Environmental Assessment of Maryland’s First Exclusively Natural Burial Cemetery

What was the Challenge?

B&L designed and implemented an environmental assessment of the first exclusively natural burial cemetery in Maryland, Serenity Ridge. Opening in January 2023, this natural burial cemetery will promote ultimate recycling of nutrients from interred remains back to the earth.

How did Barton & Loguidice provide a solution?

B&L tested and identified suitable burial areas and specified burial practices that led Baltimore County to approve a change in the natural burial law. The change allowed an increase in average burial density from 100 to 500 burials per acre, leading the way to the successful opening of Serenity Ridge.

Why was the project a success?

Serenity Ridge is more than a cemetery with environmentally sound land preservation and family-centered funerals and burials. It’s a nature preserve with beautiful and accessible trails, trees, creeks, and meadows open to the public.