green burial at just love forest

Green burial returns the body to the earth simply and naturally, no embalming, no vaults, biodegradable materials only. It nourishes the forest, supports biodiversity, and lets families gather in a living sanctuary rather than a manicured lawn.

Our sanctuary is in Poetry, Georgia (near Rome), on private forest land stewarded by the Just Love community.

• Sacred Forest — woodland sites with gentle access.

• Bhakti Mountain Summit — limited, mountaintop sites with expansive views.

• Circle of Paws — our dedicated pet burial ground near Basecamp.

Circle of Paws offers full-body pet burials and cremation memorials. Families may be present and participate. Size-based pricing keeps things simple (see above). We’ll guide you on containers, timing, and ceremony.

• Bhakti Mountain Summit : $5,000 total.

• Sacred Forest : $3,500 total.

• Circle of Paws (pet) full-body: $600 / $800 / $1,000 (size-based).

• Circle of Paws cremation memorial: $375.
  All pricing is reviewed annually.

• Interment rights (reservation of a specific plot).

• Opening & closing of the grave (hand-dug with natural organic lining, when conditions allow).

• Land stewardship contribution to care for roads, trails, and the natural landscape.

Yes.  Every burial at Just Love Forest includes the placement of a natural native stone marker at the gravesite and a survey pin with GPS co-ordinates. This is part of our philosophy of blending respectfully with the forest while still providing a lasting point of remembrance.

• Engraving is optional. The base burial fee covers the marker itself, but engraving is available for an additional fee. Standard engraving (name + dates): $250-$500 flat fee

Families may provide their own marker, provided it aligns with the ecological and aesthetic standards of Just Love Forest.

Markers must be:

• Made from natural materials, such as locally sourced stone or untreated wood from the property or region.

• Flat to the ground and no larger than 12 x 18 inches (216 square inches).

• Unpainted and unsealed, with no concrete foundations, metal, plastic, or synthetic elements.

• Engraving is permitted but must remain simple, natural, and in harmony with the surroundings.

• Only one marker is allowed per burial site.

All markers require pre-approval by the Cemetery Manager before placement. Any item not consistent with these guidelines may be removed without notice to preserve the natural landscape and the forest’s conservation mission.

• Funeral home services & body transport

• Death certificate issuance

• Biodegradable shroud/coffin

• Engraving of the native stone (optional add-on)

• Additional florals, printed programs, musicians, photography

• Overnight stays / meals at Basecamp (optional add-on)

Yes.

• Deposit: 50% due at reservation (this secures your plot).

• Remaining 50%: equal installments over up to 12 months. No interest.

• Important: Burial occurs after the fee is paid in full.

Absolutely. Payments today means more support to the forest so that we can help the endangered plants and animals that call the forest home.

We offer a grace and cure period: if a payment is missed, we’ll notify you and provide time to cure. If the account remains delinquent after the cure period, we may cancel the reservation and return the site to inventory. Any non-refundable administrative costs and previously provided services may be deducted from funds held. (We’ll review these details with you at signing so expectations are clear and compassionate.)

• Interment rights = the legal right to be buried in a specific plot within our cemetery grounds.

• Burial fee = the all-inclusive price (interment rights + opening/closing + coordination + stewardship contribution).

Our path centers full-body green burial. In rare, case-by-case situations, we may support a cremation memorial (e.g., placement of cremated remains under a native stone) when aligned with our guidelines and the land’s needs.

Yes. We collaborate with death doulas and end-of-life guides. We can share referrals or support a doula you already know—please coordinate in advance.

Yes—within safety and site guidelines. Many families place organic materials (pine straw, flowers) and help with final earth placement in a mindful, supervised way.

Nature-centered, respectful practices are welcome (silence, song, prayer, readings, simple altars with natural materials). We ask that everything brought to the land is biodegradable and packed out if not left as part of the natural grave dressing.

No. (Dry ice, cooling, and home vigil practices are compatible with green burial and can be coordinated.)

• Yes, free tours on the following 2025 Sundays: Feb 16, Mar 23, Apr 13, May 11, Jun 22, Aug 10, Sep 21, Oct 5, Nov 9, Dec 21.

• Every Tuesday pre-scheduled guests arrive at 10am for a hike to Bhakti Mountain Summit.

• Private tours available by appointment (fee may apply).

Bhakti Mountain is limited and prioritized for our community and aligned families. Availability is curated to protect the land and the contemplative nature of the summit.

• Sacred Forest: gentler access; walking on forest paths required.

• Bhakti Mountain: steeper terrain and limited parking; staff will advise suitability.
  Please share mobility needs in advance so we can help you choose the right site and plan support.

This is an active forest sanctuary. Trails, slopes, and weather can change conditions quickly. All visitors must sign a liability waiver before entering beyond Basecamp.

• Respect for the land, wildlife, and quiet.

• Biodegradable materials only; no litter or plastics.

• Stay on marked paths; follow steward instructions.

• Drones by permission only.

• Dogs on leash; no pets at human burial ceremonies unless approved in advance for accessibility or special circumstances.

We can share recommended suppliers and simple, affordable options; families often source their own.

Potentially, overnight stays and meals at basecamp may be available during community weekends or by arrangement. Ask us about options and guest capacities.

Yes. Gifts help sustain trails, native plantings, erosion control, and long-term stewardship. Legacy/bequest gifts are welcome.