The Metta Earth Green Burial Ground offers an ecologically mindful alternative to today’s conventional burial system. Simple natural burial is as old as human history. As members of the community pass away, we offer the opportunity for burial to be as in tune with the natural environment as possible. Over time, the forest can thrive with plants that serve as a memorial for those who have gone before us—a reminder of life’s cyclical nature.

Emerging Site Development

The Green Burial Ground is a project of Metta Earth Institute and will be an extension of its non-profit organization. The Infinitude Zone has been designated as the site for this project and is located at the center of the property.

Metta Earth is part of the working landscape Current Use Program and is working with a forester from Vermont Family Forests to create an ecologically sensitive design and implementation.

A committee is forming with local green burial advocates, as well as other support team to actualize this project. The Green Burial Council, a national non-profit, offers guidelines that support this type of development. Because 2015 legislation was passed allowing non-profit green burial grounds in Vermont, Metta Earth Institute is now able to work with legal and financial advisors to implement one of the first projects.

Metta Earth Institute is in the process of designing guided retreats and programs for bereavement, aging, death and dying, as well as various dimensions of green burial.

Next Phase

A business plan and legal/financial documents are needed to formalize this project.

A capital campaign will provide funds to purchase land shares and for the development of the project.

Metta Earth Institute is forming a committee consisting of regional green burial advocates to guide and sustain this project.

Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

~Sogyal Rinpoche