Written by Howard Cohen Friday, 22 January 2010
The Riverview Natural Burial Grounds at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery provides a landscape of unmatched natural beauty for those seeking a “Green Burial” option for themselves or their loved ones.
Situated deep within the 90 acre historic cemetery, Riverview Natural Burial Grounds is one of the very few “green burial” options in the country, and the only one in the region. Riverview Natural Burial Grounds will be a sustainable space. From the preparation of the body, to the materials used in the burial itself, only organic materials will be allowed. The land will remain untouched, except for indigenous plantings and natural, ground level markers.
The Riverview Natural Burial Grounds overlook the pure waters of the Pocantico River, which meander gently just a few steps away. These untouched grounds provide a varied natural terrain.
Divided into three distinct sections, the burial grounds are the perfect choice for those who seek an environmentally responsible option for the burial of a loved one, or for themselves:
The “Garden” area provides unmatched solitude on a gently sloping hill. This inviting garden will be the perfect place for undisturbed visitation and reflection;
The “Meadow” features a field of wild flowers blowing freely in the wind;
The “Forest” is located on a ridge, and covered with a lush blanket of indigenous vegetation. Peaceful and serene.
For over 160 years, meeting the needs of our community has been our priority at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Above=ground burial in our state-of-the-art Community Mausoleum and traditional in-ground burial are still available. However, we strongly believe that those seeking “natural” alternatives to traditional burial should have that option. We are proud to be among the first in the nation to provide such a space. Our natural burial grounds are not just a parcel randomly put aside; they constitute the choicest of locations at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. It is an area unmatched in its natural beauty. “For those seeking a burial in harmony with the environment, Riverview is the ‘Natural’ choice,” says David Logan, President of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
For more information contact the cemetery office at 914-631-0081, or visit the website at www.sleepyhollowcemetery.org
