When people hear the term natural burial, they often imagine something unusual, new, or outside the norm. At Endswell, we hear questions like:
- “Is natural burial legal?”
- “Is it religiously appropriate?”
- “Isn’t it more for environmentalists or people with alternative lifestyles?”
The truth is—natural burial isn’t new. In fact, it’s one of the oldest and most widely practiced forms of burial in human history. And for many families, it may not be all that different from what you think of as a “traditional burial.”
Let’s explore what makes these burial types different—and how they actually share more in common than you might expect.
What Is Traditional Burial?
Today, when most people think of a traditional burial, they picture:
- A viewing or visitation
- Embalming
- A hardwood or metal casket
- A concrete burial vault
- A service in a church or funeral home, followed by burial in a cemetery
This version of burial became common in the United States after the Civil War, when embalming was used to preserve bodies during long-distance transport. Over time, these practices became standardized—sometimes even required by cemeteries—and came to define what many of us think of as “normal.”
But “traditional” hasn’t always meant that.
What Is Natural Burial?
Natural burial is, in many ways, a return to older, more time-honored practices. It typically means:
- No embalming
- A biodegradable casket (or shroud)
- No vault or liner
- A grave dug in a natural or conservation cemetery
That’s it. No chemicals. No concrete. Just a body laid to rest in a simple and respectful way, allowing nature to take its course.
And while it’s often called “green burial” today, this was the standard way of burial for centuries—long before funeral homes, vaults, and modern preservation techniques.
Call us at 919.907.9777 or reach out at info@endswellfuneralhome.com. We’re here 24/7 to help you explore burial options that feel right for you and your family.
What Are Conservation Burial Grounds? Are There Any in NC?
If you’ve been exploring green burial options, you’ve likely come across the term “conservation burial grounds.” These aren’t just natural burial sites tucked into woodland; they’re part of something much larger.
Conservation burial grounds are permanently protected natural spaces where human burial actually supports land conservation.
Defining Conservation Burial Grounds
Conservation burial grounds are a type of natural burial cemetery that works in partnership with land trusts or conservancies.
Unlike conventional cemeteries that use concrete vaults, chemical embalming, and manicured lawns, these sites are part of larger ecological systems. Every burial becomes part of a long-term strategy to preserve native ecosystems.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Each grave uses a biodegradable burial container like a soft wood casket, shroud, or woven basket.
- No embalming fluids, toxic chemicals, or traditional headstones are allowed.
- Burial fees help fund landscape conservation and maintenance through a legal conservation easement.
- Memorial decorations must be biodegradable and compatible with the native plants and wildlife.
- Grave sites are often mapped with GPS rather than permanent stone markers.
The goal is to protect native species and support natural decomposition while giving families a meaningful and grounded burial experience.
How Conservation Burial Grounds Differ From Green or Hybrid Cemeteries
It’s easy to get the terms mixed up. Let’s break them down.
- Green cemeteries allow natural burial but aren’t always under a conservation easement.
- Hybrid cemeteries are conventional cemeteries that have set aside sections for green burial without concrete vaults or embalming.
- Conservation burial grounds are the most ecologically rigorous. They actively preserve and steward land as part of the burial process.
So while all conservation burial grounds are green, not all green burial grounds are conservation-focused.
Local Example: Bluestem Conservation Cemetery in Cedar Grove
If you’re near Hillsborough or the Triangle region, you don’t have to travel far to find a conservation burial ground. Bluestem Conservation Cemetery is located in Cedar Grove, just outside Hillsborough. It’s one of the only certified conservation burial grounds in North Carolina, and it’s the primary partner for natural burial services at Endswell Funeral Home.
Bluestem is nestled in a hardwood forest with winding trails and native wildflowers. The burial sites overlook meadows, and the grave markers are natural rock or simple field stones, carefully placed. Instead of rows of granite, you’ll find tree roots, birdsong, and deer trails.
Bluestem holds a conservation easement, which means that even generations from now, this land will never be developed. It’s protected forever—for families, for wildlife, and for the soil.
Why This Matters in Central North Carolina
Here in central NC, we’re lucky. The land is rich with native species, and there’s a deep history of honoring nature. Conservation burial grounds give you a way to return to the earth without harming it.
You help:
- Preserve woodland habitats
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Avoid chemical embalming
- Eliminate the need for concrete vaults
- Support sustainable agricultural land use
If you’ve ever walked through a conventional cemetery and felt out of place, a natural burial site might feel like a breath of fresh air—literally. You’re not just buried naturally; you’re woven back into the land.
Can Cremated Remains Be Buried in Conservation Burial Grounds?
In some conservation burial grounds like Bluestem, cremated remains can be interred—but only if the cremation method and container meet strict ecological criteria. Endswell Funeral Home offers low-emission cremation and aquamation, both of which are better aligned with the green burial council standards for burial of ashes.
If you’re considering this path, be sure to ask about:
- Approved biodegradable urns
- Areas designated for cremated remains
- Burial plot size and burial process for ashes
Thinking About a Natural Cemetery?
Whether you’re planning ahead or suddenly facing decisions for a loved one, understanding your burial options can bring clarity and peace. Natural burial grounds like Bluestem show that death doesn’t have to disrupt nature—it can become part of its healing.
Want to learn more about natural burial services in central NC or take a walk through Bluestem? Reach out to Endswell Funeral Home in Hillsborough at 919-907-9777 or visit endswellfuneralhome.com.
The Overlap Between Natural Burial and Traditional: It’s Bigger Than You Think
Here’s where it gets interesting: for many families, natural and traditional burial aren’t opposites—they’re options along the same spectrum.
You can choose:
- A funeral service and visitation with natural burial
- A simple wooden casket without embalming
- Burial in a traditional cemetery, depending on its policies
- A religious or cultural ritual alongside a natural burial approach
If you feel unsure about embalming… if you don’t want a sealed vault… or if you want a simpler casket—you may already be considering natural burial, even if you didn’t realize it.
And if you still want the structure and support of a more conventional service, Endswell offers both. We’ll help you build a plan that feels right—without needing to label it one way or another.
A Choice That Reflects You
Ultimately, both traditional and natural burial are about one thing: honoring a life. At Endswell, we don’t believe in rigid categories. We believe in listening—to your values, your traditions, and your story—and helping you create something meaningful.
Whether you want a full funeral with graveside honors, a quiet farewell in a conservation cemetery, or something in between, we’re here to support you.
And if you’re still deciding? That’s okay, too. We’re happy to talk through your options, answer your questions, and give you the information you need—without pressure.
Want to learn more?
Call us at 919.907.9777 or reach out at info@endswellfuneralhome.com. We’re here 24/7 to help you explore burial options that feel right for you and your family.
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