Texas is a place that’s known for its diverse landscapes, big open sky and rugged beauty. Across millions of square miles there’s a rich diversity to the land that beckons many people to sit and quietly enjoy it. In this state you can find expansive stretches of desert, bayous teeming with wildlife and impressive cliffsides with far-reaching views in the Hill Country.
For Texans that loved nature in life, a peaceful memorial that’s connected to the beauty of Texas’ natural environment only seems fitting. And fortunately, there are many thoughtful ways that a family in Texas can memorialize a loved one that loved nature.
What to Consider For a Personal Nature Lover Memorial
A personal memorial for a nature lover doesn’t have to be elaborate. In fact, simple memorials are often the most peaceful and let the natural surroundings take center stage. What’s most important is that the memorial represents:
- The deceased’s personal values
- Their favorite outdoor areas
- The nature-based activities that they used to enjoy
- Places that are connected to special memories
Try to think about what your loved one enjoyed most about nature and living in Texas. Let that guide you in deciding exactly where and what the memorial should include.
Backyard Garden Memorial at a Family Property
Few memorials are more personal than ones that are held at a family home where the deceased spent time. You can bring the memorial outdoors into a garden area to keep it in alignment with their love for nature.
If your loved one was cremated, you could choose to bury the cremains in a biodegradable urn in the garden. Just make sure that the right receptacle is used so that the soil remains hospitable for plant growth.
Memorial Hike or Walk Along One of the Many Trails in Texas
Many Texans enjoy exploring the miles and miles of trails that wind through the state. If your loved one was one of them, a memorial hike or walk is a really special way to pay tribute.
One thing to keep in mind is the accessibility and difficulty level of the trail. If there are people you want to invite that may have difficulty getting around, choose a flat trail that’s easy to walk at any pace. You could also choose to make the hike or walk just one aspect of the memorial if you want to hold it at the deceased’s favorite trail, which may not be easy for some guests.
Quiet Gathering at a State Park
If you’d rather hold a memorial that’s a little less physical there are over 80 Texas state parks that provide the perfect backdrop for a quiet, peaceful memorial. The easiest option is to choose a park that’s the closest to where your loved one lived or the state park that they enjoyed the most.
The facilities vary from park to park, so if you have something specific in mind for the event that can help you find the right location. For example, 64 locations offer day use group facilities while just 32 have overnight group facilities. Use the Texas State Parks map to find a park that has what you want.
Holding a Memorial Ceremony Out on a Lake
Minnesota may be known as the Land of Lakes, but Texas could give it a run for its money. There may only be a few natural freshwater lakes like Caddo Lake, but there are thousands of man-made lakes across the state. They are a source of endless pleasure for people who love to swim, fish, kayak or simply enjoy the relaxation of floating on the water.
You can either hold an intimate memorial on a boat with those who were close to the deceased, or plan a lakefront event with more people and enjoy the peaceful setting from the land.
If you plan to scatter your loved one’s cremains out over the water as part of the memorial you’ll need to choose the lake with that in mind. There are regulations around scattering cremains over the water. You can learn more and see a list of 150+ lakes at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
Plant a Live Oak Tree in Their Honor
Planting a tree in honor of a deceased loved one is a common practice today. You can choose to incorporate the cremains if the person was cremated, or plant a tree through an organization that specializes in conservation. Either way, a live oak tree is an excellent option in Texas.
Live oaks are considered an important part of Texas’ ecosystem. These native trees can be found all over the state, especially in East and Central Texas, making them a great way to memorialize any Texan.
Start a Wildflower Patch on Private Property or a Public Roadway
The cascade of wildflowers that blanket large swaths of the state in the spring are one of the most spectacular natural features of Texas. So much so, Texas bluebonnets are a symbol of the state. You’ll also find Indian Paintbrush, Black-eyed Susans and Pink Evening Primrose blooming in abundance.
Many of these wildflowers are native to Texas, and it doesn’t take much for them to grow. You can easily start a personal wildflower garden or add color to one of your regular routes by simply scattering seeds out in the fall.
Add Features to a Garden That Attract Wildlife
Another way to memorialize a loved one who deeply appreciated nature is by adding a feature to a garden in their honor. There are many options, but if the deceased enjoyed watching wildlife you can choose one that attracts animals. A few great options include:
- Standard bird feeder or one that attracts certain species, like hummingbirds.
- Fountain that can be a much-needed water supply for a variety of animals.
- A bee hotel that provides shelter for essential pollinators.
The simple, beautiful memorial ideas above reflect both personality and place. They are a reflection not only of the deceased, but where they were from.
If you’d like more guidance on holding memorials in Texas, Cremation.Green is a valuable resource. We provide the support that families need and eco-friendly death care services in Texas that minimize impact on the environment.
Give us a call, text or email at any time.
