In 1998 Dr. Billy Campbell and Kimberley Campbell founded the first modern green burial cemetery in Westminster, South Carolina. In effect, they began the green cemetery movement in the United States and have been the model for over 200 green burial cemeteries and 18 conservation burial sites in our country. They have contributed to our understanding of all the elements of cemetery infrastructure that are often behind-the-scenes—legal matters, financials, forms, reports, mapping, ecological assessments and more. In module 7, the shovels come out and the how-to of burials is discussed from site selection and preparation, burial service, grave closure and administrative wrap-up. All of this must be accomplished against a backdrop of safety for mourners, visitors, volunteers and staff.
Since the Campbells brought us the green model of natural burial almost 30 years ago, many books, articles, newsletters, podcasts have appeared describing green burial in detail. I will not attempt to summarize. I will just say that I appreciated that the masterclass, Redesigning the End included many perspectives on grave operations. Holly Blue Hawkins likened a burial ceremony to sacred theater and an interment to a human drama in five acts. This is how she described it:
- ACT ONE: Plot selection and purchase (paperwork, coordinate gravediggers, organize on-site transport from parking to graveside)
- ACT TWO: Site preparation (orderly removal of delicate plants/ soil layers, placement of grave surround, lowering device, seating, canopy)
- ACT THREE: The burial (guide without interfering and know the names of deceased, primary mourners, clergy, celebrant/officiant, professionals like mortuary staff, supportive family and friends, grave diggers)
- ACT FOUR: Closing and site cleanup (make it look as if nothing happened there)
- ACT FIVE: Administrative wrap-up (paperwork to complete documentation)
I love Hawkins’ idea of instituting a one-page letter to the person who acted as agent for the deceased. Thank them for choosing your cemetery and supporting natural burial. Encourage them to visit the grounds, point out some of the natural features of the land and mention some of the nature-focused activities that take place in the cemetery throughout the year.