery
Carrying to the Grave
Families may appoint 4 – 6 pallbearers for a procession from the entrance to the gravesite. Attendees will wait in the parking area for the procession to begin.
Funerals must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of the service. Cemetery staff will consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Contact us
Preparing Visitors
- Mourners who plan to attend the funeral are expected to follow the guidelines and to sign the visitors’ logbook at the entrance prior to the service.
- Mourners are advised that the cemetery is not liable for visitor injury as a result of activities undertaken before, during, and after the service while on the cemetery property.
- Appropriate footwear is essential, including athletic shoes, and boots rather than heels or dress shoes.
- Water, umbrellas, sunscreen, insect repellant, and walking sticks may be advised.
- Notify staff in advance if additional support is needed for non-ambulatory visitors or those with restrictive medical conditions.
- No smoking.
- Pack out all trash.
Arriving at the Cemetery
- Carpooling is recommended.
- Plan to arrive 15 – 20 minutes before the stated time of the service.
- Restroom facilities are not available on site, but arrangements can be made on a limited basis in a neighboring residence.
- Appropriate footwear is essential, including athletic shoes, and boots rather than heels or dress shoes.
- Water, umbrellas, sunscreen, insect repellant, and walking sticks may be advised.
Carrying to the Grave
Families may appoint 4 – 6 pallbearers for a procession from the entrance to the gravesite. Attendees will wait in the parking area for the procession to begin.
General Information
Future Visits
Visitors are welcome during operating hours. Hiking, walking, meditating, birdwatching, non-amplified music and picnicking are encouraged.
Hours of Operation
Higher Ground’s open hours: 8:00 am to dusk.
Pets
Pets are allowed in the cemetery on leash; owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
Gravestone Decorations
Trinkets, artificial flowers, flags, ribbons, statues, money, and other items are not allowed and will be removed by cemetery staff.
Vehicles
Traffic is by foot, walker or wheelchair where feasible. Nonmotorized transport is not currently available.
Plantings
Native plantings suitable for the forest site conditions are acceptable, in consultation with cemetery staff.
Hardscapes
Fencing, coping, and other enclosures or hardscapes are not allowed. The taking of stones is prohibited; placemaking with stones and cairns may be deemed appropriate in consultation with Higher Ground staff or stewardship partners.
Markers
Flat markers, corner stones, or engraved native stones found on the property are welcome in lieu of large monuments. All markers must be pre-approved by cemetery staff. Local artisans have simple pre-approved ceramic designs to offer, an example of which is shown at the top of the Contact page.
Transportation
There is no set limit for how far away a deceased loved one may be from Higher Ground. Neighboring states from which or through which a deceased is transported requires a burial transport permit, readily obtained by family arranging their own transport. Check each state’s rules so you’re prepared beforehand if arranging your own transportation, or ask us if you'd like our support with arrangements. Realistically, we don’t envision members traveling from beyond New England, with most coming from Vermont and neighboring states.
Visitors are welcome during operating hours. Hiking, walking, meditating, birdwatching, non-amplified music and picnicking are encouraged.
Hours of Operation
Higher Ground’s open hours: 8:00 am to dusk.
Pets
Pets are allowed in the cemetery on leash; owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
Gravestone Decorations
Trinkets, artificial flowers, flags, ribbons, statues, money, and other items are not allowed and will be removed by cemetery staff.
Vehicles
Traffic is by foot, walker or wheelchair where feasible. Nonmotorized transport is not currently available.
Plantings
Native plantings suitable for the forest site conditions are acceptable, in consultation with cemetery staff.
Hardscapes
Fencing, coping, and other enclosures or hardscapes are not allowed. The taking of stones is prohibited; placemaking with stones and cairns may be deemed appropriate in consultation with Higher Ground staff or stewardship partners.
Markers
Flat markers, corner stones, or engraved native stones found on the property are welcome in lieu of large monuments. All markers must be pre-approved by cemetery staff. Local artisans have simple pre-approved ceramic designs to offer, an example of which is shown at the top of the Contact page.
Transportation
There is no set limit for how far away a deceased loved one may be from Higher Ground. Neighboring states from which or through which a deceased is transported requires a burial transport permit, readily obtained by family arranging their own transport. Check each state’s rules so you’re prepared beforehand if arranging your own transportation, or ask us if you'd like our support with arrangements. Realistically, we don’t envision members traveling from beyond New England, with most coming from Vermont and neighboring states.
“It's all about carbon sequestration and letting those lovely microbes do their work, giving back instead of taking away, and acts of care that benefit everyone—that's why Higher Ground is so important to this community and to this planet.”
—Lee Webster, funeral reform advocate and author of Changing Landscapes