Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will burying people without vaults and without embalming hurt water quality?
A. Actually, we expect that creating memorial landscapes will protect or improve existing water quality. The main threats to water quality relate to intensive agriculture and urbanization, with the associated water use, erosion, chemical and petroleum product run off and animal waste. Conventional cemeteries also use a great deal of water for irrigation, and are heavy users of fertilizers and chemicals. They also bury thousands of gallons of chemicals used for embalming-some of which can leak out over the years, although it is doubtful that the amounts will be harmful to people.
While the human body contains bacteria and viruses at death, many of these die or become inert within hours or days; almost all are inert within five years. Before any surface water is contaminated, germs must percolate through many feet of soil and rock, and then exit via a spring, a process that can take many years. Studies in the UK suggest that the risk of any viable germs making it from a cemetery to surface water is very slim indeed. If large numbers of bodies are buried immediately above the water table during a short period of time, it is possible that some of the germs could reach ground water, but the scientific studies suggest that even then, the only warning is not to drink untreated well water under or within 75 feet of that area.
In our memorial landscapes, we do not bury immediately adjacent to streams, and the density of burials is much less than for conventional cemeteries. By returning the areas to natural vegetation, we expect an improvement of adjacent waterways and greater biological diversity over time.
Q. Will natural burials attract animals that could dig up the bodies?
A. Pioneer cemeteries located in wild areas that contained animals such as grizzly bears were not disturbed. We have seen absolutely no evidence whatsoever that animals are attracted to natural burial sites, despite the presence of dogs, coyotes, and the occasional black bear. Anyone who has ever dug or filled in a grave would be doubtful about such worries. Even relatively shallow natural burials where no casket is used are safe from animal interference.
Q. How can we be sure that the grave site will be protected from development in the future, or from getting “overgrown"?
A. A percentage of the sales price goes into a permanent endowment for the care of the space. Once native vegetation is in place, it is free to grow. The endowment mainly functions to keep trails and public spaces open. It also helps keep invasive species at bay, and helps in special circumstances such as after a natural disaster. State laws are also specific about banning development of dedicated cemeteries. Ramsey Creek is protected by a conservation easement with Upstate Forever, the largest land-trust in upstate South Carolina.
Q. How can you keep track of where people are buried? Will people be able to find family burial sites?
A. We allow (but do not require) stone markers as long as they are of stone natural to the area and are employed in a way to enhance ecological restoration. However, we have developed other technologies to assure that family members can easily find graves with no individual rock marker. All of this information is carefully entered into data-bases that will be archived electronically and on paper.
Q. May we bury two people in the same grave space? Wouldn’t that help keep the impacts (and costs) low?
A. First of all, because the bodies in most situations will break down very rapidly, it would be technically difficult, unless both people died at the same time. Also, we have developed techniques that integrate ecological restoration with the ground disturbance of burial. In some cases, the gravesite of a loved one who died a few years earlier will be one of the most diverse and sensitive spots in the vicinity. We would not want to put that effort at risk. The whole idea is that each burial protects and lovingly restores a specific spot. Burial is not a waste of land, it protects and restores the land. Some options might be less expensive, but not as good for the environment.
Q. My family has five acres of land. Couldn’t we have our own conservation burial ground.
A. Family graveyards have a long and noble history in some areas of our country, but unless the acreage is in a key spot, such as an in-holding in a large natural area or contains unusual plants, etc., or unless you can assure that the land around it will not become developed, such small areas are of dubious conservation value. Without a significant management endowment, which is difficult to create on a small property even if non-family members are included, such areas are prone to losing diversity over time. In some cases in states where it is allowed, such small graveyards can be moved to accommodate other uses. A community-based approach to burial ensures that the area is the right size and in the right location to make a real difference for wildlife. It also provides connections with more people, helping to ensure the long term survival of the natural area that is created or protected.
Q. I understand that you do not allow non-biodegradable caskets, but what if I have a medical prosthesis?
A. While we want as little non-biodegradable material buried as possible, we think that it is not practical or ecologically important to remove all dental fillings, heart valves, hips, knees, etc. Anyone who has concerns about this can contact us for a fuller explanation.
Q. OK, I want to purchase a spot at one of you conservation burial grounds. What are the next steps?
A. 1) Explore the website for Memorial Ecosystems and the site devoted to the location that you prefer by looking at the map here. 2) Contact the site steward or telephone numbers on the burial ground's web site or call 864-647-7798, the main company office. The steward should be able to give you current information. 3) If possible, arrange for a site visit with the steward to help you choose a site in person. If you cannot visit, the steward can help you decide what area you might prefer. 4) Try to speak with the steward before contacting a funeral provider. While many families have long-standing relationships with family funeral homes, we have worked to find providers who understand natural burial and who are offering a good price for their services. See more about planning for a conservation burial here.
Q. Do you have payment plans?
A. We do have payment plans for those who purchase in advance, but "at need" purchases must be paid in full at the time of service. See our price list and payment plan option here.
A. Actually, we expect that creating memorial landscapes will protect or improve existing water quality. The main threats to water quality relate to intensive agriculture and urbanization, with the associated water use, erosion, chemical and petroleum product run off and animal waste. Conventional cemeteries also use a great deal of water for irrigation, and are heavy users of fertilizers and chemicals. They also bury thousands of gallons of chemicals used for embalming-some of which can leak out over the years, although it is doubtful that the amounts will be harmful to people.
While the human body contains bacteria and viruses at death, many of these die or become inert within hours or days; almost all are inert within five years. Before any surface water is contaminated, germs must percolate through many feet of soil and rock, and then exit via a spring, a process that can take many years. Studies in the UK suggest that the risk of any viable germs making it from a cemetery to surface water is very slim indeed. If large numbers of bodies are buried immediately above the water table during a short period of time, it is possible that some of the germs could reach ground water, but the scientific studies suggest that even then, the only warning is not to drink untreated well water under or within 75 feet of that area.
In our memorial landscapes, we do not bury immediately adjacent to streams, and the density of burials is much less than for conventional cemeteries. By returning the areas to natural vegetation, we expect an improvement of adjacent waterways and greater biological diversity over time.
Q. Will natural burials attract animals that could dig up the bodies?
A. Pioneer cemeteries located in wild areas that contained animals such as grizzly bears were not disturbed. We have seen absolutely no evidence whatsoever that animals are attracted to natural burial sites, despite the presence of dogs, coyotes, and the occasional black bear. Anyone who has ever dug or filled in a grave would be doubtful about such worries. Even relatively shallow natural burials where no casket is used are safe from animal interference.
Q. How can we be sure that the grave site will be protected from development in the future, or from getting “overgrown"?
A. A percentage of the sales price goes into a permanent endowment for the care of the space. Once native vegetation is in place, it is free to grow. The endowment mainly functions to keep trails and public spaces open. It also helps keep invasive species at bay, and helps in special circumstances such as after a natural disaster. State laws are also specific about banning development of dedicated cemeteries. Ramsey Creek is protected by a conservation easement with Upstate Forever, the largest land-trust in upstate South Carolina.
Q. How can you keep track of where people are buried? Will people be able to find family burial sites?
A. We allow (but do not require) stone markers as long as they are of stone natural to the area and are employed in a way to enhance ecological restoration. However, we have developed other technologies to assure that family members can easily find graves with no individual rock marker. All of this information is carefully entered into data-bases that will be archived electronically and on paper.
Q. May we bury two people in the same grave space? Wouldn’t that help keep the impacts (and costs) low?
A. First of all, because the bodies in most situations will break down very rapidly, it would be technically difficult, unless both people died at the same time. Also, we have developed techniques that integrate ecological restoration with the ground disturbance of burial. In some cases, the gravesite of a loved one who died a few years earlier will be one of the most diverse and sensitive spots in the vicinity. We would not want to put that effort at risk. The whole idea is that each burial protects and lovingly restores a specific spot. Burial is not a waste of land, it protects and restores the land. Some options might be less expensive, but not as good for the environment.
Q. My family has five acres of land. Couldn’t we have our own conservation burial ground.
A. Family graveyards have a long and noble history in some areas of our country, but unless the acreage is in a key spot, such as an in-holding in a large natural area or contains unusual plants, etc., or unless you can assure that the land around it will not become developed, such small areas are of dubious conservation value. Without a significant management endowment, which is difficult to create on a small property even if non-family members are included, such areas are prone to losing diversity over time. In some cases in states where it is allowed, such small graveyards can be moved to accommodate other uses. A community-based approach to burial ensures that the area is the right size and in the right location to make a real difference for wildlife. It also provides connections with more people, helping to ensure the long term survival of the natural area that is created or protected.
Q. I understand that you do not allow non-biodegradable caskets, but what if I have a medical prosthesis?
A. While we want as little non-biodegradable material buried as possible, we think that it is not practical or ecologically important to remove all dental fillings, heart valves, hips, knees, etc. Anyone who has concerns about this can contact us for a fuller explanation.
Q. OK, I want to purchase a spot at one of you conservation burial grounds. What are the next steps?
A. 1) Explore the website for Memorial Ecosystems and the site devoted to the location that you prefer by looking at the map here. 2) Contact the site steward or telephone numbers on the burial ground's web site or call 864-647-7798, the main company office. The steward should be able to give you current information. 3) If possible, arrange for a site visit with the steward to help you choose a site in person. If you cannot visit, the steward can help you decide what area you might prefer. 4) Try to speak with the steward before contacting a funeral provider. While many families have long-standing relationships with family funeral homes, we have worked to find providers who understand natural burial and who are offering a good price for their services. See more about planning for a conservation burial here.
Q. Do you have payment plans?
A. We do have payment plans for those who purchase in advance, but "at need" purchases must be paid in full at the time of service. See our price list and payment plan option here.
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