Circle of Life

Memorial Gardens

Our Mission

The Circle of Life Memorial Gardens provides green burial options in a serene botanical setting for those seeking a peaceful resting place for themselves and their loved ones.

Our organization is an authentic model of the (re)emerging desire for natural burials.

The Circle of Life Memorial Gardens will be a proactive, ecologically mindful community leader and a progressive green-burial model in our ever-changing world. We will examine America’s deathscape and impart meaningful changes that work with and protect the environment.

COL will work with businesses and individuals that donate capital and goods or services to fund the educational, artistic and community components of our Memorial Gardens. By supporting the mission of COL, donors will not only make this first of its kind organization possible, but will be able to literally see their contributions at work as the gardens blossom, the bees flourish and broken and damaged items become useful again.

Green Burials

How green burials differ from traditional American burials and why the Circle of Life Memorial Gardens is different from any other cemetery in Maine.

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Donate Land

We are on the hunt for the perfect plot of land to call home in Southern Maine.

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Our Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors consists of eight members with diverse backgrounds all drawn to our common mission.

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Get In Touch

The natural end of all life is decomposition and decay. Instead of fighting it at all cost as we have for the better part of the last century–with toxic chemicals, bulletproof metal caskets, and the concrete bunker that is the burial vault, all of which will only delay, not halt, the inevitable–we’re finally seeing the wisdom of allowing Mother Nature to run her natural course. Our best last act may, in fact, be the simple act of using what last remains of our physical existence to fertilize depleted soil, push up a tree, preserve a bit of wild from development, and in the process, perpetuate the natural cycle of life that turns to support those we leave behind.

-From the book, “Grave Matters” by Mark Harris

What is a Green Burial?

A green burial, also known as a natural burial, is the interment of bodies into the soil in a manner that does not inhibit decomposition or harm the environment. Instead, bodies break down naturally as they did for thousands of years prior to the advent of the embalming process. For green burials, graves are not lined with metal or concrete, and bodies are buried using a biodegradable casket made of wood, wicker, paper, or other natural materials, including shrouds.

What We Are

We will integrate Maine’s natural beauty with architecturally landscaped botanical gardens, sculptures and artistically designed columbariums. Plots will also be available in established forested areas for those who want a woodland burial. We will offer the deceased a place to rest among trees, flowering shrubs and perennials in a serene setting while doing no harm to the environment. We wish to encourage visitors to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, which will include art sculptures, different styles of gardens, and places to sit and reminisce about their loved ones.

Memorial Building

Our Memorial Building will contain space to host Celebrations of Life; bereavement groups; forums to talk about death and dying; and authors and speakers whose expertise is in the field of death/dying and bereavement. Our Memorial Building will integrate with the natural environment and enhance the beauty of the gardens.