Owl Creek Conservancy partnered with the Kokosing Nature Preserve to learn more about green burial during a Walk-and-Talk event on July 15th, 2023.
The Kokosing Nature Preserve is a conservation burial ground located in the picturesque countryside of Gambier, Ohio, that offers a natural burial option on twenty-three acres of restored prairies and woodlands.
Amy Henrickson, Steward of the Preserve, explained that green burial is a growing trend but hearkens back to a centuries-old tradition. In a green burial, the deceased are not embalmed and caskets are not placed inside underground metal or concrete vaults. Rather, the deceased are placed in shrouds or biodegradable caskets, typically made of wood or other natural materials. Graves can be marked by natural, engraved stones that lie flat and are typically fewer than three inches above the ground. Amy also educated the group on the wildflowers that were in bloom and what it takes to care for the preserve as the seasons change.
We were delighted to be joined by a community member who's wife was buried at the Preserve two years ago. He was kind enough to talk with us about what a wonderful experience it was to have his wife's funeral service held at the Preserve and how he loves visiting with her in such a beautiful setting.