We are burying my dad at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery and I want to talk about what that means and encourage you to look into whether there's something similar near you. 🧵1/
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this is beautiful, and it’s so important for people to learn about alternative burial options. (I love gardening and hope to be composted.) thank you for sharing this story.
I had to consider what I want done when creating an estate plan. I'd always assumed cremation, but having learned more about that process I'm not so sure. We found this - hopefully we won't need it anytime soon, but I appreciate that it exists and that you are sharing your experience!
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family all the love during these hard days. ❤️ Thank you for bringing this burial alternative to light
Prairie Creek is about 1/6 of a 600-acre preserve created by a nonprofit land trust. The whole preserve is open to the public, contiguous with Gainesville's beloved Paynes Prairie. Other than some mounds of soil and some signage on the edges, there's little to tell you it's a cemetery.2/
The only non- biodegradable item at each gravesite is a short metal stake with a copper top, stamped with the deceased's name, birth date, and death date.
To find your loved one, you can look up the GPS coordinates of their stake. 3/
But also, you are likely to remember the location. Because in the midst of our society that holds death at arms' length, Prairie Creek invites you to engage.
My spouse and I helped to dig the grave on Friday. It's not required -- they have volunteers to do it -- but I'm so glad I did it. 4/
I started the day crying and by the end we were laughing and holding up roots triumphantly as they came out, saving them to make a temporary sculpture later. Labor and community can be healing.
While we were digging there were 2 sandhill cranes hanging out quite close, and many flying overhead. 5/
My dad will be buried unembalmed, in a simple shroud. We will lead him to the grave in a wooden cart, and cover him in flowers. He will become a part of the Prairie. It all feels real and true.
What a lovely setting and send off. A chance to grieve and to celebrate life in all its forms. Thank you for sharing and I hope it continues to help with your grief.
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To find your loved one, you can look up the GPS coordinates of their stake. 3/
My spouse and I helped to dig the grave on Friday. It's not required -- they have volunteers to do it -- but I'm so glad I did it. 4/
While we were digging there were 2 sandhill cranes hanging out quite close, and many flying overhead. 5/
Some similar cemeteries listed here:
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Here's a piece on some of the problems with embalming (but partly I had to share for the title)
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