Step 1
The first step is to decide if Sòlas is the right place for you. We are not a “conventional” cemetery, and we have regulations that must be followed in order to be buried in our preserve. Please review our “Rules and Regulations” page for specifics. Unfortunately there are no exceptions to these policies, as they are required in order to maintain our official certification of “Natural Burial Cemetery” under the Green Burial Council. We acknowledge that these rules may seem very strict, but it is truly our desire to offer a natural return to earth and these policies help ensure minimal disruption to the environment.
You can find information about Natural Burial in general and about Sòlas Natural Burial Preserve on the “FAQ” page. You are welcome to walk the preserve yourself. If you have additional questions please contact us via email or phone and we would be happy to assist you.
Once you’ve decided on Sòlas Natural Burial Preserve, the next step is to purchase a burial plot. Navigate to our “Available Plots” page, and choose which plot you would like. You may purchase multiple plots at a time for additional family members if you would like the plots to be next to one another. (Please note: if you purchase one plot now and additional plots at a later time, we cannot guarantee the plots will be next to one another.) Thank you for trusting us to provide your final resting place.
Step 2
Once you have added your plot to the cart, you can choose additional add-ons. Specific information about these add-ons can be found by clicking on the product, as well as on our FAQ page. You can choose from our list of native trees from our local landscaping partner that we will provide for you to plant during the burial. You may also purchase a biodegradable headstone or Digital Headstone if you choose. Add your items to the cart and head to the check out, where you will complete the purchase of your items. Unless you purchase “Site Preparation” from Sòlas, we will not dig or prepare the site, and you must complete the preparation yourself. Shovels are provided for digging. Please note: there are no refunds or exchanges for any purchases made.
Step 3
When it is time to bury the deceased in the plot you have purchased, you will need to reserve a burial time. You are required to reserve a time in advance in order to bury someone in the preserve. This prevents multiple burials from occurring at the same time and guarantees each family has adequate space and privacy. You are also able to reserve our open-air park shelter for a wake or celebration of life as part of the burial. You must make a reservation in advance in order to use the shelter. Reservations for burials and the shelter can be made on our “Reserve Time” page.
Step 4
Decide your plan for burial. Most people choose to use a funeral home to manage their needs. You are welcome to use any funeral provider, but keep in mind embalming and metal/treated/stained caskets are prohibited. Please look at our “Rules and Regulations” page for details on what is prohibited in our burial preserve. Since embalming is prohibited, funeral homes/mortuaries can use alternatives such as refrigeration, dry-ice, or a closed casket to store the body until burial. Please inform your chosen funeral home of your plans.
Step 5
You will receive an email with instructions for burying your loved one. We will not dig a grave or prepare the site unless you specifically purchase it. Otherwise, you will be given instructions on how to access shovels and how to dig the site yourself. An instruction book for the burial is located inside the shelter. Instructions on how to enter the shelter will be included in an email to you after your purchase. Each person participating in digging will be required to sign a liability waiver releasing Sólas if injury occurs. Again, if you are unable or unwilling to dig the site, please purchase the add-on “Site Preparation” for us to prepare the site for you, otherwise the site will not be dug. We strongly encourage you to have as many people as possible prepared to assist in digging the site as it may take multiple hours.
Step 6
Time for burial. Once the site is prepared (if you have purchased site preparation from Sòlas) and your time is reserved, you will transport the body for burial. Otherwise, you will need to prepare the site yourself using our shovels and instruction booklet. You may arrange with a funeral home to transport the body to the burial site. Please review our “Rules and Regulations” page on what can and cannot be placed in the gravesite. If you choose to purchase a headstone (you may only use one of our approved headstones) or a tree for the site, it will be stored in a locker inside the park shelter. You will receive an email with the locker combination and instructions on how to access these items on the day of the burial. After burial, you will be responsible for replacing the dirt on the site using the provided shovels. Sòlas will not replace the dirt on the burial site.
Step 7
Relax in the knowledge that your loved one is at peace in Sòlas Natural Burial Preserve. Please note, when you purchase a lot, you are actually leasing the land until February 1, 2121. After February 1, 2121, the land may become a dedicated as a public park so everyone can use the paths and trails. Sòlas is open daily from dawn to dusk, if you visit you must remain on the marked paths. We hope you will celebrate the life of your loved one through a peaceful return to nature.
Please note during construction:
- Bathrooms are not available until 2025.
Answers to most questions can be found on our FAQ page or Rules page. If you need more information or assistance please contact us via phone or email and we would be happy to help you.