About Us

Oak Grove

Green conservation burial in the root zone of trees in family groves

Incorporation in the active root zone of trees makes 100% of the body's nutrients available in the local ecosystem, to be taken up into the forest or grove, including oak, madrone, redwood, bay laurel and other tree species that dominate this 550-acre working ranch, now being preserved as part of a conservation network of biodiversity in the region.  

The core concept establishes Family Groves, small groves in oak woodland, perpetually designated for ceremonial use, including burial, family rituals, and nature conservation.  A family grove, depending on the site, is ~400-2500 square feet with 4-6 trees. Only approved California native species will be used. 

 We honor those who have come and gone before us, starting with the first peoples and continuing through today. Community engagement is central, with a focus on dialog, partnerships, and inclusion.

Brief Description of Sacred Groves

Sacred Groves is more than just a nonprofit or a burial option —it’s a movement, a heartfelt reimagining of how we honor life and memory. We believe that saying goodbye to a loved one should be as natural and meaningful as the life they lived. Through green conservation burial, we provide a way for people to return to the earth gently, in harmony with the land, nourishing the roots of trees in beautiful, protected Family Groves.

Our tagline, “Green conservation burial in the root zone of trees in Family Groves,” reflects our deep commitment to sustainability, legacy, and love. Instead of traditional cemeteries filled with concrete, headstones and toxic chemicals, we create living sanctuaries—places where trees stand as lasting tributes, where the earth is healed rather than harmed, and where future generations can walk in the shade of those who came before them.

At the heart of Sacred Groves is a revolutionary burial method we call “entreement”— a term that moves beyond “interment” or “burial” — placing loved ones in the root zones of trees. Entreement allows departed loved ones to become part of the land, nourishing the trees that will grow strong and tall in their honor. Each Family Grove, made up of three to six trees, becomes a sacred space of remembrance, reflection, and renewal. Some groves will hold existing trees, while others will welcome new ones, planted with love and care. Plots in grassland and couples groves are also available.

This approach isn’t just about conservation—it’s about connection. We honor those who came before us, starting with the first peoples of this land and continuing through to today’s diverse communities. Sacred Groves embraces people of all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, offering a natural resting place that is as inclusive as it is peaceful.

Winding through these serene landscapes, gentle trails invite loved ones to visit, to walk among the trees, to feel the quiet presence of those who rest there. Instead of rows of marble and concrete, we offer wildflowers, grasslands, and forests that evolve and thrive.

Sacred Groves is built on a foundation of community and collaboration. Through dialogue, partnerships, and inclusive engagement, we will shape this vision together. Our journey begins with careful planning: staff training, design workshops, and pilot programs that will lead to a full launch. Every step of the way, we are committed to environmental stewardship, thoughtful design, and the highest standards of care.

To bring this vision to life, we are actively working with conservationists, landowners, and ecological designers. We are securing permits, creating best practices, and developing spaces that will stand for generations. Fundraising will include crowdfunding, grants, and donor relationships, ensuring that we can protect and restore the land while offering families an affordable and beautiful alternative to traditional burial.

Success for Sacred Groves will be measured not only in the number of families served but in something even greater: a shift in how we think about death, memory, and our place in nature. By choosing to return to the earth in a way that heals rather than harms, we create a lasting legacy—not just for ourselves, but for the planet and for those who will come after us.

This is our mission. This is our promise. This is Sacred Groves.

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Our Boards

Meet The Sacred Grove Boards

An alternative to interment

“Entreement” is offered as an alternative to interment, with the body’s physical elements ascending into the trees.

Sacred Groves Society

A Sacred Groves Society aims to pioneer a non-denominational, nature-connected approach to burial, embodying principles of land conservation, natural burial, and a community that shares a profound reverence for nature.

We are currently organized as a Public Benefit Religious Corporation, registered by the State of California. This structure acknowledges the connection among clients in a community of like-minded people who appreciate deep connections to nature and wild ecosystems, including natural burial.

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Our Memberships