Santa Monica’s Woodlawn Cemetery Opens SoCal’s Second Green Burial Site, Eternal Meadow
March 23, 2017 2:48 PM
WHEN: Saturday, April 1, 11 a.m. opening ceremony, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. event activities, free
WHERE: Woodlawn Cemetery, Mortuary & Mausoleum, 1847 14th Street
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – On Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 11 a.m., Santa Monica’s historic Woodlawn Cemetery, Mortuary & Mausoleum will hold the opening ceremony of Eternal Meadow, the Cemetery’s new “green” or natural burial section.
“In keeping with the City of Santa Monica’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, Eternal Meadow offers families an eco-friendly burial option,” said Dean Kubani, Assistant Director of Public Works and Chief Sustainability Officer. “Woodlawn is the second cemetery in Southern California to offer green burial.”
Green burials minimize environmental damage because no toxic chemicals, metals, or cement vaults are used. One is buried in a simple wooden casket or in an organic shroud. Green burial hastens the return of the body to the earth while simultaneously providing nourishment to the plant life around it. It is a meaningful way to honor the life of a loved one. Eternal Meadow was specifically designed with beautiful California-native wild flowers, plants, and grasses.
Mayor Pro Tem Gleam Davis and other City officials will join Woodlawn staff for a ribbon cutting and a butterfly release is planned to celebrate Woodlawn’s recent designation as a Monarch Butterfly Waystation.
After the ceremony, the public is invited to enjoy a Living History Tour. Costumed guides portraying notable women and men interred at Woodlawn share their stories and contributions to culture, history and society. Other activities will include:
- Eco-themed craft activities and event booths
- Light refreshments
- "Movies in the Mausoleum”
- Photography exhibit produced by students of the Santa Monica College Photography Department
Food will be available for purchase from Los Tamaleros and Churros Don Abel.
Free parking for this event can be found at Santa Monica College’s Lot 4 at 16th St. & Pico Blvd. Big Blue Bus Lines 7, Rapid 7, and 41 serve the Cemetery. The Cemetery is wheelchair accessible. For those requiring assistance, shuttle service inside the Cemetery will be provided.
For updates and information about Woodlawn Cemetery, Mortuary & Mausoleum events and services, visit http://www.woodlawnsm.com or call 310-458-8717. While the event is free, please RSVP through this Facebook event.
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov