ROCKFORD – A new natural burial site in Galena will be protected in perpetuity by the Natural Land Institute, the organization said this week.

The 16 acre Casper Creek Natural Cemetery, 870 S. Pilot Knob Road in Galena, allows only natural, biodegradable remains to be buried. Graves can be marked with a memorial stone, and there will be a memorial grove and wall.

The green burial land is owned by Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation and operated by Casper Creek Natural Cemetery Co. Natural Land Institute holds a conservation easement to protect the property. The easement was funded by Brubaker Charitable Trust.

The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation donated the conservation easement and stewardship fund for the institute to monitor and defend the easement in perpetuity.

The natural cemetery will also be used for nature observation, bird-watching, hiking and cross-country skiing. Paths, foottrails and a pedestrian bridge will allow people to walk the property.