What’s Underground In This Preserve In South Carolina Is Unexpected But Awesome
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Robin Jarvis
Author
Ramsey Creek Preserve in Westminster, South Carolina is a natural preserve in Oconee County. It’s bordered on one side by shallow and clear Ramsey Creek. In season it’s laiden with millions of blooms, mostly from plants found naturally in the Palmetto State.
But what's underground in this preserve is truly unexpected and awesome.
At its inception, Ramsey Creek Preserve protected 33 beautiful acres including one-half mile of Ramsey Creek. Additional acreage is being added as this preserve continues to grow.
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Sure what's on top of the ground at Ramsey Creek is beautiful, but what's underground is amazing. This little known preserve in Westminster was the first green burial cemetery in the country.
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In 1998, the founder of Ramsey Creek Preserve was a family practitioner in town. His vision was to create a natural cemetery that would return lifeforms back to nature and in turn, renew and protect the ecosystem. The solution was to create a cemetery and offer green, also called natural, burials. His efforts spawned a national movement throughout the U.S.
Just what IS a green/natural burial? Technically, no embalming fluids or formaldehyde are used, as these are considered carcinogens which are harmful to the ecosystem.
If a casket is used, it's natural wood and not treated lumber. No vaults are used, whatsoever. All materials used are biodegradeable and good for the environment. In addition, rocks, wood or trees are used as gravemarkers.
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Gravesites are carefully selected and the graves are hand-dug, often by family members.
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Another unique option of a natural burial is to skip the casket alogether. A natural biodegradeable shroud is used instead.
Prefer cremation? Ramsey Creek has an option for that too. Biodegradable urns are available. The urn is placed into the ground and a marker of sort is placed on top.
Ramsey Creek Preserve is a testament to one man's pursuit of finding an alternative to contemporary burial practices while protecting, preserving and renewing nature.
His efforts spawned a nationwide movement. The Facebook page for Green Burial Pittsburgh cites the number of Green/Natural Cemeteries in the United States is now up to 450. And it all started right here in Westminster, South Carolina.
Have you ever heard of Ramsey Creek Preserve or a “green” burial? We’d love to hear in our comments on Facebook.
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