green burial at just love forest

How to Begin Your Sacred Journey

We understand that choosing a final resting place is a deeply personal decision. Our team is here to guide you with care and respect as you explore whether a green burial at the forest is right for you.

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FREQUENTLY asked questions

Why green burial?

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.

Where is Just Love Forest?

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

What are the resting place options?

• 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.

What are the current prices?

• Sacred Forest : $3,500 total.

• Bhakti Mountain Summit : $5,000 total.

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

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

What’s included in the human burial fee?

• Interment rights (reservation of a specific plot).

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

• Do burials include a gravestone or marker?
  Yes. Every burial at Just Love Forest includes the placement of a natural native stone marker at the gravesite. This is part of our philosophy of blending respectfully with the forest while still providing a lasting point of remembrance.

  Are engravings included?
  Engraving is optional. The base burial fee covers the marker itself, but engraving is available for an additional fee.

  • Standard engraving (name + dates): $500 flat fee

  Can families provide their own marker?
  Families may propose a biodegradable or natural marker of their own choosing, but it must be pre-approved by Just Love Forest to ensure ecological harmony and alignment with cemetery guidelines.

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

What’s not included?

• 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)

Do you offer financing?

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.

Can I pre-purchase and pay 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.

What happens if payments are missed?

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.)

What is “interment rights” vs. “burial fee”?

• 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).

Do you allow cremation burial for humans?

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.

Are death doulas welcome?

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.

Can families participate in the opening/closing or ceremony?

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.

What ceremonies or rituals are supported?

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.

What markers are used?

A native stone is placed and recorded. Engraving is available as an optional add-on.

Is embalming allowed?

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

Can we tour the grounds?

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

Who can choose Bhakti Mountain Summit?

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.

How accessible are the sites?

• 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.

Weather, safety & terrain

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.

Guest guidelines

• 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.

Do you sell biodegradable shrouds or coffins?

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

Can we hold an overnight or host a meal?

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

Can we donate to support the forest?

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

Pet burials: what should we know?

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.

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1. Schedule a Personal Consultation

We invite you to schedule a free consultation with one of our stewards using the form below to:

• Learn about the green burial process

• What makes our sanctuary unique

• Arrange a site visit to experience the land

• Ask any questions about logistics, ecological impact, and planning

2. Visit the Forest

We encourage an in-person visit to walk the land, feel its presence, and connect with the space. We offer free tours at every community weekend. Please complete the form below to sign up or request a consultation. Private tours are available by appointment for a fee.

Upcoming 2025 free tours on Sundays: February 16th, March 23rd, April 13th, May 11th, June 22nd, August 10th, September 21st, October 5th, November 9th and December 21st

3. Reserve Your Space

• Complete the interment rights agreement with our team

• Choose your preferred payment option (click here for details)

• Begin your journey with peace of mind, knowing your place in the Sacred Forest is assured

4. Planning for the Future

After reserving your space, we offer additional resources to support your end-of-life planning, including:

• Personalized burial planning assistance to help you outline your wishes

• Guidance on natural preparation (home vigils, family-led ceremonies, etc.)

• Death doula, grief and community support for those wishing to engage in deeper connection

• Leave a legacy gift to support the forest for years to come

  We are honored to walk this path with you. Even if you’re simply wanting more information, we encourage you to reach out, using the form below.