State Guide: Ash Scattering in Maine

If you are thinking of scattering ashes in the state of Maine, it may be helpful to know the official symbols:

• State Flower: White Pine Cone and Tassel 🌲
• State Tree: Eastern White Pine 🌳
• State Bird: Black-capped Chickadee 🐦
• State River: Kennebec River 🌊
• State Stone: Tourmaline 💎
• State Song: "State of Maine" 🎶
• State Motto: "Dirigo" (I Lead) ⭐

How prevalent is the practice of scattering cremated ashes or cremains in Maine?

The practice of scattering ashes has become increasingly popular in Maine, reflecting a broader national trend toward cremation and personalized memorials. While specific statistics on ash scattering in Maine are limited, cremation has seen a significant rise.

In 2020, the cremation rate in Maine was approximately 78%, with projections showing continued growth. With this increase, more families are seeking meaningful and personalized ways to honor their loved ones, including scattering ashes in designated gardens, cemeteries, or natural locations.

Maine law permits the scattering of ashes on private property (with the owner’s consent), in public parks with proper authorization, and in bodies of water following federal regulations. Several cemeteries and organizations have developed designated scattering gardens to accommodate this growing preference.

It is important to review local laws and regulations before scattering ashes in any location to ensure compliance and respect for the environment.

Examples of Ash Scattering Gardens in Maine

In Maine, several cemeteries and organizations offer scattering gardens—designated areas where families can respectfully scatter the cremated remains of their loved ones. Here are some notable options:

Evergreen Cemetery Scattering Garden

Location: Portland, ME
Description: Established by the city in 1854, the cemetery was designed by Charles H. Howe as a rural landscape with winding carriage paths, ponds, footbridges, gardens, a chapel, funerary art, and sculpture. It also includes extensive wooded wetlands. Evergreen was modeled after America's first rural cemetery-Mount Auburn in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The popularity of garden/rural cemeteries as designed landscapes was so great, in form and function, they pointed the way to the development of urban parks as we know them today.
Website: Evergreen Cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery

• Location: Bangor, ME
• Description: Mount Hope, recognized as America's second garden cemetery, also managed the adjacent cemetery holding of the City of Bangor during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In total, Mount Hope owned or managed some 300 acres by 1995, property visited by the general public for educational and recreational purposes as well as providing crematory, mausoleum, and related cemetery services.
• Website: Mount Hope Cemetery

Oak Grove Cemetery

• Location: Bath, ME
• Description: A well-maintained cemetery with cremation memorialization options, including a scattering garden.
• Website: Oak Grove Cemetery

Bar Harbor Congregational Church Memorial Garden

• Location: Bar Harbor, ME
• Description: A church-affiliated memorial garden providing a peaceful final resting place for cremated remains.
• Website: Bar Harbor Congregational Church

Farmstead Scattering Garden

• Location: Mail-in service, Pennsylvania
• Description: Farmstead Scattering Garden offers a unique option for those who prefer a remote and tranquil resting place. Families can mail in cremated remains, and upon arrival, the ashes will be respectfully scattered on a working farm. This service allows families to customize their scattering experience, choosing a specific location and ceremony details without the need to travel.
• Website: Farmstead Scattering Garden
• Contact: Call or text (814) 450-5432 for more information.

Are there mail-in options for ash scattering services?

Yes! If you are looking for a way to celebrate your loved one, consider a customizable mail-in ash scattering ceremony with Farmstead Scattering Garden. We’ve simplified the process by offering a mail-in service. With Farmstead Scattering, you can mail cremated remains, and upon arrival, we’ll honor your loved one by scattering their ashes on our working farm. With our services, you can choose a specific location and customize the scattering ceremony.

Visit our service page or call or text us at (814) 450-5432 to learn more.