The staff from Better Place Forests is incredibly helpful. We had a pre-visit meeting over the phone during which we were able to ask questions and the on site visit could not have been more welcoming and productive. During both the informational phone meeting and the on site tree selection tour, staff members were patient with my many questions. As for the forest itself - it's peaceful and beautiful and the services Better Place offers were perfect for what our family wanted. End of life planning isn't anyones idea of a good time - but we feel a sense of relief knowing that we have this planned out so that our loved ones don't have to.

Our family enjoyed a morning visit to our patriarch’s redwood tree, where his ashes nourish the Santa Cruz forest. We found benches in place for the senior members, and shared memories of our loved one’s life. It was a serene hour celebrating together. Thank you, Martin, and Better Burial Forests!

We went for our mixing ceremony and Sarah was fantastic. Very dignified and honoring of my loss and also hopeful about the future and nature. It is difficult to describe, but it was perfect. The forest is lovely and Better Place Forests recently pivoted to being a non-profit, which I think is better.

The drive up to the forest is great. There is a few road up to the welcome tent that is gravel and unpaved. Recommend a AWD/4WD, but a reg. car might make it. Very tranquil. The guide Martin was very knowlegable and attentive. We learn alot of the area and saved some tree of trees. No pressure to purchase, but it is a great chance to give back to the land and have a living memorial tree to represent a life lived.

I’m so happy I chose a redwood tree where the ocean meets the forest, two loves of my departed husband. The spreading ceremony was just perfect. I love the quiet beauty of this spot. When you think of the cost, which is less than a traditional funeral, think of the bigger picture. You are contributing to the health of our planet and placing your loved one’s ashes in the circle of life.

We had the ceremony for our mother on October 5, her birthday, a beautiful time in the Berkshires. My sister had found Better Place Forests online and we planned it over a year ahead of time. Ashley was the person that we met with online who gave us information about how we would choose a tree and plan for mom's celebration of life. And she was our guide on the day that we mixed mom's ashes into the earth and leaves at the base of our tree. I would like to thank Ashley, for so graciously taking us through the process and for reading the lovely poems that we had chosen ahead of time. Ashley was so patient and respectful of our choices. She let us have extra time to sit and talk together and even to accommodate two guests who were late. I feel at peace now that I know our mother is there with the forest and the trees that she loved. I look forward to coming back to this beautiful place in the days and years to come.

Sarah and Scott were wonderful! Took all the time we needed to walk us through the forest, described the many variety of trees and how BPF is maintaining the health of the forest. They were so willing to answer questions and help us determine which tree is the right one for us. We currently have a tree in Point Arena but will be moving to this forest. It's beautiful.

excellent choice for the burial of a family memeber

It was in 2023 that I had ashes of both my late husband and mom placed under a tree. Although I didn't intend to return today for having made a wrong turn taking me to BPF and not the adjacent Bismarck Lake for a hike, I had a pleasant stroll with Jacob, a staff member to visit that tree, share my thoughts with my departed, and complete the stroll along a lovely trail covering the circumference of the grounds. Perhaps it was fated, because I wanted to visit them laid to rest under the tree before it became too cold to do so. It was quite chilly and breezy already that day before the first day of fall.

Love this choice for my husband and all our pets: we can be cremated and all placed together. Dogs are allowed on the trails. Had an open house type event today. Very happy with our tree!!