Together

River Crossing Burial Ground will be a natural cemetery, also known as land for Green burial. The vision is to slowly transform the already beautiful piece of land, which was largely cleared to graze cattle, into a permaculture-based sanctuary that produces food, woven with beauty and intention, and sprinkled with sacred spots. 

The land still holds an old oak tree, many maples and cedars, salmonberries, nettles, and a creek with an old homestead house. These native plants will be nurtured and added, alongside intentionally chosen food-producing trees and other plants. 

Imagine – coming back year after year to tend a grove of berries growing over and from your ancestors.  

Humans have ancestors who cared for their own dead, who performed ceremony as a part of body disposition. So much of historical and current forces seek to disconnect us from our own dead, and from the realities of our bodies as a part of the natural cycle. This cemetery offers a space for people to explore re-weaving connection with the dead, and with the earth. A respectful space for you to be able to carry out your own traditions with privacy and as few limitations as possible. This cemetery will exist as a part of the fabric of community and will evolve to meet the needs of community members as they arise. 

Burial at RCBG:

• Opening & Closing of the Grave via Hand Digging or Mechanical Aids
• Partnership and Flexibility in Selecting Plants for the Plots After Burial
• Camping for Community Members

Available Resources:

• Central Fire Pit
• Gathering & Ceremony Space (Indoor/Outdoor)
• Ease of Collaboration for Home Funerals and Partnership with Death Careworkers & Doulas
• Sliding-scale, low-cost, and no-cost Options for burial for Black and Indigenous people &/or Folx in Need

• The land has been purchased in full, as required by Washington State law.
• Next is gathering the $25,000 that Washington state requires to be in trust to care for the land – that is the last major barrier to being able to legally bury people there – which is exciting. 
• This is where the invitation lies – to help fund the amount to go into a trust for perpetuity for maintaining the land.
• Regardless of whether or not you donate, if this message resonates with you, perhaps we can stay connected. For upcoming event invites and opportunities for collaboration, sign up for the email list!