FAQ

I need to perform a burial at Baldwin Hill Cemetery right away! How do I do this?

We encourage advance planning for burials at Baldwin Hill Cemetery due to the timely nature of the burial. If someone has passed away that did not already purchase burial rights but would like to be buried at Baldwin Hill Cemetery, please contact a funeral home directly to assist you.

Is Baldwin Hill certified as a 'green cemetery'?

Yes, Baldwin Hill is certified as a 'Conservation Cemetery' by the Green Burial Council.

Will animals dig up bodies since there is no concrete liner and the burial depth is only 3ft.?

No, the burial techniques used at Baldwin Hill Cemetery have been used for centuries and beyond. There is no evidence that animals dig up bodies when buried in this manner. We have a soil covering requirement of at least 18 inches, which has shown to be enough to prevent animal interest and intrusion.

Embalming is not allowed; how quickly does a body need to be buried after death?

The time between death and burial will vary depending on several factors such as the weather and the condition of the body. Funeral homes can employ methods such as refrigeration to extend the time between death and burial. Funeral homes will be best able to assist during this crucial time. Those planning a home funeral may need to investigate this matter further.

How long does it take for a body to decompose?

There is no way to say with certainty the time it will take for a body to decompose. Certain processes will take place very rapidly, while other processes (such as complete decomposition of bones) will take longer. The soil composition at Baldwin Cemetery coupled with burial in the biologically active soil regions allow for relatively rapid decomposition.

Do you accept burial and/or scattering of cremains?

We accept burial of cremains (you can purchase a cremains interment right), but not scattering at this time.

How much does it cost to be buried at Baldwin Hill Cemetery

Please see Purchase Burial Rights for information on interment plot pricing. For a list of other related items that typically cost money but are not directly associated with the burial right, see Other Costs.

Can I choose my plot location ahead of time?

No, Baldwin Hill Cemetery does not sell specific plot locations but rather interment rights (aka burial rights). Purchase of a burial right guarantees you an interment plot somewhere within the 1.5-acre white pine stand containing the universally accessible trail. The specific burial location is decided just prior to interment.

Can I be buried alongside my family?

We do offer Family Plots, guaranteed for two people. We will try to accommodate family plots for up to four people, however due to the nature of the burial (many obstacles to work around) we cannot guarantee more than two adjacent plots.

Can people be buried during the winter at Baldwin Hill Cemetery?

Yes, the cemetery access road will be plowed year-round and the burial contractor has the means to open and close graves during the winter.

Can we dig the grave ourselves by hand?

In accordance with Green Burial Council standards, family and friends of the deceased are allowed to participate in the burial process. For practical and safety reasons, participation is limited to placing limited quantities of soil back into the grave during closing, or other ceremonial procedures. Graves are prepared by the burial contractor, who has responsibility for the final state of the interment. A shovel or shovels will be available for loved ones to place soil in the grave. Additional burial contractor fees may apply depending on the level of participation.

What kind of headstone or grave marker can I use?

We keep track of plots with small metal corner pins and GPS waypoints, which are stored in cemetery records. You can choose to place a flat memorial stone and/or native planting on the gravesite as well, but they must meet certain requirements.

Can I plant a tree or shrub on the grave?

We ask that trees not be planted on graves because it makes cemetery grounds maintenance more difficult. You can, however, plant a native shrub or other native plant from our list, which have been specifically selected for the site.

What can I leave on my loved one's grave after the service or during visits?

Services participants and visitors may decorate the grave site with biodegradable elements such as cut flowers. Non-biodegradable items are not permitted. Items must also not pose health, safety, ecological, or significant aesthetic concerns. Items may be removed by cemetery managers if they interfere with grounds maintenance. See decorations for more detail.

Is Baldwin Hill Cemetery only for those of a certain religion?

No, the Baldwin Hill Cemetery seeks to provide ecologically sound burial for people of all faiths, spiritualities, and walks of life.