State Guide: Ash Scattering in New Mexico

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

• State Flower: Yucca 🌸
• State Tree: Piñon Pine 🌲
• State Bird: Greater Roadrunner 🏃♂️🐦
• State River: Rio Grande 🌊
• State Gem: Turquoise 💎
• State Song: "O Fair New Mexico" 🎶
• State Motto: "Crescit Eundo" (It Grows as It Goes) 🌟

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

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

In 2020, the cremation rate in New Mexico was approximately 65%, 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.

New Mexico 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 New Mexico

In New Mexico, 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:

1. Sunset Memorial Park

• Location: Albuquerque, NM
• Description: A peaceful cemetery with a dedicated scattering garden and other cremation options. Sunset Memorial Park, a not-for-profit 501(c)(13) cemetery, has been serving generations of families in central New Mexico since 1929.
• Website: Sunset Memorial Park

2. Santa Fe Memorial Gardens

• Location: Santa Fe, NM
• Description: Rivera Family Funerals & Cremations is the primary provider of funeral and cremation services that create a healing experience for families and their loved ones. With our many years of experience in caring for people from all walks of life, you can expect compassionate care, high integrity, and excellence in service. Our main goal is to provide our client families with memorable remembrance experiences, celebrations of their loved one's life, and the memorialization of the time they shared.
• Website: Santa Fe Memorial Gardens

3. Fairview Memorial Park

• Location: Albuquerque, NM
• Description: Fairview Memorial Park is the primary provider of funeral and cremation services that create a healing experience for families and their loved ones. With our many years of experience in caring for people from all walks of life, you can expect compassionate care, high integrity, and excellence in service. Our main goal is to provide our client families with memorable remembrance experiences, celebrations of their loved one's life, and the memorialization of the time they shared.
• Website: Fairview Memorial Park

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.