State Guide: Ash Scattering in Vermont
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If you are thinking of scattering ashes in the state of Vermont, it may be helpful to know the official symbols:
- State Flower: Red Clover 🌸
- State Tree: Sugar Maple 🌳
- State Bird: Hermit Thrush 🐦
- State River: Connecticut River 🌊
- State Gemstone: Grossular Garnet 💎
- State Song: "These Green Mountains" 🎶
- State Motto: "Freedom and Unity" 🤝
How prevalent is the practice of scattering cremated ashes or cremains in Vermont?
The practice of scattering ashes has become increasingly popular in Vermont, following the broader national trend toward cremation and personalized memorials. While specific statistics on ash scattering in Vermont are limited, the cremation rate in Vermont was approximately 73% in 2020, and this number continues to rise.
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.
Vermont law permits the scattering of ashes on private property (with the owner’s consent), uninhabited public land, and in waterways, provided the remains are finely processed. Many cemeteries have developed designated scattering gardens to accommodate this growing preference.
Examples of Ash Scattering Gardens in Vermont
In Vermont, 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:
Lakeview Cemetery
- Location: Burlington, VT
- Description: Lakeview Cemetery is an example of a Victorian Lawn Park Cemetery and was first opened to the public in 1872. It contains the Louisa Howard Chapel that was built in 1882 and was a gift to the City from Louisa Howard. The Chapel was built in high Victorian gothic style architecture. It is available for rental for memorial services, weddings and other public gatherings. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
- Website: Lakeview Cemetery
Green Mount Cemetery
- Location: Montpelier, VT
- Description: The 35 acres on which the Green Mount Cemetery is located were bought in 1854. Of the purchase price of $2,210, $1,000 was donated by Calvin Keith, a Montpelier lawyer and $1,210 was put up by the town. In 1905, the Chapel-Vault building was erected from a generous bequest of John E. Hubbard. The Vault portion can hold up to 60 entombments and the chapel can accommodate 60 people for funeral services. Since this time, Green Mount Cemetery proudly exhibits many terraced lots, 2.5 miles of curved roads, and many pleasant shade trees and ornamental shrubs. There are many sculptured works which are memorials to the talents of our area's artisans both past and present.
- Website: Green Mount Cemetery
Hope Cemetery
- Location: Barre, VT
- Description: Located in Barre, Vermont, the "Granite Capital of the World," Hope Cemetery serves not only as a place to remember those who work outside the craft and are buried there, but also as a tribute to the stone cutters and artisans interred amongst the sculptures they created while they lived.
- Website: Hope Cemetery
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.
Important Considerations
Before scattering ashes in Vermont, it is important to check local laws and regulations, as some locations may have specific rules regarding ash scattering. Always ensure the process aligns with state and federal guidelines while respecting the environment and private property owners.