Sacred Groves’ progress featured in North Coast Journal cover story
The following article, originally published in the North Coast Journal on Dec 11, 2025, marks a milestone towards establishing our green burial project in the Kneeland Hills, and shares how Sacred Groves was created out of a simple idea: that when a person dies, their body should be able to nourish the living earth.
The inspiration for Sacred Groves dates back to the 1980s, when soil scientist Michael Furniss realized that he would ultimately like his body to nourish a living tree by being buried in its root zone. Finding that this option was not widely available, he coined a term for it – entreement – as a more nature-connected alternative to interment. Decades later, with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit by the Humboldt County Planning Department, Sacred Groves is now green lighted to offer such a service, and we are just months away from opening.
The Gold Standard of Green Burial
As noted in the article, more than just a natural burial ground; it is a conservation cemetery. This is considered the “highest tier” of the green burial movement. By partnering with conservationists and the North Coast Land Trust, the project ensures the land is not only used for burial but is protected and restored in perpetuity.
Voices from Our Community
Many community members spoke eloquently in support of the project at the planning commission, some of which are recorded in this article.
- Planning Commission Chair Iver Skavdal describing it as one of the “most intriguing topics” to come before the board during his tenure.
- Marc Daniels, owner of Mind’s Eye, spoke to the deep cultural roots of this practice. Reflecting on his time in Alskan Native villages, he noted: “When someone passes away in the community, it’s the family and the community that prepare the deceased… and that heals a community.”
- Sacred Groves Advisory board member Jennifer Wheeler highlighted the peace this setting offers future generations. By choosing Sacred Groves, she noted: “I can continue to be a mother for them and play a small ecological role for the soil organisms, plants and wildlife.”
- Land partner Eric Almquist, who is placing the parcel under a conservation easement, emphasized the permanence of the project: “It just kind of locks it down, just assures that this is going to be a conservation parcel basically forever.”
What to Expect
The cemetery will offer a natural, ridgetop setting surrounded by forest and grassland. Sacred Groves plans to restore native oak savannahs and will adhere to the strict standards of the National Green Burial Council.
- Opening: Expected within the next few months.
- Services: Natural burials and the spreading of ashes in grassland, family groves, or single trees.
- Future Plans: Human composting remains will be accepted starting in 2027.