Celebrate World Labyrinth Day at La Puerta Natural Burial Grounds
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Reservations are required to walk the labyrinth. You may make your reservation at the link below. Reservations are limited to 150.
The second event is at the La Puerta Natural Burial Grounds in Belen. Traditional burial and cremation are both stressful to our environment. La Puerta Natural Burial Grounds is a place where people can be buried in a more natural way, using more Earth-friendly containers such as bamboo coffins or even bags. In conjunction with World Labyrinth Day they will be having a day of presentations on Saturday, May 2.
The Earthcare Team plans on carpooling out there after ending our meeting a little early. We plan to leave exactly at 11:30 am; anyone interested in following us out there should meet us in the USCABQ parking lot at that time. That should give us time to join the other people there walking the labyrinth on site at 1 pm. Those driving can follow us and there might be opportunities to catch a ride with someone else who is going. Go to www.naturalburialnewmexico.com for the day's agenda, directions and more information about natural burial.
What to Bring
To ensure you have a comfortable experience, we recommend bringing the following:
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Hydration: Please bring a water bottle. Staying hydrated is essential in this environment.
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Snacks or lunch: We will be providing light snacks with tea and coffee for the death cafe portion of the event. However, since the event runs through the midday hours, please bring a sack lunch or snacks to enjoy during the transition between the Death Cafe and the Labyrinth Walk.
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Sun & Weather Protection: The burial ground is an open, high-desert landscape. It is recommended to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and wear sunscreen. A light windbreaker or layers are also recommended as spring weather at La Puerta can be unpredictable.
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Sturdy Footwear: You will be walking on uneven, naturally surfaced trails. Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are highly encouraged.
Accessibility & Logistics
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Terrain: The event takes place on 40 acres of high desert prairie land. Please be aware that the overall terrain is natural and may be uneven.
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Carpooling: Parking at the burial ground can be limited. We highly encourage attendees to carpool with friends or community members.
Directions to La Puerta Natural Burial Ground
From Albuquerque:
- Take I-25 S to Belen Exit 195 and through downtown Belen.
- Turn left (east) on W Reinken Ave/NM 309/River and continue across the Rio Grande River (about 2.4 miles).
- Turn right (south) onto Rio Communities Blvd/NM 47 South.
- Follow NM 47 S about 15 miles to just beyond the BNSF railroad crossing.
- Shortly after mile marker 4, which will be on your left (east) look for a LA PUERTA sign with two red flags next to a green gate. The gate is never locked. Please close this gate behind you, coming and going.
- La Puerta Burial Ground is 2.5 miles east toward the Manzano Mountains from the gate.
- There is also a green gate at the entrance to the cemetery. It is never locked. Please close the gate behind you.
