What makes Vermont Forest Cemetery Unique?

At Vermont Forest Cemetery our commitment to doing our best both by the planet and by the people we serve is revolutionary.

Vermont Forest Cemetery is a 60 acre cemetery on a former logging tract in the hills of Roxbury,VT surrounded by the Roxbury State Forest. It is run by the non-profit, Vermont Natural Burial co-founded by Michelle Acciavatti and Tim Graves in 2020. Michelle is a licensed mortician, end-of-life specialist, nationally recognized natural burial educator, and writer. Tim is a retired Army mortuary affairs officer, naturalist, woodworker, and musician. They have been serving the end of life, funeral, and disposition needs of Vermonters since 2014. 

Learn more about Michelle here- LINK coming soon!

Learn more about Tim here- Link coming soon!

Options at Vermont Forest Cemetery include burial, interment of ashes, scattering of ashes, burial of household pets, and a place in a memorial grove for when there is no body to bury, all in a beautiful forest setting. Plots can be selected by the individual in an area of their choosing, purchesed in advance, and bought in units or individually. Graves can be marked with surface markers. Burial containers must be made of natural, biodegradable material. No concrete, plastic, or synthetic material is permitted in the cemetery. No bodies that have been chemically preserved (even with "green embalming" chemicals) can be accepted for burial.

Opening in summer of 2022, we pride ourselves on being accessible and affordable. The main cemetery trail can accommodate people of all physical abilities, including those using wheelchairs or needing to drive. Tim makes caskets, urns, and markers that can be purchased (link coming soon). The cemetery will be open 365 days a year- yes, even for winter burial.

Read more about Michelle, Tim, and their vision for Vermont Forest Cemetery in this article.

We are currently hard at work preparing the cemetery for opening. To learn more please contact us at info@vermontnaturalburial.org. We do our best to respond to all emails within 2 business days. You can also read our blog and subscribe to our once-monthly newsletter.