On May 18, Life Forest (Manchester) held the grand opening of Life Forest Whistle Ridge in Auburn, Maine, its newest location. Whistle Ridge is the company’s premier woodland burial location and dedicated to the burial of cremated remains only.

During the event, visitors explored the cemetery grounds with guided tours led by a Life Forest cemetery steward. Visitors also had their questions answered during an open forum and could witness what a woodland burial plot looks like when prepared for burial.

Whistle Ridge Farm hosts a total of 80 acres, utilizing multiple land protection and land use purposes, and has made a commitment to dedicate a protected parcel for the purpose of Life Forest Woodland Trail burials – natural 3-by-3, path-side burial spaces with ground-level markers. A Woodland Trail burial plot allows for one opening with as many sets of cremated remains (people and pets) buried at that one time for no extra fees.

To honor the request of families looking for the most natural forest setting, Whistle Ridge does not plant trees as memorial markers. Instead, Life Forest records the latitude and longitude of the plot as an amendment to the Whistle Ridge land deed.

The company is currently working with the state of Maine for guidelines concerning the burial of composted remains. thelifeforest.com