This winter has been an exceptionally beautiful time at the cemetery. Those of you who have visited have been treated to a constant coating of the trees, grounds, and trails with fresh snow and the thrill of seeing the tracks of our four-legged residents. We are very grateful to our good friend Steve Amell for his help in keeping our road and main trails open for visitors and for cemetery operations.
News From Our Founders & New Parents
Michelle and Paul continue to enjoy their time with Nico. They have even been able to take him on several outings to the cemetery to introduce Nico to what will be a special place for him as he grows up and teach him the stories of the people we have buried there. Their leave will officially be over at the beginning of April.
Documentary Screenings
Jim Hogle (Communications and Outreach Coordinator), Bailey McLauglin (Cemeterian), Doreen Hogle (Michelle’s mom and Jim’s spouse) and Anna White (one of our star volunteers), have been busy showing the award-winning documentary “From Earth to Earth: The Lost Art of Dying in America” at venues across the state. Since the New Year we have had showings in Brandon, Lincoln, Vergennes, and Middlebury and have announced upcoming showings in Rutland, Hardwick, Montpelier, Charlotte, Poultney, White River Junction, and East Corinth. Don’t see your town on this list? We’ve got several more screenings in the early stages of planning!
The response to our showings and the discussions that followed have been very positive! We have really enjoyed the opportunity to meet people who are interested in learning more about natural burial and the importance of end-of-life planning. Keep an eye out on the events section of the website and our Facebook and Instagram page for these and other scheduled events, including scheduled tours, which will resume this spring.
If you would like to have a showing of the documentary in your area and are willing us to help identify a suitable venue please contact Jim Hogle at info@cemetery.eco.
The groundhog called for six more weeks of winter, but that isn’t keeping us from turning our thoughts towards spring!
Last year we accomplished so much, nearly tripling the size of the open areas of the cemetery. This year, we have a number of projects in mind to make these new spaces accessible and comfortable for all.
Some examples of projects:
We’d like to build an accessible privy in addition to the existing one, and make both open year round.
We will plant about an acre of willow to create a renewable source of green matter for burials as well as weaving material for caskets.
We want to upgrade the main trails to be fully accessible to visitors with mobility aids.
Some of you are aware we’ve started to offer families the chance to memorialize their experiences and document the stories of the people we bury. We will continue that project as well as keeping up our public outreach and education with events led by Bailey, Jim, and Michelle.
And of course, we’ll continue to be there for the families we serve: both those who have pre-purchased their burial sites, and those who come to us after a loss.
In order to accomplish this we need your help! Most of what we accomplished last year we did with the help of the over 50 of you who bought lots in advance.
Securing your burial rights today is the best way you can help us keep growing as an accessible cemetery.
If you have been considering burial at Vermont Forest Cemetery and are ready to make the purchase, you can become a Graveholder today by filling out and submitting the application, and then paying the invoice that will be sent to the email address you provide.f you have already applied and received an invoice you can complete the process of reserving your spot.
Your support will help us maintain operations this winter and still be able to hit the ground running when spring comes and activities increase.
Your donations are tax deductible!
What a winter it has been! The professional services of Steve Amell have helped us keep cemetery lane and our most used trails open through all the snow we’ve gotten. Please consider making a donation today. Even small gifts will help us continue to keep the cemetery open for visitors 12 months a year.
Thank you so much for helping us build the cemetery into a fully accessible, sustainable place that serves all the needs of our community. We are so grateful for your support.
Due to heavy snow accumulation, and with another storm on the way, all trails through Vermont Forest Cemetery will be closed until further notice.
Cemetery Lane will continue to be plowed and kept open. But if you choose to visit, we urge you to take the time to review our winter guidelines. In particular, please note that all-wheel or four-wheel-drive is a must on the town highways leading to the Cemetery. Foot travel outside plowed areas should only be attempted by experienced winter hikers with the appropriate gear. For your safety, we STRONGLY discourage casual visits until conditions improve. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back once the weather clears.
Stay safe, and we appreciate your understanding!