FALLS VILLAGE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Better Place Forests, the company that built America’s first conservation memorial forests, announced it is officially starting online tours of its location in Falls Village, Connecticut. The company’s first forest in the Northeast region of the country, Better Place Forests Litchfield Hills, is nestled in a location known for its open greenland, outdoor recreation, and environmental landmarks including the Housatonic River, Bear Mountain, and the southernmost portion of the Berkshires. Located an hour’s drive from downtown Hartford and 2 hours from New York City, Better Place Forests Litchfield Hills is also an easy day trip from the larger Boston and Providence metropolitan areas.
Better Place Forests’ conservation memorial forests are a natural alternative to cemeteries for people who choose cremation – where their final resting place is a private tree in a protected forest. Ashes are mixed with soil and placed beneath the tree, continuing the life cycle of the forest. A custom memorial marker, reminiscent of those used by the US Geological Survey (USGS) to mark important locations, is placed at the base of the tree. Families, friends, and loved ones may come visit for generations to come.
Conservation Memorial Forest Captures Quintessential New England Charm
In November 2020 Better Place Forests announced that it was coming to northwestern Connecticut - a location chosen for its accessibility near major metropolitan areas and for its tremendous conservation value, biodiversity and wildlife. As a part of the company’s goal to protect iconic forests and its natural beauty, Better Place Forests will ensure that the land is well-maintained, will thrive ecologically, and is protected from other uses, like development. Since the initial announcement, over 6,000 people have expressed interest and signed up to receive updates on the forest. Today the company announces it will be officially opening for online forest tours, where those interested may choose their memorial tree.
Better Place Forests Litchfield Hills received widespread community support, with unanimous approval from the Town of Canaan's Planning and Zoning Commission and enthusiasm from local neighbors. One of these most notable early supporters is former property owner and well-known community member Susan Kelsey.
Susan, now also a Better Place Forests Litchfield Hills customer, recently picked her tree with her sister. She tells NBC Connecticut: “There is something very magical about going out and picking your tree where you know that part of you is going to become part of that whole ecosystem in the future. So, you do live on.”
She continues: “For nearly forty years I have served on our Town’s Inland Wetlands Conservation Commission, being committed to ensuring wise use of our Town’s lands. The mission of Better Place Forests to create a conservation memorial forest in Falls Village comes with a myriad of ecological benefits – benefits that I have been an advocate of for much of my life.”
Forest Sections and Pricing
Better Place Forests Litchfield Hills will be giving online tours to show potential customers the variety of trees they may choose from including: northern red oak, chestnut oak, red maple, sugar maple, and black cherry trees.
Better Place Forests is offering trees in three distinct sections to start:
- Valley Vista: this forest section highlights a sweeping valley view that showcases impressive trees and its changing colors through the seasons.
- Laurel Highlands: located high on the ridgeline, this section is an easy stroll from the future Welcome House. Its key features include mountain laurels that bloom in the spring, and large boulders that create natural benches along the way for visitors to sit and relax.
- Lower Revolutionary Ridge: this forest section features wide hiking trails along a gentle slope. It also includes historical remnants from colliers and shepherds that local historians say date back to the Revolutionary War.
The base price starts at $4,900, a much more affordable option than the cost of a traditional burial which can easily add up to $15,000 or more*.
For each tree reserved, Better Place Forests plants 25-400 Impact Trees to help reforest America through its partnership with One Tree Planted.
Sandy Gibson, Co-founder and CEO of Better Place Forests, was inspired by the property’s natural beauty: “Our mission is to inspire everyone to leave a meaningful legacy for the planet and the people they love. We want to give families and their loved ones the gift of protecting iconic outdoor spaces as part of their lasting legacy. Northwest Connecticut is one of the most beautiful places in the country, and we’re honored to help protect the woods and forestland that this region is well-known for.”
Better Place Forests Litchfield Hills will be open for in-person tours in June 2021 with memorial ceremonies beginning in Summer 2022.
The company has already established five memorial forests across the country in Santa Cruz, California, Point Arena, California, Flagstaff, Arizona, and St. Croix Valley, Minnesota. They also recently announced a forest coming soon to Massachusetts – Better Place Forests Berkshires late last month. For more information on Better Place Forests Litchfield Hills or to book an online tour, please click here.
Additional quotes of support from the community:
David Barger, Selectman, Board of Selectmen, comments: "When I look at new and innovative projects, I aim to see them through the lens of what's best for Falls Village: what will benefit the town, give back to the community, and continue to protect its natural beauty? Better Place Forests fits the bill. Not only will they help conserve our forestland, they are seeking to hire locally and have already begun building positive relationships here. Their memorial forest will be a welcome addition to what Falls Village has to offer."
Brendan Boepple, Land Protection Manager, Housatonic Valley Association
“Better Place Forests’…memorial forest is a new and innovative approach to land management and ownership that will support the Town of Canaan in multiple ways. The property contains substantial conservation values including core forest, wetlands, and riparian areas and ultimately drain to the Housatonic River. These natural resources help to define the community character of Canaan and their protecting will provide a myriad of benefits to the public. Furthermore, the proposal is consistent with the town’s current Plan of Conservation and Development and the priorities of the Northwest Hills Council of Governments.
The project additionally offers the opportunity to provide new and specialized employment opportunities for residents of Canaan. By creating multiple forest stewardship and land management positions, Better Place Forests will be fostering sustainable economic growth that is in line with the Town’s existing priorities and values. We commend Better Place Forests for pursuing this innovative approach to sustainable land management and economic development.”
Lynn Gumbert, community member
“I wholeheartedly think this is an excellent opportunity for our town. Having been involved in all aspects of the End of Life movement for the past 25+ years, the realization that we, in our small town, could be on the cutting edge of offering our community and the larger New England community a beautiful final resting place, for themselves or their loved ones is truly exciting.”
Elizabeth Scranton Rhoades, community member
“For those of us who have reached the age where thoughts about our final resting place have assumed some level of importance in our minds, this would provide a wonderful alternative to a traditional burial. We had already planned to have our ashes scattered and would love to have them in a place where our family could visit and know that we really are a part of the cycle of life.”
*According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral with viewing, vault and burial in 2019 was $9,135 per person. A headstone and plot can range from $1,700-$10,000, depending on location, according to Choice Mutual.
About Better Place Forests
At Better Place Forests, our mission is to inspire everyone to leave a meaningful legacy for the planet and the people they love. We are the end-of-life company that built America’s first conservation memorial forests –– beautiful, sustainable alternatives to cemeteries for people who choose cremation. We offer you an end-of-life experience that is uplifting, empowering and personal by enabling you to return your ashes to the earth, underneath a protected memorial tree. By creating beautiful memorial spaces that resonate with you and your loved ones, we establish, maintain and protect forestland for generations to come.
Awarded as one of Fast Company’s “World Changing Ideas” and “Most Innovative Companies” of 2020, Better Place Forests helps you write a better ending to your story and establish a lasting legacy while conserving some of the most iconic natural land in North America. For more information, visit www.betterplaceforests.com.
