Honoring Life, Earth & Legacy
Nestled in the serene foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Frederick, Maryland, Morris Orchard is a historic nut orchard that has become a sacred space where life and legacy comes full circle with natural burial. Established in 2024 by Michael Judd & Jane Dennison to help bring life full circle in ways that honor our loved ones and the earth.
The trees that lend the majestic feel to The Morris Natural Burial site have a rich history. Starting 60 years ago, a father-and-son duo planted 10 acres of hybrid chestnuts at a 40-foot spacing. They have now become beautiful trees that cover the ground with chestnuts every fall.
Visit Morris Orchard at: https://morrisorchardnaturalburial.com/
The property was then purchased by Nancy and Morris Monesson. Morris was a USDA agricultural agent with a love for nut and fruit trees. On an adjacent 10 acres to the chestnuts, Morris planted another orchard of black walnuts and northern pecans. The story is that he would come home after work and spend his evenings using a 25-foot chain to measure and plant the beautiful rows that stand today.
In 2019 Michael Judd was driving by when it dawned on him this was an amazing mature nut orchard just down the street from where he lived. Of course, he had to knock on the door. This began a wonderful relationship with the Monessens and built trust to allow Michael’s help to revitalize the orchard and harvest its rich abundance. A number of years later, when Morris passed away and Nancy decided to sell their beloved property, Michael and Jane were gratefully able to purchase it with the intention of preserving it.
Standard vs. Natural Burial
Choosing a natural burial means leaving a lasting legacy that supports the earth. Imagine your last act being one that nurtures the environment, feeding the ecosystem and preserving this beautiful land for generations to come.
To learn more about natural/green burial and to see if there are sites in your region visit https://www.greenburialcouncil.org/
Designed to be a tranquil sanctuary, the Orchard features walking paths, quiet seating areas, and spaces for contemplation. The natural beauty of the Orchard, combined with the respectful and ecologically sustainable burial practices, provides a peaceful environment for families to remember and honor their loved ones.
The Morris Orchard Natural Burial site is also a space for community engagement and education where the Stewards will host workshops on sustainable living, permaculture, and the benefits of natural burials. As a registered cemetery, the site is protected from future development, ensuring that the natural landscape remains a haven for wildlife and a green space for the community. And a resting place for our loved ones.
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Why choose natural burial?
Morris Orchard Natural Burial Co-Founder Michael Judd shares his personal experience with natural burial, which sparked the inspiration to create Morris Orchard. Watch the video below to learn more about the profound experience natural burial can have on family and loved ones and get an inside look at what to expect as you embark on the journey.
Morris Orchard runs seasonal events, free tours, and public gatherings throughout the year. Learn more and register for upcoming events below.
Posted In: Edible and Ecological Landscape Design