Last week we learned through this press release that Better Place Forests was offering a new product to consumers that they felt would appeal to those consumers in a cost-conscious manner.  The new product is known as “Spreading Groves” and gives consumers the option of scattering cremated remains in Better Place Forest dedicated forest areas.

According to the press release the idea is a  “direct response to insights from funeral home partners, and is a critical next step in an expansion journey as Better Place Forests realizes its vision of offering comprehensive and meaningful end-of-life experiences to a wider range of consumers.”

Here’s what Better Place Forests CEO Adam Tibbs said in prepared remarks in the press release, “Spreading Groves are a critical next step in an expansion journey as Better Place realizes its vision of offering comprehensive end-of-life experiences by connecting physical memorial forest sites with the limitless reach of digital tributes.”

The first Spreading Groves location is slated to be offered at the Better Place Forest (BPF) located in St. Croix Valley, Minnesota  — a distance about 40 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul marketplace.  The other eight cemeteries under BPF management are expected to open Spreading Groves areas in 2025.

Scott Mueller, who’s company, Mueller Memorial, operates a growing number of alternative death care services as well as tradional funeral home services in St. Paul, made these remarks in the press release, “We’re a family-owned funeral home, operating in the Twin Cities for 78 years and we’re meeting a growing demand for green alternatives. We always encourage families to plan for permanent memorialization for cremated remains and think the Spreading Grove at Better Place Forests St. Croix Valley is a beautiful option.”

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  From my point of view, both Better Place Forests and Mueller Mortuary are headed in the right direction with their philosophies.  There is a place for vendors and funeral homes to offer legitimate permanent options for cremated remains. . . . and Better Place Forests is certainly one of these options.

Spreading Groves will offer a “destination” memorial place for families that find peace and solace in that idea.  From my own perspective and experience with my father, mother, and brother, a “destination memorial place” offers me that solace and place of reflection when I go to pay my respects on various important dates in the lives of my loved ones — such as the dates of birth, weddings, anniversaries, and deaths.

There is just something about knowing that my loved ones are in their final earthly destinations that gives me comfort. . . .and the new lower-cost Spreading Grove alternative will allow that choice for many more consumers.

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