FAQs

Your 15' x 15' lots are much larger than lots at conventional cemeteries. How many people can be buried in each?

Only one full body burial is permitted in a standard burial site. Cremains may be buried in the same grave opening as the body if burials are done at the same time. In addition, in most areas of Greensprings, up to four grave openings are permitted for burying cremains, either human or pet. Typically cremains burials are at the four corners of the 15’ x 15’ site between the full body grave and the edges of the site.

What about winter burials?

Burials are conducted year round. If a burial needs to take place when access or ground conditions are unfavorable, such as  when deep snow is on the ground, it may not be possible to dig the grave in the site deeded to the deceased. In such cases, and in consultation with the responsible party(ies), the chosen site will be exchanged for another where conditions for burial are more favorable.

May families and friends dig a grave at Greensprings?

Unfortunately, the soil is too dense and stony to dig by hand — we open all graves with a backhoe. However, families are welcome to help fill the grave back in either with a ceremonial handful of soil or by shoveling as much as desired. It is a great deal of work to completely fill in a grave by hand, we will have the backhoe ready to complete the closing process. Families who want to fill in the grave completely by hand should talk to the Burial Coordinator before burial day.

May we bury cremated remains at Greensprings? What about scattering ashes?

We offer 7.5' x 7.5' sites for cremated remains. You may co-mingle ashes and place them in one grave opening, but two Cremains Burial Rights fees must be paid. Per NYS law, the scattering of cremains (human or pet) is permitted only in designated areas of the Greensprings nature preserve; it is not permitted in any Greensprings burial areas. Scattering of cremains must be pre-arranged and requires (i) payment of Greensprings’ Cremains Scattering Fee and (ii) providing Greensprings with the Cremation Certificate. A Greensprings staff member must be present for the scattering.

Can a tree be planted on my grave?

Woody plants (native trees and shrubs) may be planted in the Sequential Burial Area following consultation with Greensprings staff and their formal approval. Woody plants may not be planted on gravesites in other burial areas however many non-woody plants are allowed to be planted on graves outside the Sequential Burial Area. For a complete list of approved plants visit: https://www.naturalburial.org/commemorative-planting.

What is Sequential Burial?

The western-most section of the West Meadow has been set aside for sequential burial, meaning that each new grave is dug adjacent to the site that has been filled most recently. This arrangement allows for memorial trees to be planted on top of each grave. Because these graves must be dug in sequence, the site will not be chosen until it is needed.

What kinds of markers are permitted on a grave?

Natural, flat field stones indigenous to the Finger Lakes area may be engraved and placed flush with the ground on burial sites.  These gravestones must be at least two inches thick and no larger than 400 square inches.  To ensure consistency and long-term viability, only Greensprings personnel are authorized to install gravestones. A one-time fee is charged for this service. Before engraving a stone that was not provided by Greensprings, a Greensprings Burial Coordinator should be contacted to determine if the stone is acceptable. No cut, painted or polished stones, markers, or monuments are permitted. See Caskets, Shrouds & Stones for more information.

How do visitors find a grave?

GPS coordinates are available for every site. Greensprings staff are also available to mark a site ahead of time, and we can draw you a map or meet you at Greensprings to walk you to the site. Please contact us at least 24 hours in advance so we can help you before you come to Greensprings.

What do the graves at Greensprings look like?

Immediately after burial, soil is bare and mounded. Eventually meadowland plants cover the site and the mound becomes flat. Families are welcome to plant and care for Approved Plants on their loved one’s burial mound. See https://www.naturalburial.org/commemorative-planting for more information.

No artificial flowers or other decorations may be placed on graves. 100% biodegradable wreaths and flowers without vases or other containers are allowed.

How do I plan ahead for burial?

Please see our Plan Ahead section here.

May I bury my pets here?

Pet cremains may be buried in a site containing or expected to contain human remains as long as all site owners/responsible parties consent, there is sufficient space on the site, Greensprings’ cremains burial service fee has been paid, and Greensprings’ Pet Cremains Interment Form has been completed (available on request). 

You don’t allow embalming.  But isn’t it the law?

No state in the U.S. requires embalming, but there are instances where it may be required when transporting a body across state lines. See the What You Should Know about Transport, Embalming, Home Funerals, and More section here to determine if your state might require embalming for state-to-state transport. This is on our What to Expect page and also explains how to plan a wake or funeral at home.

If your state requires embalming for transport, or if a body is accidentally embalmed due to miscommunication, contact a Burial Coordinator to request that we make an exception.