The Road to Legacy
Help Us Reach the Heart of The Forest
From September 1st through September 30th, we are fundraising to extend the accessible Northside Lane from the town road to the heart of our forest. This will allow us to better welcome families and visitors of all abilities. This extension will also open up new gravesite areas for families to select as the time comes. Please help us in our mission to make this beautiful forest truly welcoming and available to everyone.
Join Our Ecosystem of Support
1. Canopy Donors - The Towering Trees $100+
These are the donors who provide significant financial contributions. Like the towering trees that form the forest canopy, they offer the essential resources needed for the entire ecosystem to thrive. The canopy donors provide shade and protection, allowing other parts of the forest to flourish beneath them. Their contributions are the backbone of our forest, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the Vermont Forest Cemetery.
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2. Understory Donors - The Shrubs and Small Trees $50+
These donors give substantial but smaller amounts than the canopy donors. They represent the understory of the forest—shrubs and smaller trees that fill the spaces beneath the canopy, adding diversity and richness to the ecosystem. Understory donors contribute significantly, providing vital support that allows the Vermont Forest Cemetery to develop as a well-rounded and resilient nonprofit.
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3. Forest Floor Donors - The Ground Cover and Leaf Litter $20+
These are the donors who contribute smaller amounts, but whose contributions are no less important. They are the ground cover, the fallen leaves, and the decaying plant matter that enrich the soil and foster new growth. Forest floor donors are the ones who help maintain the day-to-day operations and ensure the Vermont Forest Cemetery remains a place of conservation and life.
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4. Soil Biome Donors - The Sustainers $10+
These donors might contribute modest amounts. They are like the soil, and microorganisms that are indispensable to the health of the forest. They break down organic material, recycle nutrients, and keep the ecosystem in balance. Their contributions are foundational to the success and sustainability of the Vermont Forest Cemetery.
5. Roots and Mycorrhizae - The Network of Support
These volunteers help spread the word or offer in-kind support, connect others to the cause, and bring in additional support. They are like the roots and mycorrhizal networks that connect trees and plants, allowing them to share resources and information. These givers help us expand the reach of the fundraiser, helping to grow a community of support that sustains the Cemetery for generations.
Every donor, no matter their level of contribution, is essential. Together, your donation creates a balanced and thriving ecosystem, ensuring that the Vermont Forest Cemetery can grow, flourish, and become a lasting legacy.
A unique cemetery
VFC is the first cemetery in Vermont dedicated to natural burial, offering a place for people to gather, honor their dead and the forest, and participate in outdoor art and education.
A unique model for grief
Natural burial is a slower and more gentle process for the mourner, offering the body in service of the needs of the land. The forest itself is transformed into a living memorial so that both the forest and families can heal, grow, and bequeath a vibrant and healthy ecosystem to future generations.
A unique model for conservation
Forest cemetery land is protected from development in perpetuity. Forest burial provides an alternative to conventional practices which contribute to our current climate crisis.