links below for answers to our most frequently asked questions:

What is natural burial? Is it legal?

What is conservation burial?

How long do I have to bury my loved one?

Can I use a casket? What are my options? 

Do animals disturb sites?

Can families have a viewing?

For questions specifically about Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, click here. 

Is it Legal?

Natural burial, also called green burial, is the way our ancestors buried their dead. There are three standards that define a natural burial: there can be no embalming, no vaults, and all burial containers or shrouds must be biodegradable. It is the choice consistent with the desire to limit one’s impact on the environment, and it is legal in all 50 states. 

Conservation burial is natural burial that goes a step further to conserve land. A portion of each burial fee is committed to pay for land acquisition, protection, restoration, and management. The burial area also becomes hallowed ground, restored to its natural condition and protected forever with a conservation easement. Native plants beautify the burial sites.

Those who support conservation are offered a more meaningful burial option with the certainty that protected land is the ultimate legacy to leave for future generations. Families and friends are brought closer to nature in the commemoration of their loved one’s life. The Green Burial Council offers certifications for organizations offering green burial related services. Find more information on their website. 

In accordance with the Florida Statutes human bodies must be buried, embalmed, or refrigerated within 24 hours after death. Once under refrigeration, there is no rush for burial to occur. Burials at PCCC typically occur days or even weeks after death.

What are my options? 

Any biodegradable burial product is appropriate for natural burials. Some people use unfinished wood caskets, some use wicker or woven caskets, and some people use a natural cloth shroud. A shroud is just a piece of fabric that is used to wrap a body. People often use family quilts, heirloom blankets, or cotton sheets. The shroud must be made of a natural and biodegradable material like cotton, linen, or wool.

If you are planning on building a casket or purchasing one, please contact PCCC staff before to ensure the materials and dimensions are appropriate.