Nature is amazing. It has the power to heal and nourish our souls. Walking in the woods can give us a sense of inner peace and calmness and a chance to reconnect with a higher power. It is no wonder that so many people are choosing to have their remains released back into nature after their cremation services in Freeport, IL.

If you are preplanning and selecting a spot for your remains to be released, or you are looking for a special space for a loved one’s remains, there are some things to take into consideration. While most parks and other public lands allow the act of scattering remains, there are some rules you may need to adhere to.

First, a note about public and private lands. While most public lands are fine with the act of releasing ashes as long as you follow the rules, private lands are very different. If you are considering a release ceremony on private land, you must gain the permission of the land owner. If you do not and are caught on the land, you could face fines and even jail time since that would be considered trespassing. If you cannot get the permission of the land owner, simply find another place.

Releasing Ashes on Public Land

One of the most popular places for families to release ashes is in National Parks. It’s no wonder with the beauty that these parks hold. Also, almost every park allows for easy access to hold a release ceremony.

Typically, all the family needs to do is get a permit that can be attained online. There are also general rules to follow such as:

• The remains cannot be buried
• The remains must be released away from developed areas such as trails, bathrooms, campgrounds, and other structures
• No marker of any kind can be left at the site

While this is a general list of rules, each park may have rules specific to them. It is always best to call ahead of time and talk directly with a park ranger about what needs to be done. It is also a good idea to call ahead because many times parks can have random trail or road closures due to weather or other issues. Knowing about these closures ahead of time can save you from getting to the park, only to realize the area you wanted to go to isn’t’ accessible.

If your family cannot travel to a national park, there are some amazing state parks available as well. These parks generally have the same rules and regulations as the national parks. As always, it’s best to call ahead and talk with a ranger directly about any specific rules.

If you would like to spread the ashes locally at a city park, call the local law enforcement to see what city rules you will need to follow as every city is different.

With more and more people choosing cremation services in Freeport, IL, you will find more people wanting to have the remains released back into nature. This is such a beautiful and natural way to return “ashes to ashes”.