Ep. 475 Tree vs. Tombstone: Better Place Forests with Gillian Nye

End-of-Life University

Learn about a beautiful, sustainable option for disposition of ashes after death at the base of a memorial tree.

My guest Gillian Nye has served at the Forest Memorials Manager at Better Place Forests for the past 6 years. She helps families create meaningful, nature-centered ceremonies that honor their loved ones in a unique and sustainable manner. She will tell us how and why to choose a special tree as a memorial for ourselves or those we love. If you love trees (as I do) and want to learn about sustainable options for disposition after death don’t miss this conversation! Learn more at the website:

betterplaceforests.com

YouTube Channel

Listen here:

This episode includes:

• The story behind how Better Place Forests got started
• Where the forests are located
• The process for choosing a memorial tree (online or in-forest)
• Reforestation of other forests through partnership with Arbor Day Foundation
• How families can return over time to visit the tree they’ve chosen
• Examples of nature-centered ceremonies that have taken place in the forests
• How families benefit from choosing a tree as a memorial (rather than a tombstone)
• The “spreading grove” as a less-expensive forest option for disposition

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Karen Wyatt on Growth Mixtape Podcast
• Previous interview with Sandy Gibson of Better Place Forests
• NEW Gift Guides for Caregivers, People Receiving Care, and People Who are Grieving
• Get my two new books!! Stories from the Dark Night and The Tao of Death
• Get EOLU Podcast Merch here
• Conversations on Death with ChatGPT – Audiobook here; Print Book here
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• Support your local bookstore by buying my books on Bookshop and Indiebound: 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying and The Journey from Ego to Soul
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