The concept of Life Forest was created by Mel and her desire to bury her mother in a cemetery that did not yet exist. Her dream of a space unlike any other where healing would be found through nature by burying cremains under trees, but also having the protective qualities of a traditional cemetery became a mission within reach thanks to the talents and efforts of the people introduced here. With graduate studies in Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Sociology Mel has always been intrigued by the human condition and how our life experiences such as pain, illness, belief, community, tradition and family can shape us. Mel believes that a genuine kindness and respect for others, as well as the situations that have shaped people's lives, is the starting point in achieving that feeling of fulfillment that we all deserve to have.

Colton brings mathematical and technological brilliance to Life Forest®, ensuring that our mapping data is accurate and that data points are in line with real world coordinates. Working as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Southern New Hampshire University, Megan’s research is based on modeling biological systems using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling techniques.

Botany was an early interest for me. I spent my summers designing, planting, and maintaining various garden sites in Michigan and Ohio. I spent my winters reading everything that I could about plant life that thrived in those regions. Whatever the setting; there is a voice from that space that tells me what is needed. I start by studying the soil and move onto the geological make up of the property. Then we add the soft scape- the perennials, shrubs, and trees that will compliment, and coexist with the terrain. There is a balance to be found in every space, it is a pleasure for me to find and maintain that beautiful balance.