Windy Knoll Memorial Sanctuary, LLC (“WKMS”) exists to provide natural burial and education about natural burial in the central Kentucky area.  WKMS is a registered 501(c)13 nonprofit, limited liability company in the State of Kentucky, owned by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington (3564 Clays Mill Rd., Lexington, KY  40503), and operating as a natural burial ground.

I.        Natural / Green Burial

Windy Knoll Memorial Sanctuary (WKMS) will follow the guidelines of the Green Burial Council (www.greenburialcouncil.org). WKMS shall, at a minimum, require:

1. No embalming: For body burials, the body shall not have been embalmed, except in the case of green embalming recognized by the Green Burial Council.
2. Only biodegradable materials: Any container, casket, urn, shroud, clothing, jewelry, etc. buried at WKMS shall be fully biodegradable and shall be made of natural, plant-derived materials.
3. Embedded metal and plastic body parts: Due to the invasive nature of removing such items from a body, the decision regarding embedded artificial body parts is left to the deceased (per a WKMS burial plan) or the deceased’s executor (lacking a WKMS burial plan).
   External metal and/or plastic prosthetics, not requiring surgery to remove, shall be removed before burial.
4. No concrete vaults (partial, inverted or otherwise), vault lids, concrete boxes, slabs or partitioned liners, or any other non-biodegradable materials, shall be buried in the ground at WKMS.
5. Biodegradable decorations: No glass, plastic, or other non-biodegradable containers or materials shall be placed in or on grave sites.
6. Chemicals: No toxic chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides shall be used on the grounds of WKMS, except for invasive plant species control deemed necessary by WKMS.
7. Natural landscaping: Both the burial sections of WKMS and any wilderness area shall be managed with the goal of restoring native regional ecosystems. Most field areas will not be cut on a regular basis.  Any plantings may include only native plants and must be approved by WKMS.
8. Landscape changes: WKMS makes every effort to maintain the integrity of each burial site consistent with natural burial practices. It is understood that over time, natural changes to the landscape will occur, and unforeseen events may alter the appearance of any grave.
9. Right to remove items: WKMS reserves the right to refuse or remove any items placed within its grounds that do not adhere to these restrictions.
10. Advance notice: All burials at WKMS require a minimum 72 hours’ notice.
11. Right to refuse burial: WKMS reserves the right to refuse burial if the condition of the deceased or any burial clothing, accessories or container(s) do not conform with generally accepted green burial guidelines, specifically but not limited to those outlined in items (1) and (2) above.
12. State law: All burials at WKMS will be guided by relevant state law and in compliance with burial and cremation laws in Kentucky. In cases involving certain communicable diseases, it may be deemed necessary for the deceased to be cremated to be buried at WKMS.
13. Remains identification: WKMS relies upon the identification of the deceased provided to us by the funeral home, next-of-kin, or other authorized representative, and shall have no obligation to independently establish or verify the identity of the remains to be interred.

II.        Burial Sites

1. Body burial
   1. Plot size: Each body burial plot (“interment space”) shall be a minimum of 4 feet by 8 feet. The dimensions of the actual grave dug on the plot shall be determined by circumstances such as the size of the burial container or body, and soil, slope, tree roots, etc.
   2. Grave depth: Each body burial grave shall be a minimum of 30 inches deep.
2. Cremation burial
   1. Plot size: Each cremation burial plot (“inurnment space”) shall be a minimum of 2 feet by 2 feet. The dimensions of the actual grave dug on the plot shall be determined by circumstances such as the size of the urn or container, and soil, slope, tree roots, etc.
   2. Grave depth: Each cremation burial grave shall be a minimum of 18 inches deep.
3. Body and cremation burial together: In case of a planned joint burial where one is to be a cremation burial and the other is to be a body burial, the first burial shall be assigned an adequate body burial plot for both burials.
4. Pet burial: Plots for burial of pets or their ashes may also be available at the discretion of WKMS, separate from the human burial area.
5. Grave markers:
   1. Materials and size: Only small, tasteful grave markers of natural materials will be allowed. Markers shall be flush with the ground and shall not be larger than 10 inches by 15 inches. Engraving of brief, appropriate memorialization such as name and dates of the deceased, symbols and messages will be allowed.
   2. Approval and installation:  WKMS must approve all grave markers or decorations. WKMS shall oversee all installations of grave markers. As markers are not anchored or otherwise affixed, WKMS is not responsible for markers or any other items that could be removed from the property.
6. Non-discrimination: WKMS shall not discriminate in any way against any person for any reason – including but not limited to gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, national origin, ability or disability, race, culture, or socioeconomic status.

III.        Services Offered

The mission of WKMS is to provide natural burial and education about the same in the central Kentucky area. As such, we offer:

1. Burial sites for body burial and cremation burial;
2. Educational programs both in-person and virtually, to provide information about natural burial;
3. Grave-opening. Family and loved ones may be allowed to assist in the digging of a grave if desired. Hand-dug graves are preferred, but WKMS may determine that a grave must be machine-dug;
4. Grave-closing. Family and loved ones may be allowed to assist in closing the grave if desired. WKMS reserves the right to mix natural materials with soils prior to or at the time of interment or inurnment (in a biodegradable container) to enhance ecological processes. Final filling of the grave may include the creation of a mound that will settle over time;
5. Supervision: Grave opening and grave closing must be supervised by a WKMS representative at all times;
6. Graveside services shall be allowed as the grave location, space, and situation permit;
7. An advisory consultation with the person or persons seeking to make arrangements for a burial at WKMS;
8. Burial plan: Following consultation, a person may document a WKMS burial plan compliant with these rules and regulations. The plan shall be witnessed and retained with end-of-life effects. When the time of burial arises, WKMS shall exert every possible effort to conduct the burial according to the plan;
9. Administrative services: referral to funeral providers, death doulas, and local or county authorities, as well as appropriate record keeping and plot location – including the use of GPS / GIS;
10. The caring presence of a WKMS representative(s) during and while concluding the burial.

IV.        Use of the Property

WKMS shall double as a nature preserve and natural burial ground. As such, it is expected that the public will occasionally be present to enjoy its pristine natural beauty.

1. Hours: visitation is currently by appointment only;
2. No alcohol or recreational drugs: alcohol and recreational drug use on WKMS property are strictly prohibited without prior permission;
3. No hunting or firearms: hunting, and the carrying or discharge of firearms are strictly prohibited without prior permission;
4. Foot or accessibility vehicle traffic only: all other conveyances are prohibited on WKMS property, except as used by WKMS staff or volunteers for cemetery business;
5. Assumption of risk: all visitors use WKMS property at their own risk. Given that the grounds are a nature preserve, visitors assume all risks associated with hazards found in natural environments, including but not limited to slip, trip and fall hazards, uneven terrain and paths, holes, wet grass, low or fallen tree branches, falling and fallen trees, etc. Wildlife may be present. Plants may be present that could cause an allergic reaction. Poisonous or venomous plants and creatures may be present. Proper care should always be taken. WKMS shall not be responsible for any injury, death, or damage to personal property that may occur due either to the proper use or misuse of its property;
6. Pets: shall always be leashed. Owners must clean up after their pets. Owners are responsible for their pets at all times. WKMS does not accept any liability for damage or harm caused by or to pets.

V.        Founders Circle

Persons contributing to the initial startup fund of WKMS will be honored as members of the WKMS “Founders Circle.”

1. Amount: A tax-deductible donation of $2,500 will allow one individual to become part of the WKMS Founders Circle;
2. Conditions: Tax-exempt contributions must be for the benefit of the cemetery as a whole, not a specific use;
3. Acknowledgement: Founders Circle members will be permanently remembered on a suitable plaque or marker on the property, and will be listed in promotional material and other descriptions of WKMS as deemed appropriate. From time to time, events and celebrations in their honor will be offered;
4. Discounted burial rights: Persons in the Founders Circle have the option to purchase burial rights at any time at 50% less than the current listed burial price;
5. Non-refundable: The $2,500 tax-deductible donation, or any portion thereof, is not refundable.

VI.        Interpretation

WKMS has the final authority to interpret these Rules and Regulations.