Trail through our forest

Policies & Code of Conduct

This is an abridged list of our policies; please contact us for a complete list.

Great River Natural Burial only performs natural burials.
All burial containers, shrouds and other associated products must be made of 100% natural, biodegradable, and nontoxic materials.
Clothes of the deceased should be biodegradable fabrics, such as cotton, wool, silk, or linen.
Outer burial containers, such as concrete or metal vaults, or slabs are prohibited.
Decedents may not be embalmed, unless embalmed with only Green Burial Council approved, nontoxic products.
Memorial grave markers are natural stones, uncut and unpolished, native to our area and must be sourced by and purchased from Great River Natural Burial.
Grave decorations placed on or near graves must fit within the natural aesthetic of the land and be 100% natural, biodegradable, and nontoxic materials. Cut flowers are permissible but cannot contain invasive seeds.
Participation is encouraged and under the direction of the sexton.
Full payment must be received prior to burial

Empathize with mourners by keeping your voices low, avoid burial sites where activities are underway and/or mourners are gathered, and yield to funeral processions. The Cemetery has designated areas for picnics and play.
Photographs taken of a private interment without prior and expressed permission of the family and/or funeral director are forbidden.
While visiting the Natural Burial Cemetery we ask that one be respectful of the place, people, plants, and animals that are here.
Visitors are not permitted to walk over, lie on, or otherwise touch graves or grave markers in any manner that could cause damage or disrespect.
We are an operating cemetery; there may be heavy equipment in use and employees routinely navigate the cemetery site to conduct business. Please comply with any employee instructions and yield to maintenance vehicles or funeral processions by moving to the edge of the road or path.