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Natural (green) burial. In Highland Woods, bodies are buried using natural burial practices. This means that the body is not embalmed (there is no state law that requires embalming), no grave liners or vaults are used, and the container for the body, whether a coffin or a shroud, must be biodegradable. A stone marker may be placed at the gravesite after the burial. See here for Highland Woods policies for more information.
Families may work with a funeral director to coordinate logistics for the burial or may do it themselves. This is legal in Massachusetts as it is in most states. However, if a family opts to coordinate the burial themselves, they must comply with all state and town requirements to process the paperwork and secure a burial transport permit. See the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Western Massachusetts Home Death Care website for more information and links to important resources.
Whether working with a funeral director or a family-led burial, contact the Montague Cemetery Sexton as the first step in coordinating the burial.
For more information about natural (green) burial, visit Green Burial Massachusetts website.
