Return to Nature.

Bringing Natural Burial to the Seacoast.

A smiling woman holding a large bundle of pussy willow branches outdoors on a grassy lawn.

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.

Get Involved!

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.

Visit Our Resources Page to Learn More
  • "Being pro-green burial doesn’t make anyone anti-funeral or anti-cremation. Above all, we’re for having the ability to choose and are working to fill a gap that Seacoast families have been missing for years.”

    —Hanna Ingle, Funeral Director, Dover, NH

  • “Bill’s green burial was the only funeral I have ever been to that made me feel good, instead of awful. It felt hopeful, not sad.”

    —Perry King

  • "I dream of a future where existing cemeteries are honored and beautifully maintained. Where cremation is proudly chosen when it’s the right fit."

    Sarah Arslanian, Founder of Lotus & Lavender Green Burial

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. 

A close-up of purple wildflowers illuminated by warm sunlight with a blurred background of more flowers and sunlight.
Logo for Lotus & Lavender Natural Botanical featuring a stylized flower with text around it

Want to get involved?

Here are ways you can Support Our Mission to bring Natural Burial to the Seacoast!

poppies and flowers in a field

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.

Donate
lavender in a field

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!

Spread the Word!
A field of yellow wildflowers with a mountain in the background and sunlight.

Volunteer

There are many ways to volunteer - including lending your talents, collaborating, offering up speaking venues and other educational opportunities many more ways!

Volunteer
wild lupines in a field - natural burial concept

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.

Join Newsletter

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.

Get in Touch

Meet the Team

  • Sarah Arslanian (formerly Clark)

    Sarah Arslanian (formerly Clark)

    FOUNDER

    Sarah is a 35 year old death doula, holistic caregiver and “old soul” living in the Seacoast.

  • A woman with curly brown hair smiling, standing in front of green leafy plants, wearing a black and white scarf.

    Gina Norelli

    ACCOUNTANT & BOOKKEEPER

    We are grateful for the time, expertise, and support she lends to our budding organization.

  • Man with a beard smiling outdoors in an urban setting.

    Ethan McDonough

    HORTICULTURIST

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