News and Events
Upcoming Events
**Updated 2/3/2025**
Alaska Natural Burial has been pursuing a parcel of Heritage Land Bank land ("Parcel #2-156") since 2021. We are working with a landscape architect and completing "due diligence" work now. Our sights are set on being open in 2027.
Alaska Natural Burial has been pursuing a parcel of Heritage Land Bank land ("Parcel #2-156") since 2021. We are working with a landscape architect and completing "due diligence" work now. Our sights are set on being open in 2027.
Past News and Events
Heritage Land Bank names Alaska Natural Burial as the RFP awardee
September 27, 2024
The Selection Committee selected Alaska Natural Burial's proposal as the awardee for an HLB RFP, to establish a natural burial cemetery on HLB Parcel 2-156.
September 27, 2024
The Selection Committee selected Alaska Natural Burial's proposal as the awardee for an HLB RFP, to establish a natural burial cemetery on HLB Parcel 2-156.
Response to Heritage Land Bank RFP Submitted
July 31, 2024
Our response to a RFP released by HLB regarding Parcel 2-156 has been submitted. You can view the RFP on the HLB website.
July 31, 2024
Our response to a RFP released by HLB regarding Parcel 2-156 has been submitted. You can view the RFP on the HLB website.
Alaska Natural Burial earns Silver Seal of Transparency
May 7, 2024
Because of our commitment to nonprofit transparency, we've earned a Silver Seal on Guidestar.
May 7, 2024
Because of our commitment to nonprofit transparency, we've earned a Silver Seal on Guidestar.
Alaska Natural Burial receives 501(c)(3) designation
May 1, 2024
We've received our letter from the IRS confirming our exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization. Thus far we've been operating as a fiscally sponsored project of CascadiaNOW!, which is based in Seattle. While we're looking forward to being a 100% Alaska-based entity, we will be forever grateful to CN! for helping us get off the ground while we waited for our application (submitted in July 2023!) to make its way through the IRS. Alaska Natural Burial will continue to exist under CN! until our Board and CN! are able to coordinate our amicable departure.
May 1, 2024
We've received our letter from the IRS confirming our exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization. Thus far we've been operating as a fiscally sponsored project of CascadiaNOW!, which is based in Seattle. While we're looking forward to being a 100% Alaska-based entity, we will be forever grateful to CN! for helping us get off the ground while we waited for our application (submitted in July 2023!) to make its way through the IRS. Alaska Natural Burial will continue to exist under CN! until our Board and CN! are able to coordinate our amicable departure.
Heritage Land Bank Public Hearing 2024 Work Program & interagency review to assess municipal need
February 22, 2024
This public hearing includes testimony from Alaska Natural Burial's Board President, Rachel Bernhardt. The HLB 2024 Work Program now will be presented to the Anchorage Assembly for review and *hopefully* approval. View a recording of the public hearing on the HLB website. Meanwhile, HLB has conducted an interagency review to assess possible municipal need for Parcel 2-156. HLB reportedly received no significant feedback.
February 22, 2024
This public hearing includes testimony from Alaska Natural Burial's Board President, Rachel Bernhardt. The HLB 2024 Work Program now will be presented to the Anchorage Assembly for review and *hopefully* approval. View a recording of the public hearing on the HLB website. Meanwhile, HLB has conducted an interagency review to assess possible municipal need for Parcel 2-156. HLB reportedly received no significant feedback.
Alaska Public Media article
February 10, 2024
An Alaska Public Media article features Rachel Bernhardt, discussing Alaska Natural Burial and water cremation.
February 10, 2024
An Alaska Public Media article features Rachel Bernhardt, discussing Alaska Natural Burial and water cremation.
Bernhardt is quick to say that making choices around death is personal and there’s not one “right” way, but she’s doggedly pushing for people to have choices beyond conventional burial and cremation...
“It’s better for the community, better for the planet, better for people,” Bernhardt said. “It’s a hands-on experience, burying somebody in a natural burial cemetery; if you want to use a shovel and help, that’s welcomed and encouraged.”
“It’s better for the community, better for the planet, better for people,” Bernhardt said. “It’s a hands-on experience, burying somebody in a natural burial cemetery; if you want to use a shovel and help, that’s welcomed and encouraged.”
Heritage Land Bank 2024 Annual Work Program
February 9, 2024
The parcel of land we are pursuing is in the inventory of Heritage Land Bank. For HLB to transfer this parcel out of their inventory, Alaska Natural Burial must appear on their Annual Work Program. The public comment period for the draft Work Program closed on 2/9/24.
February 9, 2024
The parcel of land we are pursuing is in the inventory of Heritage Land Bank. For HLB to transfer this parcel out of their inventory, Alaska Natural Burial must appear on their Annual Work Program. The public comment period for the draft Work Program closed on 2/9/24.
Heritage Land Bank 2023 Annual Work Program
August 8, 2023
Alaska Natural Burial has been actively pursuing a parcel of Heritage Land Bank land (Parcel #2-156) since 2021. The Heritage Land Bank prioritizes projects through its Annual Work Program. Being listed on the 2023 Work Program makes our project a priority for HLB staff. The Work Program (Resolution AR 2023-235) was APPROVED by the Anchorage Assembly on 8/8/23. Realistically, no meaningful progress is going to be made in the next four months. We are hopeful that the 2024 Work Program will be approved quickly so some real work can be done.
August 8, 2023
Alaska Natural Burial has been actively pursuing a parcel of Heritage Land Bank land (Parcel #2-156) since 2021. The Heritage Land Bank prioritizes projects through its Annual Work Program. Being listed on the 2023 Work Program makes our project a priority for HLB staff. The Work Program (Resolution AR 2023-235) was APPROVED by the Anchorage Assembly on 8/8/23. Realistically, no meaningful progress is going to be made in the next four months. We are hopeful that the 2024 Work Program will be approved quickly so some real work can be done.
Global Green Burial Alliance's November Forum
November 9, 2023
Alaska Natural Burial talks about our project's progress at the November Forum hosted by the Global Green Burial Alliance. The rest of the video is a deep-dive into memorial reef balls. Pretty interesting stuff!
View the recording here.
Great Land Trust and the Potter Marsh Watershed Park
October 26, 2023
At the October Heritage Land Bank meeting, Great Land Trust unveiled its plans for Potter Marsh Watershed Park. This exciting project will bring us one step closer to achieving a vision for this urban forest to remain wild in perpetuity. It's better for the wildlife, better for the Marsh, and better for the community.
Great Land Trust's presentation at HLB can be viewed here.
Assembly Approval -- Heritage Land Bank 2023 Work Program
August 8, 2023
The Work Program (Resolution AR 2023-235) has been approved by the Anchorage Assembly. View the recording here.
Next steps -- getting down to business with HLB!
August 8, 2023
The Work Program (Resolution AR 2023-235) has been approved by the Anchorage Assembly. View the recording here.
Next steps -- getting down to business with HLB!
Assembly Work Session -- Heritage Land Bank 2023 Work Program
August 4, 2023
A productive Assembly Worksession! View the recording here.
Next step -- Assembly approval!
August 4, 2023
A productive Assembly Worksession! View the recording here.
Next step -- Assembly approval!
Heritage Land Bank 2023 Work Program
June 22, 2023
HLB Commissioners have approved a 2023 Work Program which includes Alaska Natural Burial. We received overwhelming public support for this project. There were more letters for Alaska Natural Burial than any other HLB project combined. The Work Program is not official until it has been approved by the Anchorage Assembly. Assembly date TBD.
June 22, 2023
HLB Commissioners have approved a 2023 Work Program which includes Alaska Natural Burial. We received overwhelming public support for this project. There were more letters for Alaska Natural Burial than any other HLB project combined. The Work Program is not official until it has been approved by the Anchorage Assembly. Assembly date TBD.
Heritage Land Bank 2023 Work Program 45-Day Public Comment Period
June 9, 2023
The 45-day public comment period is closed. Being on the 2023 Work Program will make Alaska Natural Burial a priority for HLB in 2023. HLB Commissioners will review all public comments and further discussion will occur in an upcoming HLB meeting.
June 9, 2023
The 45-day public comment period is closed. Being on the 2023 Work Program will make Alaska Natural Burial a priority for HLB in 2023. HLB Commissioners will review all public comments and further discussion will occur in an upcoming HLB meeting.
Hometown Alaska radio program
February 6, 2023
If you missed the live show, you can listen to the recording here.
February 6, 2023
If you missed the live show, you can listen to the recording here.
Alaska End-of-Life Alliance Kick-off Event
October 25, 2022
The Alaska End-of-Life Alliance is a new organization dedicated to educating, advocating, and supporting Alaskans in end-of-life care. This event will serve as an introduction to a broad range of end-of-life topics, followed by an interactive discussion of important community issues.
When: October 25 (Tuesday) from 6:30-7:30 pm -- doors open at 6
Where: Anchorage Museum SEED Lab -- 111 W 6th Avenue, Anchorage, 99501
October 25, 2022
The Alaska End-of-Life Alliance is a new organization dedicated to educating, advocating, and supporting Alaskans in end-of-life care. This event will serve as an introduction to a broad range of end-of-life topics, followed by an interactive discussion of important community issues.
When: October 25 (Tuesday) from 6:30-7:30 pm -- doors open at 6
Where: Anchorage Museum SEED Lab -- 111 W 6th Avenue, Anchorage, 99501
Anchorage Museum presentation
August 25, 2022
Alaska Natural Burial was honored to participate in the Pechakucha presentations as part of the Museum's Design Week programming.
Heritage Land Bank presentation
July 28, 2022
Alaska Natural Burial has been working with the staff at Heritage Land Bank for several months now. Today we introduced the project to HLB's Advisory Commission. At an upcoming HLB meeting (date TBD), the Commissioners will vote on recommending disposition of HLB Parcel #2-156 to Alaska Natural Burial.
To view Parcel #2-156 on a map, please visit this site and search for ID 02018168000.
Rabbit Creek Community Council presentation
June 9, 2022
Alaska Natural Burial presented to the Rabbit Creek Community Council and received excellent feedback from residents of the area, including recommendations for ecologically responsible site construction and sharing parking infrastructure with a nearby municipal park. You can view the RCCC's letter of support for Alaska Natural Burial here.
June 9, 2022
Alaska Natural Burial presented to the Rabbit Creek Community Council and received excellent feedback from residents of the area, including recommendations for ecologically responsible site construction and sharing parking infrastructure with a nearby municipal park. You can view the RCCC's letter of support for Alaska Natural Burial here.
1 Million Cups discussion
May 14, 2022
Alaska Natural Burial discussion hosted by 1 Million Cups. If you missed us on May 11, you can view the recording here.
1 Million Cups is a program to educate, engage, and inspire entrepreneurs around the country.
May 14, 2022
Alaska Natural Burial discussion hosted by 1 Million Cups. If you missed us on May 11, you can view the recording here.
1 Million Cups is a program to educate, engage, and inspire entrepreneurs around the country.
Health TIE Open Innovation discussion
March 10, 2022
If you missed the live session, you can check out the recording here
About Health TIE:
Health TIE is a grassroots effort with the goal of connecting healthcare organizations, funders and change makers with entrepreneurs who have products and services to make healthcare access easier, lower cost and more efficient.
Health TIE is a grassroots effort with the goal of connecting healthcare organizations, funders and change makers with entrepreneurs who have products and services to make healthcare access easier, lower cost and more efficient.
