End of Life Disposition Options
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Location: Hilton Hotel 100 Sandoval Street Santa Fe NM 87501
Speaker: Bryan Beard and Claire McFadyen, Natural Burial New Mexico
Presentation Description -
Bryan's presentation will explore the different end-of-life disposition options, highlighting both conventional burial practices and emerging alternatives. We will discuss conventional burial with embalming, fire cremation, newer methods such as water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) and human composting (Natural Organic Reduction, or NOR), as well as the timeless practice of natural burial. The presentation will compare how each process works, its environmental impact, cultural considerations, and the benefits and limitations of each option, providing a clear overview of the choices individuals and families can consider when planning for end-of-life care.
Bryan Beard and Claire McFadyen have co-owned and operated Natural Burial New Mexico and La Puerta Natural Burial Ground since 2022, taking over from the original founders, Dr. Donal Key and Linda Canyon. Bryan has a degree in industrial design and a passion for creating things and spaces that invoke meaning. Claire has degrees in anthropology, ecology, and evolutionary biology, as well as a master’s degree in environmental public health, and a deep fascination with the natural world. Claire continues to maintain (for now) a full time position as a Senior Clinical Research Associate, while Bryan is the full time operator of the burial ground.
