Our Monthly Tip: Create a Unique Woodland Memorial Service

A picnic-like forest memorial is a wonderful way to remember a nature lover. (Photo credit: Shutterstock)

Our Tip of the Month

To honor someone who loved the woods, hosting a woodland memorial service or  celebration of life in a forest can make for a unique gathering. 

Planning one of these doesn’t have to be difficult. You can choose one of the beloved’s favorite places or choose a public place with picnic tables, rustic tables, or even a campfire.

Remembering your loved one with stories told around a campfires ensures that they live on.

How-to Suggestions

Feel free to decorate the tables with tree branches, wildflowers, mason jars, framed photos, or other crafty mementos that honor your loved one and their passion for the outdoors. If it’s appropriate, stringing lights or burning candles can add wonderful atmospheric touches (of course, to prevent fire hazards,  a keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby; your local forest service should have a definitive list of fire prevention tips).

Given that this location lends itself to a more casual feeling, you may also want to recreate some of the loved one’s favorite outdoor activities. It could be an invigorating group walk, a fishing trip, or a rousing Frisbee game.  

Sharing memories and laughter about the person who died is a unique way to remember them.

As for food, if your loved one loved grilling, perhaps making that person’s favorite dish would be a beautiful tribute for all people attending. The campfire can serve as a wonderful way to hold a service and share memories (and laughter) of the person. 

This type of memorial service can be a fitting way to send off a true nature lover. And since it’s such a unique tribute, you have carte blanche to use some of these ideas and incorporate your own.