Glendale Memorial Nature Preserve

09/04/2026

GMNP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS⚰️🥬

What is the science behind green burial?

Green burial is grounded in the natural processes of soil science, decomposition, and ecology.

After death, the body begins a natural process called decomposition. Microorganisms already present in the soil and within the body (along with fungi and soil dwelling invertebrates) break down organic tissues. As decomposition progresses, complex organic compounds are converted into simpler substances that can become part of the soil's organic matter and nutrient cycles.

For most green burials bodies are typically buried at relatively shallow depths, (typically 3 to 4 feet) where soils contain abundant biological activity. This is known as the aerobic soil layer. At these depths:

• Microorganisms, fungi, insects, and other decomposers help break down organic matter.
• Natural decomposition returns nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
• Biodegradable burial materials can decompose along with the body.

What happens underground?

Microorganisms do most of the work. Bacteria and fungi are major decomposers. They break down proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and other organic compounds. (All the natural things that make up a human!)

Carbon and nutrients are recycled. Elements such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur that were once part of the body are gradually transformed and incorporated into the surrounding soil system.

The soil is a living ecosystem. Healthy soil contains an enormous community of microorganisms, fungi, plant roots, insects, and other organisms. Green burial allows the burial site to remain connected to that living system rather than creating a permanent barrier between the body and the soil.

In a conservation cemetery like ours, these natural processes are vital. As the body returns to the earth, it nourishes the ground around the burial site, helping native plants and local wildlife habitats thrive.

When you choose green burial, you are leaving behind a living legacy, not just a body.

When its your time to go, go green.

Image: Green vs. Standard Burial Soil Depth. Source: Green Iowa AmeriCorps / Green Burial and Ham.

09/03/2026

09/01/2026

DOING THE PAPERWORK YOURSELF?

We've created a Florida Vital Statistics & Burial Transit Permit Guide to help families understand the basic steps involved when handling these responsibilities themselves.

It's designed as a practical starting point, not a substitute for guidance from the appropriate Florida authorities.

Save it now. You may be glad you have it when you need it. Get the full free downloadable document on our website.
https://glendalenaturepreserve.org/forms-resources/

08/28/2026

GMNP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS⚰️🥬

How does conventional burial affect the environment?

Conventional burial uses significant amounts of materials and resources. Estimates commonly cited in the U.S. include approximately:

• 827,000+ gallons of embalming fluid, including formaldehyde
• 90,000+ tons of steel used in caskets
• 30+ million board feet of hardwood used for caskets
• 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete used for burial vaults

These materials require substantial resources to manufacture, transport, and install, and conventional cemetery landscaping can also require ongoing water, fuel, fertilizers, pesticides, and maintenance.

Green burial takes a different approach. By avoiding embalming, concrete burial vaults, and non-biodegradable caskets, natural burial allows the body and burial materials to return to the earth while the surrounding landscape can remain a functioning natural ecosystem.

Statistics compiled from sources historically cited by the Casket and Funeral Association of America, Cremation Association of North America, Doric Inc., Rainforest Action Network, and Mary Woodsen/Pre-Posthumous Society.

08/25/2026

Have you ever told your family what you want, but never actually written it down?

Our Final Burial Wishes Form is designed to help you put your wishes on paper and keep them with your will and other important documents.

Making your wishes known now can spare your family from having to make difficult decisions later.

Download our free Burial Wishes form from our website, fill it out, and make sure your loved ones know where to find it.

https://glendalenaturepreserve.org/forms-resources/

08/23/2026

Thank you MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife for putting in an amazing expo yesterday, it was a wonderful opportunity to bring new and experienced landowners together to learn and connect.

John and Fawn were honored to participate on the speakers panel alongside so many wonderful land stewards, discussing everything from land management and invasive plant control to wildlife protection and habitat conservation.

We’re grateful to have been part of the conversation and to learn from so many people who are working every day to protect and care for Florida’s native habitats.

08/18/2026

We’re excited to announce that Glendale Nature Preserve will be attending the 2nd Annual Panhandle Landowner Assistance Expo! We have been invited to join the speakers panel at this year’s event. We’re looking forward to sharing a little about GMNP, our approach to conservation, natural habitat management, and how a cemetery can become part of a larger conservation landscape. Hope to see you there!!

Register now and join us at the Panhandle Landowner Assistance EXPO for valuable opportunities to enhance your land management efforts!