Santa Cruz Memorial Forest
An 84-acre redwood sanctuary where pure mountain air meets sweeping vistas.
Why Santa Cruz?
A natural alternative to traditional cemeteries
Santa Cruz Memorial Forest offers a meaningful way to return ashes to the earth within a protected forest sanctuary.
Trees instead of tombstones honor loved ones with a memorial that grows.
Ashes naturally nourish the forest—no harmful chemicals, low impact.
Every memorial funds conservation, protecting forest and wildlife habitats.
Legally protected in perpetuity—the forest is never developed or disturbed.
A coastal oasis where mountains meet the sea
Experience a peaceful mountain sanctuary unlike any traditional memorial—where redwoods meet pure mountain air and the forest overlooks the vital Soquel Creek watershed.
Peaceful pond
A spring-fed pond offers a peaceful forest oasis for quiet reflection and sustains the trees and wildlife.
Forest birdsong
Morning birdsong echos through the canopy and great horned owls can be heard hooting in the evenings.
Abundant wildlife
Tree frogs sing in the canopy and deer are often spotted throughout this vibrant mountain ecosystem.
Your memorial
protects the forest
Your memorial does more than honor a life—it protects an ecosystem. Each purchase funds a Stewardship Trust to preserve the forest and provides you irrevocable access rights in perpetuity.
Return to nature,
make it beautiful
After cremation, families need a place to remember. With Better Place, ashes find a permanent home in a protected Memorial Forest—not on a mantle, not scattered without a place to return.
It’s simpler than traditional burial, more comprehensive than direct cremation, and designed for how we want to be remembered—as part of something living.
Need cremation services? We offer carbon-neutral cremation.
Three perfect memorial locations
Within Santa Cruz Memorial Forest are three distinct locations, each with its own character and natural beauty. Discover the one that speaks to you.
Sunrise Trail
Stunning eastern sunrises stream through the canopy accompanied by birdsong.
Reflection Grove
A peaceful pond offers a natural spot to pause and reflect all year round.
Madrone Ridge
Sits above Soquel Creek, offering mountain views and quiet privacy.
Two ways to create a living memorial
Memorial Tree
- Multiple people & pets at one tree
- You choose tree & location
- Add a personalized Guide-led ceremony
- Add customized Memorial Marker
Your tree. Your forest. Your choices.
Starting at $6,200 • View Pricing
Bundle with cremation • Save $1,000
Spreading Grove
- Honors one life in a shared grove
- Location chosen for you
- Simple self-led memorial ceremony
- Includes small, simple marker
A grove. A forest. A place to rest.
Starting at $2,250 • View Pricing
Bundle with cremation • Save $1,000
Nature Memorial Ceremony
A personalized ceremony with loved ones to return ashes to the earth.
Starting at $100
Memorial Marker
A customized bronze marker placed at a tree or grove to honor a life.
Starting at $500
Santa Cruz tree species
Santa Cruz features three native Northern California coastal tree species, each with their own symbolism and strength for honoring your loved one. Explore trees virtually or visit the forest in-person.
Coastal Redwood
Earth’s tallest tree, living up to 2,000 years. Their interconnected root systems symbolize family bonds that span generations.
Tanoak
Moss-covered and elegant, living up to 1,000 years. These acorn-bearing trees provide vital sustenance for forest wildlife.
Douglas Fir
Among the world’s tallest trees, living up to 1,000 years. Valued wildlife habitat and a symbol of enduring adaptability.
What to expect
What happens when you explore with a Guide
A Guide helps you understand your options, answers your questions,
and walks you through next steps—no pressure.
How does it work? What’s included? Is this right for me?
Guides can show you trees virtually or plan a forest visit.
Every detail is shaped around your family’s values.
We’ll help you understand what’s right for you.
Schedule an online tour or an in-person forest visit.
Visit Santa Cruz Memorial Forest
Find out what a living memorial looks like. Walk the forest paths, view Memorial Trees, and find the right resting place—by appointment, in person or online.
- Buzzard Lagoon Road Los Gatos, CA 95033
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
What families say
“My mom wanted a place that we could all gather. She didn’t want an urn in someone’s home.
Future generations can be placed here too.”
Better Place Memorial Forests
Our protected forests span America—from the redwoods of the Mendocino Coast to the ridgetops of the Berkshires. Some of the most beautiful, biodiverse places in the country.
Talk to a Guide, 24/7
When you’re ready, we’re here.
Explore at your own pace
See the two ways families honor a life.
Questions?
We're here to help.
What is a Memorial Forest?
A Memorial Forest is a protected natural area designed as an alternative to a traditional cemetery where cremated ashes are returned to the earth at the base of a chosen, established tree or in dedicated groves.
Is a Memorial Forest in Santa Cruz the right choice for me or my loved one?
Absolutely. Instead of tombstones in a cemetery, your loved one’s ashes become part of the Santa Cruz Memorial Forest ecosystem, protected forever through conservation. Your memorial grows and evolves with the seasons, celebrating the cycle of life.
How much does it cost to spread ashes in Santa Cruz Memorial Forest?
In Santa Cruz, you can choose a shared Spreading Grove or private Memorial Tree to spread ashes. View pricing here
What are the benefits of Santa Cruz Memorial Forest compared to cremation or funeral homes?
Santa Cruz provides a meaningful alternative to traditional options: a protected forest resting place without funeral home pressure. Your memorial supports conservation, becomes part of a living ecosystem, and gives your family a permanent place to visit.
Why choose Santa Cruz Memorial Forest over other Memorial Forests?
People may choose Santa Cruz Memorial Forest for its beautiful native tree species, sentimental value, and its commitment to stewarding the land.
Can I visit Santa Cruz Memorial Forest anytime?
Yes! You can arrange an in-person visit anytime by contacting a Guide. Get Started
Can you get buried in Santa Cruz Memorial Forest?
Santa Cruz Memorial Forest allows spreading ashes, not traditional burial.
What are the steps to choosing a Memorial Tree in Santa Cruz Memorial Forest?
Choosing a Memorial Tree is easy. Select the tree size, species, and location within the forest. You can choose online with the help of a Guide or visit the forest in person, whichever is easiest for your situation. Get Started
What to consider when choosing a Memorial Tree in Santa Cruz Memorial Forest?
Think about whether you want a Memorial Tree along an accessible path, in a sunny meadow where you can picnic, or in a more secluded location.
