"One learns that the world, though made, is yet being made; that this is still the morning of creation; that mountains long conceived are now being born... showing the making of a world in which summer is the rose in the flower garden."
-- John Muir
It was a busy Spring for us at Vermont Forest Cemetery. We were able to hold a premiere showing of the short documentary From Earth to Earth, which features our first burial and the story of the creation of our cemetery, and have since had two additional screenings. If you are interested in hosting a screening in your community, complete with a Q&A with Michelle or another VFC board member, please reach out!
We also now have an cottage and privy built by Jamaica Cottage Shop, and are hard at work creating a comfortable place for people to gather in any weather in all four seasons. Maps for self-guided tours can be picked up on site, and we're working on an audio tour folks can download.
From March to July, we performed five burials, including our first urn burial. Two of these took place in the Sheepfold, shortly after our volunteers built the trail there! Michelle was able to work with two of these families in caring for and shrouding their loved one before burial, in an experience one family called "amazing."
Finally, most of you have probably noticed our social media! We're thrilled to be working with Bailey McLaughlin as our Community Outreach Coordinator and she's making sure our posts are informative, timely and interesting. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with events, natural burial facts, and what's going on behind the scenes.
Note from your Sexton:
We've built out our trail system further than ever before, breaking trail in the deep spruce grove, clearing an area for a barn to store our machinery and trail building materials, identifying buriable areas in the "Sexton's Grove", and opening up the main part of our Sheepfold for burials. Our commitment to accessibility means our next step will be extending the Northside Lane so that vehicles can access these new areas. We estimate $30,000 will bring a safe, accessible, all weather road and parking area to the heart of the forest. Once we raise the funds we will be able to offer tours and burials there for people of all physical abilities. -Paul
Note from your Head Cemeterian:
Many of you know that, in addition to having founded the cemetery, I am a death worker. I trained as a mortician, home funeral guide, and end of life specialist. Through our sister business Green Mountain Funeral Alternatives, people work with me to craft advance directives and comprehensive plans for the end of life, caring for their own dead, and natural burial. It's been such an honor to be able to bring planning clients and small groups on private tours and to work with our families to care for their own dead before burial. If you are interested in including natural burial in your end of life plans, or have a group of four or more people who want to take a tour, please email me to make arrangements. - Michelle
We need your support to extend the road in our cemetery, ensuring easier access for all visitors. No contribution is too small, and every bit helps us reach our goal. Together, we can make a significant difference! Donations can be made online by clicking here.
Thank you for your kindness and support.
We're thrilled to bring you an exciting lineup of events this month, designed to inspire, connect, and engage our community. From insightful discussions and uplifting services to tours and trail day activities, there's something for everyone. Check out the full list of events below!
OLLI at UVM Presents: Choosing to Sustain the Future on July 8th, at 5:30pm Folks can view the program information on The OLLI website and register here.
Cemetery Tour, July 14th at 11am. Register here
Screening of From Earth to Earth at The United Church of Hinesburg, July 18th at 6pm
Founders Tours with Michelle Hogle Acciavatti, July 20th at 2pm. Register here
Trail Work Day, July 21st at 11am. Register here
Sexton Tour with Paul Acciavatti, July 27th at noon. Register here
Screening of From Earth to Earth at the Albany Public Library with Michelle Acciavatti, July 28th at 3pm
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