A choice ‘on a scale from environmental to spiritual’

Michael Mayer, director and resident steward of Higher Ground and one of the nonprofit’s three founding board members, stands at the entrance of the new natural burial cemetery on the Manitou Project’s conserved land in Williamsville. Courtesy photo from Kelly FletcherThis story by Annie Landenberger was first published in The Commons on July 7, 2026.WILLIAMSVILLE — After several years of gestation, Higher Ground Conservation Burial will finally be celebrated this weekend when