Dr. Lanita Witt and Suzanne Willow at Willow-Witt Ranch

December 15, 2022

It is with great sadness that we inform of you of Dr. Lanita Witt’s death this morning with her loving wife, Suzanne, by her side. The outpouring of love from all of you yesterday will carry her safely on this last journey. She was a force of love, caring, and good in this world and will be sorely missed.

The ranch will be closed to public visitors unless prior arrangements have been made until January 1st.
The The Forest Conservation Burial Ground of Southern Oregon remains open dawn to dusk for visitors.
A public memorial will be held on the summer solstice. Dates and more info to come.

Thank you for your love and support,
The team at Willow-Witt Ranch

Read the December 24th Mail Tribune article "Remembering the full life of Dr. Lanita Witt" written by Morgan Rothborne.

An Oregon dedicated natural burial ground
Located within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Southern Oregon
Offering burial in reciprocity with the living landscape
Reinforcing the vital connection between people and the natural world
Preserving a unique ecosystem through intentional stewardship in perpetuity
Caring for a unique ecosystem through conservation, regeneration, and education

The Forest Conservation Burial Ground provides a space to reconnect our experience of life and death with land conservation.

We acknowledge that the Shasta, Upland Takelma, Latgawa and Athabaskan peoples stewarded these lands for millennia. We also acknowledge the intergenerational trauma caused by their forcible removal from their ancestral lands. The people whose ancestors lived on this land are now citizens of The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians, The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, or The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.

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What is Natural or Green Burial?

Natural or green burial is a return to simple, non-toxic burials designed to support the reunion of human bodies with nature.

About Green Burial

Where is The Forest Conservation Burial Ground?

We are located within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southern Oregon, just outside of the city of Ashland.

Our Location

What is Forest Pet Cemetery?

Natural burial of companion animals or cremated remains returns these beloved family members to the earth in simplicity and dignity.

Pet Cemetery

A Few Things That Make The Forest Special:

The Forest supports funeral services and ceremonies that are intimate and personalized.
Family and friends are invited to be active participants, not solely attendees.
People of all faiths, identities, and walks of life come together in shared honoring of the experiences we hold together, and shared reverence for the space that holds us.
The dedicated natural burial grounds are meant to be shared with the living.

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Latest Stories

Grief and Gratitude

January 26, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dr. Lanita Witt on December 15, 2022 with her loving wife, Suzanne, by her side. Lanita often introduced herself as, “the Witt of Willow-Witt Ranch.”

sound bowl with floral arrangement at green burial

Welcoming Fall at The Forest

September 26, 2022

Harvest blessings to you! This excerpt from Parker J. Palmer’s The Paradox of Fall captures my feelings around this season.

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This facility is licensed and regulated by the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery Board (971) 673-1500.
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An Oregon dedicated natural burial ground

Located within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Southern Oregon

Offering burial in reciprocity with the living landscape

Reinforcing the vital connection between people and the natural world

Preserving a unique ecosystem through intentional stewardship in perpetuity

Caring for a unique ecosystem through conservation, regeneration, and education