Frequently Asked
Questions.

Natural burial is the practice of returning a person to the earth without embalming chemicals, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. The body is placed directly in the ground — often in a simple shroud or biodegradable container — where it can decompose naturally and become part of the soil.

It is one of the oldest and most ecologically sound ways humans have honored the dead. In a conservation cemetery, it is also one of the most meaningful — each burial contributes directly to land protection and habitat restoration.

Yes. Natural burial is legal in all 50 states, though specific regulations vary by state and county. Terrafinity navigates the full permitting and regulatory process on behalf of landowners and families, ensuring every burial meets applicable law.

Families may choose a simple linen or cotton shroud, a wicker or woven basket, or an untreated wooden casket. Embalming is not required and is discouraged, as embalming chemicals can harm soil ecology. We work with families to find options that honor their values and the land's health.

Yes. Cremated remains can be interred at Terrafinity sites, either alone or alongside a natural burial. Because cremation changes the chemical composition of remains, we work with families to choose placement that best supports the surrounding ecosystem.

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a qualified land trust or government entity. It permanently limits certain uses of the land — such as subdivision or development — in order to protect its conservation values.

The landowner retains ownership and can sell or pass the land to heirs. The restrictions travel with the land forever, ensuring it remains protected regardless of who owns it in the future.

Revenue generated from burial services is shared with the landowner and directed toward ongoing land stewardship — including native habitat restoration, invasive species management, and ecological monitoring. The more the land is used for natural burial, the more resources flow into its care.

It remains protected. The conservation easement is permanent — it does not expire. The land will continue to be stewarded, restored, and honored as a sanctuary for both the living and the dead. This is the promise at the heart of everything we do.

We typically work with properties of 40 or more acres in the Mid-Atlantic region. Good candidates include family farms, rural properties, forests, meadows, and working agricultural land — anywhere with ecological character worth protecting and a landowner committed to its future.

No. You retain full ownership of your property. The conservation easement restricts certain future uses, but you remain the owner and can sell, lease, or pass the land to your heirs. Terrafinity operates on your land under a separate partnership agreement.

A meaningful portion of burial revenue is shared directly with the landowner over the life of the partnership. The exact structure is tailored to each property and partnership agreement. Our goal is to make conservation financially viable — not a sacrifice.

The timeline varies by property and jurisdiction, but typically ranges from one to three years from initial eligibility assessment through permitting, easement finalization, and site preparation. We guide landowners through every step and handle the regulatory complexity on your behalf.

Yes. Families are welcome to visit their loved one's resting place. Sites are marked using natural markers — native stones, planted trees, or GPS coordinates — in keeping with the land's character. We believe ongoing connection to place is part of what makes natural burial meaningful.

Yes. Pre-planning is available and encouraged. Choosing your resting place in advance is a meaningful act of stewardship — for yourself, for those you love, and for the land. Contact us to learn about pre-need options at upcoming Terrafinity sites.

Absolutely. Natural burial is compatible with many faith traditions. We welcome families of all backgrounds and work closely with you to honor the rituals, prayers, and ceremonies that matter most. The land itself holds space for every kind of farewell.