When I die lay me down in the woods
With the rotten logs
Lay me down in the forest so I can be part of the trees
Let my bones bleach away
My flesh turn to soil
…
When I die lay me down in the woods
So I can be free
– Ken Bevis
By Susie Kowalczyk, Mary McCrea and Dave Sabold
If these words strike a chord with you, you may be interested in our work to establish a natural, pioneer-style burial cemetery in the Methow Valley. What is a natural burial cemetery and why do we need one here in the valley?
A natural burial cemetery is a place where the bodies of family and friends may be buried in their natural state without embalming or cremation, although cremation remains an option. There are no cement vaults or metal caskets as required in traditional cemeteries. A body may be placed in a simple wooden box, merely wrapped in a blanket, or laid directly on a bed of sage or the soil itself. The cemetery is maintained in as natural a condition as possible and provides a quiet, beautiful place to come to remember those who have died.
Why are we working to create a natural burial cemetery? We recognize and respect the Sullivan and Beaver Creek cemeteries and all the work that has gone into these historic cemeteries over the years. The cemeteries provide important services to our valley.
By establishing a natural burial cemetery our community members would have options for burying family and friends. Once a person has passed away, and any care and ceremonies have been carried out, the body can be taken directly to the natural burial cemetery by family and friends rather than being taken directly to a funeral home soon after death occurs. Later, when friends and family come back to visit the natural burial site, they can remember their loved one and the personal experience of laying them naturally to rest.
We made a presentation at a Methow At Home meeting in late January where we explained the steps to create a natural burial cemetery and showed a short video of the White Eagle natural cemetery in Goldendale, Washington. We will be hosting a wider community discussion about a natural burial cemetery for our valley in July. Jodie Buller, of the White Eagle cemetery, will speak about that group’s experiences in starting and maintaining their natural burial grounds. We invite you to attend the discussion and bring your questions and ideas regarding a natural burial cemetery. Specific day, time and location of the meeting will be announced in June.
An essential first step in creating a natural burial cemetery is to find 10 or more acres here in the valley to dedicate to that purpose. If any of you own land you might consider for a natural burial cemetery, or you have any immediate questions about this effort, please contact Dave Sabold at 996-2522 or Susie Kowalczyk at 997-4412.
Being with our family and friends at the end of their lives is a gift. We hope by having a natural burial cemetery we can extend that gift to laying our family and friends to rest in a beautiful, natural setting.
We hope to see you at our community discussion in July.
