Profile: The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery

WATERFORD, Mich., Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 1841, when Mt. Elliott Cemetery was established on 12 acres of farmland on Detroit's east side, the Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association has been a central feature on the region's cultural and memorial landscape. Now, an extraordinary new resource for families looking to honor and remember their loved ones has been unveiled: The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery, Michigan's first true natural burial cemetery.

The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery is situated on a remarkable piece of property that adjoins protected township and state land to form a contiguous parcel of natural landscape. Bordered by a heavily wooded stand of old-growth trees and featuring an abundance of native trees and vegetation, The Preserve occupies more than 50 acres of gently rolling land, with 15 acres of protected wetlands adjoining tranquil Lake Maceday. With its mix of woodlands, wetlands and Midwestern prairie, The Preserve offers a unique park-like setting; a natural preserve where families can lay their loved ones to rest in an atmosphere of undisturbed tranquility.

A natural burial cemetery, The Preserve provides an appealing option for families and individuals who are looking for a natural alternative for conducting a burial. In a natural burial, non-biodegradable materials such as chemicals and metal and concrete caskets are eliminated in lieu of sustainable materials such as pine or wicker, so that nature may take its course following the natural rhythms of life. At The Preserve, the grounds themselves are preserved in a more natural state, with woodlands and meadows replacing the pavement and brick-and-mortar landscaping of traditional cemeteries. Under the experienced stewardship of the Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association, The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery will continue to honor the important traditions of the funeral ritual, while ensuring that the land is treated with utmost care and that all burials are held in a manner that is consistent with the sacred respect that both a nature preserve and a cemetery deserve.

At The Preserve, the Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association's ongoing mission – to guard the legacies of the families it serves – manifests itself in the wise stewardship of the property's unique woodlands and wetlands. New plantings are exclusively comprised of native grasses, low shrubs and wildflowers.

While preserving the integrity and untouched natural beauty of the landscape remains a top priority, winding trails and footpaths provide scenic options both for families and friends as well as visitors to enjoy the beauty and serenity of The Preserve. Natural landmarks such as a low fieldstone wall and an iconic, centuries-old oak tree help create memorable focal points for visitation, while discreet natural-stone markers provide a more precise option for those who wish to visit their loved ones.

While a growing desire for simpler, more basic choices has inspired a renewed appreciation for natural burial, one thing that remains consistent is Mt. Elliott's ongoing commitment to respectfully serve the needs and desires of families and communities across Southeast Michigan. As Michigan's first true natural burial cemetery, The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery remains steadfast in that commitment, and the restoration, preservation and protection of this unique tract of land is both a sanctification and a celebration of the lives and legacies of southeastern Michigan residents.

For more information on The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery, please visit www.michigannaturalburial.com.

SOURCE Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association