A NATURE PRESERVE CEMETERY
AT THE WILDERNESS CENTER
When it comes to funerals, green is the new black
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wilmot, OH – (March 15, 2013) – Natural burials, or ‘green’ burials, are continuing to
increase in popularity with those making their advance funeral arrangements – and a
recent poll shows that trend is likely to grow in the future.
When a recent AARP poll asked “Which type of burial is most appealing?” only 8%
wanted a traditional cemetery burial and only 18% chose cremation. Over 70% of those
polled through the AARP website chose green burial.
“We find the idea of being laid to rest in a beautiful, natural setting to be comforting,”
says Wooster resident Roberta Angerman. Angerman and her husband have made their
arrangements at the Foxfield Preserve nature preserve cemetery in Wilmot. “It makes no
sense to have our bodies pumped full of chemicals after we die,” added Angerman.
Natural burial prohibits the use of embalming chemicals and only allows for interment in
biodegradable caskets or burial shrouds. There is also no use of a concrete outer
containment vault. Memorials at Foxfield are limited to natural surface stones or native
plants or trees, called “living memorials.”
Amy Lee of Westlake recalls the decision to choose Foxfield as the final resting place for
her late husband. “Ken and I had been exploring options for creating a natural and living
memorial for our family after his death, and this more than fulfilled our dreams.”
Sentiments like these are heard often by Sara Starr, steward of Foxfield Preserve. “Many
people find natural burial to be a more meaningful option. There is a large spiritual
component in truly returning ‘dust-to-dust.’ Our families love the simplicity of naturally
returning to the earth, and are thrilled at all the added natural benefits.”
And those natural benefits can be fairly substantial. The proceeds of purchases made at
the Foxfield Preserve benefit The Wilderness Center in Wilmot, Ohio. This helps fund
their nature education programs that benefit 12,000 school children annually, and their
land conservation work that protects approximately 3,200 acres statewide. Additionally,
the natural burial itself can save an enormous amount of natural resources. The Green
Burial Council reports that each year the United States buries enough steel in caskets to
rebuild the Golden Gate Bridge and enough reinforced concrete to build a 2-lane highway
from New York to Detroit.
“When you really learn about all the benefits,” says Starr, “it’s no wonder this idea is
catching on!”
# # #
Foxfield Preserve provides an economical, environmental alternative to modern burial,
while helping to improve wildlife habitat, nature and water quality. The first nature
preserve cemetery in Ohio, Foxfield is also the first nature preserve cemetery in the U.S.
to be operated by a conservation organization. Income from Foxfield Preserve helps to
fund The Wilderness Center’s land acquisition, endowment and nature education
programs.
The Wilderness Center is a nonprofit nature center and conservation organization
located near Wilmot, Ohio, funded through the support of memberships, donations and
industry-leading ‘ecopreneurial’ ventures. The Center is dedicated to its mission of
connecting our community with nature, educating people of all ages, conserving natural
resources, and practicing environmental stewardship.
Vicki Shoenfelt, Marketing Director – 330.359.5235, vicki@wildernesscenter.org
Sara Starr, Foxfield Preserve Steward – 330.359.5235, foxfield@wildernesscenter.org