Sacred Grove Preserve
About Us
Sacred Grove is a conservation burial sanctuary nestled within the boundaries of the Francis Marion National Forest. As the first dedicated green burial preserve in the Charleston region, Sacred Grove was founded to meet a growing need—for death care practices that honor both the human spirit and the natural world.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to offering meaningful, sustainable alternatives to conventional burial.
At Sacred Grove, we believe that death is not the end, but a sacred return to the earth—a chance to nourish the soil, restore ecosystems, and create a living legacy through land conservation.
Our burial practices avoid embalming chemicals, concrete vaults, and imported hardwoods. We use only biodegradable materials, allowing each body to return naturally to the land. Each burial contributes to carbon sequestration, native habitat restoration, and long-term land stewardship.
It is a place of reflection, healing, and reconnection. Rooted in interfaith values and open to all, we offer a sacred space where families can honor their loved ones in a way that is spiritually grounded, environmentally responsible, and deeply personal.
Our mission is to transform how we relate to death, grief, and legacy—by helping people choose a final resting place that gives back to the earth, honors the cycles of life, and protects the land for generations to come.
Arlette O'Rourke
Founder and President
Arlette O’Rourke is the founder of Sacred Grove, Charleston’s first green burial sanctuary. A certified Green Cemetery Operator, and End-of-Life Doula, Arlette brings a multidisciplinary background in psychology, hospice care, and ecological restoration to her work. Her vision for Sacred Grove grew out of a deep commitment to both spiritual integrity and environmental responsibility—creating a model where death care actively contributes to land conservation, biodiversity, and community healing.
Patrick Crawford
Co-Founder, Grounds Specialist
Patrick Crawford
Co-Founder, Sacred Grove
Patrick Crawford is a lifelong outdoorsman, conservationist, and visionary co-founder of Sacred Grove. Born and raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Patrick has a deep-rooted connection to the land, waters, and wildlife of the region. With a background in forestry, land management, and commercial fishing, he brings decades of hands-on ecological knowledge to Sacred Grove’s mission of regeneration and reverence for life.
As steward of the land, Patrick leads trail development, native habitat restoration, and ongoing conservation efforts across the preserve.
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Tom O'Rourke
Board of Directors
Tom O’Rourke is a parks and recreation consultant, an educator, an executive director of non a profit trails organization, a high school track and field coach, and a national speaker.
Tom’s previous experience includes 18 years as a Park District Executive Director for the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, 9 years of experience as the Mt. Pleasant recreation director, and a City Council member for the Town of Mt. Pleasant, serving as the finance committee chair.
Tom is in his 8th year as a Professor of Practice in the PRTM Department at Clemson University. His responsibilities include teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels and working with other faculty to assist communities, agencies, and practitioners in a variety of capacities. Tom’s focus at Clemson is on creating innovative and entrepreneurial models and solutions to issues facing the parks and recreation field.
Educating professionals in the Parks and Recreation field has always been a significant part of Tom’s work. Tom is a frequent presenter at numerous State, National and International Conferences. He also has served as a member of the Board of Regents for the Revenue Development and Management School, the Supervisors Management School, and also the NRPA Directors School. Tom was also the founding director of the National Park Foundation School in Oglebay, WV., and the Northern Parks and Recreation Leadership Symposium, in Minnessota.
Tom has recently been selected as a member of the Recreation and Sport Management Adviory Board at Coastal Carolina University, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Charleston Area Sports Commission.
Tom has been married to Jackie O’Rourke for 46 years. They have three grown and married children and four grand children. Recreation is Tom’s profession but his passion has always been coaching. He serves as a Track and Field coach at West Ashley High School in Charleston, (Pole Vault.) He has coached State Championship teams, numerous State Champions and State Qualifying Pole Vaulters.
