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5 Surprising Facts About Penn Forest Natural Burial Park: The Eco-Friendly Final Resting Place Near Pittsburgh

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As of December 22, 2025, the conversation around end-of-life choices is shifting dramatically, moving away from traditional, chemical-intensive methods toward sustainable alternatives. This movement is perfectly embodied by the Penn Forest Natural Burial Park, a serene and pioneering 31-acre property nestled along Plum Creek near Verona, Pennsylvania. This location, often associated with the greater Penn Hills area, holds the distinction of being the first exclusively green cemetery in the state, offering a powerful alternative for those seeking an environmentally conscious final resting place.

For many, the concept of a "natural burial park" remains a mystery, yet it represents a time-tested, simple, and ecologically sound return to the earth. Penn Forest, founded by Pete and Nancy McQuillin, is not merely a cemetery; it is a dedicated nature preserve where the deceased become part of the land’s ongoing conservation. This deep dive explores the unique aspects of this trailblazing park, the core principles of green burial, and why this movement is gaining significant traction across the Pittsburgh area and beyond.

The Green Revolution: What Exactly is a Natural Burial Park?

A natural burial ground, or green cemetery, fundamentally rejects the common practices of modern, conventional burial. These practices typically involve chemical embalming, non-biodegradable caskets (often made of metal or non-sustainable wood), and concrete burial vaults.

The philosophy of a natural burial is simple: to allow the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth without hindering the ecosystem. This approach is certified by organizations like the Green Burial Council, ensuring strict adherence to environmental standards.

Core Principles of Eco-Burial

  • No Embalming: Toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, which are standard in traditional burial, are strictly prohibited. The body is prepared using refrigeration or dry ice, or simply buried promptly.
  • Biodegradable Materials: The deceased must be placed in a fully biodegradable container. This might be a simple pine box, a woven wicker casket, or a linen or cotton shroud.
  • No Vaults: Concrete or metal burial vaults, designed to prevent the ground from sinking, are not used. They are unnecessary and prevent natural decomposition.
  • Shallow Burial: The body is typically interred about three to four feet deep, placing it within the active soil layer where natural decomposition is most efficient.
  • Natural Landscaping: Graves are often marked with a simple, flat fieldstone or a native plant, ensuring the land maintains its natural, forested appearance. The goal is conservation, not manicured lawns.

This commitment to simplicity and sustainability makes natural burial a powerful statement against the environmental costs of the modern funeral industry, which annually uses millions of gallons of embalming fluid and tons of concrete and steel.

Penn Forest Natural Burial Park: Pennsylvania's Trailblazer

The Penn Forest Natural Burial Park, situated just east of Pittsburgh in the Plum Creek valley, is more than just a burial site; it is a certified conservation cemetery. It received its green certification in 2006, making it a pioneer in the region.

The founders, Pete and Nancy McQuillin, envisioned a place where death could honor life by promoting the health of the environment. Their 31-acre property is managed to protect and restore the land, ensuring that it remains a thriving forest ecosystem for generations.

A Sanctuary Along Plum Creek

The park’s location along Plum Creek adds to its serene and natural character. It offers a peaceful, wooded setting that contrasts sharply with the formal, often sterile atmosphere of traditional cemeteries. Visitors and families often describe the experience as visiting a nature preserve or a quiet, reflective park.

Choosing Penn Forest means contributing directly to land conservation. The fees collected help fund the ongoing stewardship of the property, ensuring that the natural habitat—including its trees, wildlife, and stream—is protected in perpetuity. This makes the act of burial a legacy of environmental protection.

The park is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation or residence. Families from across Pennsylvania and even neighboring states, like Ohio, have chosen Penn Forest for its unique blend of reverence and ecological responsibility.

5 Reasons Why Families Choose Eco-Burial Over Tradition

The decision to opt for a natural burial at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park is driven by a combination of practical, spiritual, and environmental factors. For many, it is the final, ultimate expression of a commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.

1. Minimizing Environmental Impact

This is the primary motivator. Traditional burials consume vast resources and introduce pollutants. Green burial eliminates the use of toxic embalming fluids and non-biodegradable materials, ensuring that the deceased's body can naturally integrate back into the soil, nourishing the very land that is being preserved. It is truly "going out green."

2. Simplicity and Authenticity

Natural burial strips away the commercialism and complexity often associated with modern funerals. The process is simpler, more hands-on, and often more intimate. Families are encouraged to participate in the preparation and closing of the grave, fostering a deeper, more meaningful connection to the farewell process.

3. Supporting Land Conservation

Unlike conventional cemeteries, which are essentially developed land, Penn Forest is a conservation burial ground. Every burial plot purchased directly supports the permanent preservation of the 31-acre forest. The body is returned to a place that will never be developed, ensuring the land remains a natural habitat. This offers a powerful, lasting legacy.

4. Significant Cost Savings

The elimination of expensive items like caskets, vaults, and embalming services results in substantial financial savings. Natural burial provides a less expensive, yet deeply dignified, alternative to the often exorbitant costs of the traditional funeral industry, making sustainable death care accessible to a wider range of families in the Pittsburgh area.

5. A Spiritual and Natural Connection

For many, the return to nature is a profound spiritual experience. The idea of resting beneath the trees, marked by a simple fieldstone or native shrub, aligns with a deep-seated desire for a non-invasive, peaceful resting place. It blends the cycle of life and death seamlessly with the natural world, offering comfort to the bereaved.

The Future of Sustainable Death Care

Penn Forest Natural Burial Park has set a precedent for sustainable death care in Pennsylvania. Its continued operation and community engagement—including events and volunteering opportunities—demonstrate a growing public appetite for eco-friendly end-of-life options.

As awareness of environmental issues grows, the model pioneered near Penn Hills—one that prioritizes conservation, simplicity, and ecological harmony—is likely to expand. The park stands as a living testament to the fact that honoring a life and protecting the planet can be one and the same. It offers a powerful, final act of environmental stewardship for those who have dedicated their lives to sustainability.

5 Surprising Facts About Penn Forest Natural Burial Park: The Eco-Friendly Final Resting Place Near Pittsburgh
penn hills natural burial park
penn hills natural burial park

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