Coming to Foxfield Preserve
Access
Access to the preserve is limited. Although we have a paved road and parking areas to accommodate approximately 30 vehicles, two-thirds of the preserve is not accessible by automobile. These areas can be accessed by two walking trails, and although our trails are well maintained, visitors should expect to encounter uneven terrain. Trail lengths are approximately 1055ft and 1500ft.
Gravesites may or may not be close to the road and trails. In some cases they may be 150ft to 200ft from the trail. A mowed path will provide access to the gravesite. This mowed area will be uneven and may be difficult for some. Please be aware that handicapped and elderly individuals may not be able to access all areas of the preserve. This is something individuals must consider when choosing Foxfield Preserve. A 50 year- old making arrangements now should consider the difficulties his/her spouse or family may have accessing certain areas of the preserve 25 years from now. We will try to accommodate handicapped or elderly individuals by allowing use of our golf cart or ATV but availability is limited and these vehicles are not permitted off trail and cannot access all areas of the preserve.
Weather
Weather conditions vary greatly in northeast Ohio and those attending a burial at the preserve should dress accordingly. Winters can be very cold and snowy and summers can be very hot and humid. Those coming to the preserve should be prepared for weather extremes as well as wind, rain, and snow. Bringing a raincoat or umbrella is strongly suggested. We also suggest those coming to the preserve wear sturdy shoes i.e. hiking boots or sneakers. We strongly recommend no one wears high heels or their best shoes. Parts of the preserve may be wet or muddy and the ground is generally uneven.
Pallbearers
When choosing pallbearers, please be certain they can lift and carry the casket. Pall bearers may have to carry the casket off trail and for a distance up to 150ft. If there is not a sufficient number of Pallbearers to carry the casket to the gravesite, the services will be held at a designated site. Afterward, preserve staff will transport the casket to the gravesite. Pallbearers may also lower the casket if they choose. Lowering a casket by hand is difficult and pallbearers should be confident in their ability to manage this. Foxfield Preserve staff will lower the casket into the grave if pallbearers do not.
We cannot allow family and friends to dig the grave, the soil is very clayey and heavy, but they may close the grave if they so choose. Closing the grave will take considerable time and effort and we cannot offer a discount for this. Foxfield Preserve staff will close the grave if the burial party does not.
Extreme Weather
Foxfield Preserve will make every effort to provide burial in a timely manner, but under extreme weather conditions, burial may be delayed. Snow and ice may cause hazardous conditions and we will not permit preserve staff or burial parties to be exposed to a potentially dangerous situation. Excessive frost may also delay burial. To minimize impact to the nature preserve, we will be using a very small track hoe or hand digging graves. These methods help to maintain site quality, but often take considerably longer when the ground is frozen. Occasionally, significant rains may delay burial. Delaying burial of unembalmed remains will require extended refrigeration. If inclement weather limits access to some areas of the preserve and delays burial, Foxfield Preserve will offer an alternate interment space that is more accessible.