Penn Forest Natural Burial Park

11/02/2026

“ What do you want to happen when you die? No, I’m not talking about an afterlife. I’m talking about your body. Do you want to be cremated? Embalmed? Have you even thought about it?”

This is the opening line to Brynn Murawski’s essay on green burials for her Intermediate Non Fiction course at Pitt University.

We had the pleasure to meet with Brynn in March of this year and share stories on death and dying and what it means to have a sustainable end of life. We’re so grateful for Brynn’s willingness to share her personal story of death anxiety and the complicated grief of losing her grandmother to dementia, and eventually her death, in a recent article in PublicSource.

We were so very touched by the article and honored to hear more of Jim Busch’s story. A person we have the great privilege to call a “neighbor” in our cemetery. Jim passed away in February 2026 and is interred in our wooded grove.

Thank you to his children Jesse and Rachel for entrusting us with the continued care of Jim at Penn Forest, their willingness to say goodbye to their father in a more simple and natural way, and embracing a healthier relationship with death.

And last but not least, thank you to Public Source for sharing their voices.

Penn Forest Natural Burial Park is Pennsylvania’s first green cemetery. A writer who spent years fearing death went looking for what a green burial means.

11/01/2026

Unfortunately Dia de los Mu***os with Jacqueline Lee Breda has been cancelled.

Though we’re very sad to miss this special event, Jacqueline will be our ceremonial leader for the upcoming Winter Solstice Celebration on Monday, December 21st at 5:00 - 8:00pm. Visit the event to learn more and to RSVP!

10/23/2026

Volunteers needed!

We’re beginning to plan our Winter Solstice Celebration and gather all the much needed support and volunteers to make this a fabulous event. If you’re looking for an opportunity to contribute or volunteer during the Winter Solstice, send us a message or email Deanna at [email protected].

We’re so very grateful for the support and volunteers who make this event such a special experience, especially for those who have lost a dear loved one.
💫✨

10/21/2026

Join Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, Scott Hill, this Saturday, October 24 at 10 AM for the last Nature Walk & Talk of the year.

This free, fun and informative outing will cover the theme, “Ready or Not, Winter is Coming”. What are the trees, plants, birds, insects, and other creatures doing to prepare for winter? Let’s get curious!

We’ll gather in the main cemetery parking lot and head to the trails from there. Our hiking trail is about 3/4 of a mile long, with some steep hills along the way. Bring a friend and your best hiking shoes!

We hope to see you there for a retreat into nature’s embrace.

To RSVP please email Deanna at [email protected].

10/14/2026

Join us on November 1st at 6:00pm for a sacred evening of remembrance, celebration, and connection as we honor the ancestors.

Dia de los Mu***os (Day of the Dead) is an ancient Mexican tradition that honors the eternal bond between the living and the departed. It’s a time to celebrate life, remember our loved ones, and give thanks for the paths they opened before us.

Hosted by Jacqueline Lee Breda, this family friendly event is held in the peaceful setting of Penn Forest, a place where spirit and earth meet. The ceremony will invite you to open your heart and connect deeply with the unseen while enjoying the warmth of a bonfire and ceremonial cacao.

To learn more or to reserve your spot, please visit our website’s Event page.

We look forward to seeing you there ❤️

10/07/2026

With Autumn in full swing at Penn Forest, we’re beginning to plant seeds of intention for our annual Winter Solstice Celebration!
💫🕯️

We’ve officially marked our calendar for Monday December 21st from 5:00pm - 8:00pm YAY!

Join friends, family, and neighbors for a touching ceremony where we’ll walk along a path of 100 luminaries at sunset. Enjoy music, outdoor fire circle, and the burning of a Yule log to celebrate the longer days ahead. Together we’ll warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or c***r.

In addition, we’re accepting canned food donations that will be donated to the local food pantry. So bring an offering if you’re able.

This event is free and open to all who wish to be in the company of a kind hearted community. 🫶💫💕

Early bird gets the Winter Solstice worm 🙂
Register at Eventbrite to let us know you’re coming.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-solstice-celebration-tickets-2003004839394?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

10/05/2026

Welcome the autumnal season at Penn Forest with Forest Bathing this coming Saturday, October 10th from 10am - 12pm. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, your guide - Jenifer Rune - will lead you into slowing down, engaging your senses, and deepening your connection with nature.

Through gentle invitations, you’ll be guided to explore the sites, sounds, and textures of the season, fostering relaxation and presence. The walk will conclude with a shared reflection and an herbal tea. No experience is needed, just a willingness to be present.

To learn more and to RSVP please visit our website’s Events Page. We look forward to seeing you there!

10/01/2026

Lately, things at Penn Forest have been wonderfully busy. We’ve been planting trees, welcoming visitors, making new friends, leveling graves, and installing grave markers. There’s always something happening, and so much care goes into the work we do.

Every now and then, it’s nice to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate the little things in life that make this world such a special place.

Quiet moments, unexpected beauty, small reminders of how incredible it is to simply be here.

As Sam so poignantly says in our video, “Isn’t that incredible?”

Here’s to noticing the little things. 💚

09/23/2026

There’s a sweet quietude at Penn Forest today and we’re taking in the last summer colors in our landscape.

Though it’s bitter sweet to say goodbye to summer, we’re looking forward to the autumnal colors we love so much and nature’s delicate preparation for colder months ahead.

Happy Autumn to all our friends who celebrate!