Business Details
Eco-Friendly Cemetery & Funeral Services in Mill Valley
Fernwood Cemetery & Funeral Home has been a pioneer in environmentally conscious burial practices since its founding in the late 1800s. Our 32-acre grounds, adjacent to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, offer natural burial, green burial, traditional burial, and cremation services, including America's first green Jewish cemetery, Gan Yarok. Our state-of-the-art facilities include a landmark chapel and remembrance room designed for personalized memorial services.As a National Wildlife Federation Certified Habitat, we integrate land restoration with end-of-life services, providing families a serene space to honor loved ones while preserving nature. Our experienced team assists with all aspects of funeral planning, from witnessed cremations to tree plantings, ensuring each service reflects individual traditions and environmental values.
Services
Green Burial
Cremation Services
Traditional Burial
Jewish Cemetery
Memorial Planning
Tree Planting
Eco-Friendly Urns
Witnessed Cremation
Historic Cemetery
Natural Burial
Highlights and features
- We pioneered environmentally conscious burial practices in the United States since the 1890s
- Our grounds serve as a National Wildlife Federation Certified Habitat with restored native ecosystems
- We offer America's first green Jewish cemetery with Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform sections
- Our team provides personalized memorial services with biodegradable caskets and natural markers
- We combine modern cremation technology with traditional funeral planning expertise
Associations and certifications
- National Wildlife Federation Certified Habitat
- Green Burial Council
What people say
Compassionate staff
Beautiful natural setting
Personalized attention
Seamless arrangements
Eco-friendly options
Services
Green Burial
Our green burial services offer eco-friendly alternatives using biodegradable containers and natural markers. Graves are hand-dug without toxic embalming chemicals, allowing bodies to return to the earth naturally. The 32-acre certified habitat features forest and meadow burial sites with GPS tracking for future visits.
Cremation Services
We provide witnessed cremations following European and Buddhist traditions with state-of-the-art equipment. Options include scattering gardens, niche placements with Mt. Tamalpais views, and biodegradable urn burials. Our crematory accommodates intimate ceremonies before the cremation process begins.
Jewish Cemetery
America's first green Jewish cemetery offers hand-dug graves without concrete liners. Available in Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform sections, it combines traditional practices with environmental stewardship. Natural boulders serve as markers in this sacred space surrounded by native California plants.
Memorial Planning
Our compassionate staff assists with personalized memorial services in our modern remembrance room or graveside. Services accommodate all faiths and traditions, including tree plantings, customized ceremonies, and cultural-specific arrangements. We provide guidance from initial planning through final interment.
Historic Cemetery
The historic section allows traditional burials with caskets and monuments. Surrounded by heritage oaks with views of Richardson Bay, this area preserves Marin County's Portuguese pioneer heritage. Outer burial containers may be required for ecological preservation and safety.
People
Yogu Kanthiah
Co-Owner & CFO
Brings financial expertise to Fernwood's operations while maintaining commitment to environmental stewardship. Focuses on sustainable business practices that align with our conservation mission.
Tyler Cassity
Co-Owner & President
Leads strategic direction while preserving Fernwood's pioneering spirit in eco-conscious burial practices. Ensures operational excellence across all funeral home and cemetery services.
Raymond Soudah
Sales Manager
Helps families navigate burial options with empathy and expertise. Specializes in explaining green burial benefits while respecting traditional preferences.
Alicia Jackson
Family Service Counselor
Provides compassionate guidance during difficult times. Tailors memorial solutions that reflect individual life stories and family traditions.
Jermaine Slaughter
Crematory Manager
Oversees cremation operations with technical precision and respectful care. Ensures all procedures meet environmental standards and family expectations.
Questions
What makes Fernwood an environmentally conscious cemetery?
We use hand-dug graves without toxic chemicals, biodegradable containers, and natural markers. Our 32-acre grounds serve as a National Wildlife Federation Certified Habitat with restored native ecosystems.
Do you offer Jewish burial services?
Yes, we operate Gan Yarok, America's first green Jewish cemetery with Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform sections that combine traditional practices with environmental stewardship.
What cremation options are available?
Options include witnessed cremations, scattering gardens, niche placements with Mt. Tamalpais views, and biodegradable urn burials in our certified wildlife habitat.
Can I personalize memorial services?
Yes, our remembrance room accommodates customized ceremonies with personalized music, tributes, and catering options for both religious and non-denominational services.
Are traditional burial options available?
Yes, our historic section allows traditional burials with caskets, monuments, and embalming options while preserving Marin County's Portuguese pioneer heritage.
How do you mark burial sites?
We use engraved natural boulders instead of traditional headstones. Each grave is GPS-mapped for future reference while maintaining the natural landscape's integrity.
