Natural (green) burial offers the means to return our bodies to nature while avoiding the environmental costs of traditional burial or cremation: the ultimate act of being part of and respecting the interdependent web of all existence.

We now have the opportunity to do so in the Tallahassee area by joining the founders of the Red Hills Community Cemetery (RHCC) in establishing an affordable, protected, and natural cemetery which supports environmental conservation and biodiversity and developing meaningful relationships between people, life, death, and ecosystems.

RHCC has a purchase agreement for 20 acres of the 96-acre Hickory Preserve in northeastern Leon County along Miccosukee Road. As a “conservation cemetery” RHCC will protect and preserve these acres of woodland, maple swamp, hickory hammock, live oaks, and wildlife habitat through a conservation easement. As a “green cemetery” RHCC will allow full-body interment in a shroud or biodegradable container while using minimal heavy equipment for burial and landscaping and without using formaldehyde-based embalming or concrete burial vaults. Members also may bury cremains or the products of body composting.

Now is the time to join. 100 founding members are needed by October 15 to generate the capital needed to purchase the property with the goal of opening before December 2027. Over 80 people have joined so far, including Trudy and me. We know quite a few other founders.

A $4,000 membership includes the right to a burial plot, opening and closing of the grave site, and use of the site for a gathering and celebration. The cost for traditional burial in the region ranges from $5,000 to upwards of $35,000.

For the answers to frequently asked questions go to https://redhillscommunitycemetery.com/faqs/.

Click here to complete an interest form. We invite you to join us.