Fernwood Cemetery

Fernwood Cemetery and Funeral Home, located at 301 Tennessee Valley Road in Mill Valley, California, is a historic burial ground and funeral service provider set within the serene Marin coastal headlands of the San Francisco Bay Area. Dating back to the late 1800s, Fernwood began as a traditional cemetery and later evolved into one of the earliest green cemeteries in the United States, pioneering environmentally mindful end-of-life practices. The facility operates as a cemetery, crematory, and full-service funeral home, offering a comprehensive range of services all conducted on-site to ensure that loved ones never leave their care.

Fernwood is deeply committed to sustainability and natural burial. Their green burial services use biodegradable materials and avoid embalming, allowing for a return to the earth with minimal ecological impact. The cemetery also features Gan Yarok, the first Jewish green cemetery in the United States, which combines traditional Jewish burial practices with environmental stewardship. For cremation, Fernwood operates its own on-site crematory and pairs every cremation with the planting and long-term care of native trees, designed to more than offset carbon emissions over decades—at no additional cost to families.

In addition to green and Jewish burial options, Fernwood provides traditional funerals, family plots, custom memorials, and services for a wide range of faiths including Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and non-faith-based ceremonies. The dedicated team, including staff members such as Raymond, Carlos, Sonia, Heather, and Jermaine, is noted for their professionalism, empathy, and attentive care. Google reviews highlight their respectful communication, supportive guidance during difficult times, and the peaceful, beautiful natural setting that provides comfort to families.

The cemetery's mission is simple: to return to nature and to each other. With values rooted in inclusivity, empathy, depth, devotion, and integrity, Fernwood approaches each service with intuitive care and deep regard for cultural and faith-based traditions. The grounds span dozens of acres of coastal forest and meadowland, serving as a sanctuary for remembrance. Families appreciate the combination of spiritual significance, sustainability commitment, and the legacy of trust built over generations. Fernwood also offers a virtual tour of its remembrance room, crematory, and landscape, and provides 24/7 availability to speak with a guide. The business holds a 4.7-star rating from 29 reviews on Google Maps, reflecting its reputation for excellence in funeral care.