Return to Nature.
Bringing Natural Burial to the Seacoast.
Welcome to
Lotus & Lavender
Natural Burial.
We’re a 501(c)(13) cemetery-specific nonprofit working to bring natural burial options to the Seacoast. While we don’t offer burial yet, our mission is underway: educating communities, partnering with local municipalities, and laying the groundwork for future natural burial cemeteries. Our approach is simple and respectful—honoring all end-of-life choices while expanding access to a gentle, environmentally grounded option that returns the body naturally to the land.
What is Natural Burial?
Natural burial, also known as “green burial” is a simple, time-honored return to the earth. For most of human history, bodies were placed in the ground to decompose naturally—without vaults, chemicals, or anything that impedes the body’s own process. Today, natural burial restores that tradition: a biodegradable shroud or casket, a gentle resting place in nature, and a process that nourishes the environment rather than harming it. It also allows loved ones to be more present and involved, creating the opportunity for a meaningful, beautiful farewell.
Photos courtesy of Bluestem Conservation Cemetery, NC and Ramsey Creek Preserve, SC.
Our Vision
Our vision is wildflower meadow and woodland burials. We will partner with local artisans for simple pine coffins, wool burial shrouds, and wicker caskets and incorporate live and dried flowers whenever possible. The graves will be marked with GPS plus grave markers flush with the ground and/or native plantings, as desired. And this natural, special place will forever be accessible to visit for remembrance and a reminder of the interconnectedness of life.
Want to get involved?
Here are ways you can Support Our Mission to bring Natural Burial to the Seacoast!
Make A Donation
A gift of funds or sale/ long-term lease of land to Lotus and Lavender has many advantages. We would love to discuss possibilities with you. Discussions will remain confidential.
Do you have land? Or know someone who does? Maybe you know a realtor or friend who would be interested in supporting our land search. Attend one of our talks too - bring a friend!
Spread the Word!
Volunteer
There are many ways to volunteer - including lending your talents, collaborating, offering up speaking venues and other educational opportunities many more ways!
Join Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of our progress and find out news, events, education, and ongoing resources as they develop around the Seacoast area.
NEWS
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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CURRENT NEEDS
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WISH LIST
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NEWS - ANNOUNCEMENTS - CURRENT NEEDS - WISH LIST -
We are looking for land!
What we need to get started is:
At least 3 acres in a rural or semi-rural setting
Mostly cleared land (preferable)
Within 30 minutes of Portsmouth (preferable)
No wetlands within 100ft
A gift, sale or long-term lease of land to Lotus and Lavender has many advantages. We would love to discuss possibilities with you. Discussions will remain confidential.
Meet the Team
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Sarah Arslanian (formerly Clark)
FOUNDER
Sarah is a 35 year old death doula, holistic caregiver and “old soul” living in the Seacoast. -

Gina Norelli
ACCOUNTANT & BOOKKEEPER
We are grateful for the time, expertise, and support she lends to our budding organization. -

Ethan McDonough
HORTICULTURIST
Ethan is focused on promoting native plants and removing invasive species and helps guide us.