About Whispering Hills Cemetery

Whispering Hills is a natural “Green” cemetery contained within a memorial nature preserve.

What is a Natural Cemetery?

The most frequently asked question about Whispering Hills is “What is a natural Green Cemetery?”

A Natural Cemetery, or “Green” Cemetery, is a cemetery that has a more natural (and environmentally friendly) approach to end of life burials. Embalmed bodies are not allowed. No metal caskets or cement vaults are allowed. Cremains may be buried or scattered after being mixed with a specially formulated soil that will encourage plant growth.

Green burials only use natural materials that are biodegradable in order to allow remains to decompose naturally.

To learn more about Green Burial options in Georgia, read Piecing Together the Green Burial Movement, featured in The Bitter Southerner

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a green burial?

Elizabeth Fournier, author of The Green Burial Guidebook answered that when she wrote “Green Burial is a way of caring for our dead with the least possible environmental impact.”

According to the Green Burial Council, Green burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health,and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat.

The Green Burial Council (GBC) is responsible for certifying green burial practices. This means that they set standards for burial grounds, funeral homes, and products to ensure they are environmentally friendly and sustainable. This certification provides peace of mind to individuals who are seeking green burial options.

Whispering Hills is currently the only GBC certified natural green cemetery in GA!

What happens to Whispering Hills if the managers and owners change in the future?

Whispering Hills, LLC is zoned and set aside by Troup County Georgia (Plat Book 81, page 89) as a “green, Natural Cemetery Only.” It is registered by the State of Georgia as a “Perpetual Care Cemetery.” Fifteen percent of funds collected for interment rights is paid into a Perpetual Care Trust to be used in the future if needed to maintain the cemetery.

Additional Information

Requirements for Certification by the Green Burial Council as a Green Cemetery

Licensed funeral directors are required to prepare and accompany the deceased until a burial service is completed.
Embalmed bodies will not be accepted for burial. Cremated remains will be accepted for burial or scattering after being mixed with a specially formulated soil that will encourage plant growth.
Burial containers are limited to shrouds and materials that are natural, nontoxic, and/or biodegradable. Metal caskets or cement vaults are not allowed.
A green cemetery is a full source provider in opening and closing of gravesites for full natural burials, ashes burials, and ashes scatterings, but family members are welcome to participate in the process.

Records on File

GPS locations of burial sites and general area of scattering sites will be kept on file in office as well as with webCemeteries.

Maintenance

Grave markers may be made from stones found on the property.
No adornments, other than fresh cut flowers.
No adornments of any kind may be left on any interment space, lot, or tree.
No tents, benches, chairs, or similar items are permitted in the preserve unless arranged through the staff or authorized funeral directors. No balloon or bird releases are allowed.
No removal, mining or extraction of soil, gravel, stones, or minerals (other than removal of soil for digging of graves) is permitted.

Cremains

Cremains to be scattered must be received at Whispering Hills office four months prior to physical scattering in order to begin the composting process. This is to ensure plant growth will continue to flourish in the scattering area.
Cremains that are buried will also be mixed with a special soil additive that promotes composting, but for this there is no extra time requirement before interment.

Visitor & Pet Policy

Visitors are welcome. After visitors have been given a tour, and signed a Hold Harmless agreement, they are welcome to walk, bike, or horseback ride on their own throughout the cemetery trails. With submission of a valid drivers license, they may also be allowed use of a cart on established trails only.
Pets are welcome on a leash
No cars or trucks are allowed on trails.

Interment & Scattering Services

Every natural burial is unique. The family, the funeral director, and the staff at Whispering Hills will discuss available options and help make arrangements for an appropriate and memorable interment or scattering service.

Whispering Hills LLC is a licensed perpetual care cemetery certified as a natural burial ground by the Green Burial Council of America. Directors of the following licensed funeral homes have visited Whispering Hills and can provide you with first-hand information.

Higgins Funeral Home
@ Hunter-Allen Myhand

LaGrange, GA

706-884-5626

Claude A. McKibben & Sons
Funeral Home

Hogansville, GA

706-637-8623

Strifler-Hamby Mortuary
– LaGrange

LaGrange, GA

706-884-8636

Harris Funeral Home

Opelika, AL

334-749-6583