The Langley Woodmen Cemetery has been experiencing a surprisingly lively year.

Within the first three months of this year, 21 plots have been sold for traditional burial in the city-owned cemetery. In comparison, 2021 saw a total of 26 plots sold during the entire year.

“I think we’re on track to be higher than we have in the last several years for sure,” said Darlene Baldwin, assistant clerk for the city of Langley.

The increase doesn’t mean droves of people have been departing this earthly realm, however. According to Baldwin, more people have simply been planning ahead, especially parents.

“What I’m hearing from people is they’re ready to get their papers and end-of-life (arrangements) for their family,” she said.

Plots measure 4 by 8 feet and cost $750 each.

Much of the cemetery is dedicated to traditional burial, although people can also choose to be buried in an ash garden, or by green burial. The latter option represents a smaller portion of the cemetery, and the majority of green burial plots have been sold out since 2019.

“In the last five years, people are getting educated about this,” Baldwin said of its growing popularity, which has been indicated locally by a lengthy wait list at the Langley cemetery.

She has grown accustomed to fielding inquiries from out-of-towners who are seeking green burial for themselves. In Washington state, there are seven or eight other places she is aware of that have adopted the eco-friendly end-of-life practice, which involves the usage of only biodegradable materials.

“For someone like us, we’re a small local cemetery for the community,” she said, adding that 99% of people on the waitlist for green burial are locals. Plots measure 6 by 10 feet and cost $1,200, with an additional maintenance fee of $400.

Baldwin said the possibility of expanding green burial in the cemetery has been considered, but it’s something that was put on the backburner during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the city being short-staffed.

Currently, there are 109 deeds sold for green burial and 691 for traditional burial.

The deceased can also opt to be scattered in an ash garden, which costs $100. In conjunction, a plaque on a granite stone or engraving on a basalt column costs an additional $200.

Although it’s been a long time since prices have increased at the cemetery, Baldwin said it may only be a matter of time.

The cemetery, which is the oldest on South Whidbey, remains a unique and beloved part of Langley.

“People like to walk out there. It just has a really great energy to it,” Baldwin said. “People feel so fortunate to have it in the community.”