Whispering Hills expands natural cemetery
Published on June 28, 2024
Whispering Hills Secures 20 Additional Acres for Future Preservation
Troup County grants green cemetery expansion and agritourism permit for adjacent farm
Whispering Hills Natural Green Cemetery and Memorial Nature Preserve was founded by Ralph Howard and his sister Jean about four years ago to protect their family land and offer the community a peaceful place to pay tribute to loved ones who have passed.
Families from Georgia, Alabama, across the South and around the world have secured their final resting place here among the towering trees and meadows filled with colorful wildflowers, and along the rolling streams and walking trails.
“It’s been a wonderful journey, as we set out a few years ago to protect this land for future generations. The families who’ve chosen Whispering Hills Natural Green Cemetery and Memorial Nature Preserve have come to cherish this land as much as I do,” noted Howard, managing partner of Whispering Hills.
“They’ve selected a beautiful resting place here for their own future burial needs or they’re celebrating the life of a loved one surrounded by nature.”
The Howards had originally secured 20-acres of the family’s 140-acre property for the natural cemetery in 2020. The community’s response has been “so encouraging and gratifying” that Ralph went to Troup County Commissioners with a proposal to expand the natural cemetery to 40 acres, and they unanimously approved the request earlier this year.
The Howards had originally secured 20-acres of the family’s 140-acre property for the natural cemetery in 2020
Troup County also granted an agritourism permit that allows special events and activities to be held at adjacent facilities, on pasturelands with stables surrounded by beautiful white fences along Mooty Bridge Road that greet visitors at the entrance to Whispering Hills.
“We have many plans and have received great suggestions for a wide range of activities on the farm property adjacent to the green cemetery, including school tours, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, nature walks, outings, and mountain biking,” Howard explained. “It’s a place that will play an increasing role in the lives of outdoor enthusiasts for years and generations to come.”
LaGrange High School’s Cross Country team has begun holding practices and plans to host meets on the trails at Whispering Hills, ideal for one-to-five mile courses.
