DAHLONEGA, Ga. - A Methodist church leader and representatives of a Virginia company are in the north Georgia town of Dahlonega to launch an alternative burial method in which memorial trees are chosen as a final resting place for cremated ashes.

EcoEternity LLC said in a statement that the trees provide living memorials to loved ones. The company says it's an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial ceremonies.

A consecration ceremony is being held Monday for the EcoEternity Forest at Glisson Camp & Retreat Center in Dahlonega.

Bishop Mike Watson of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church was planning to attend the consecration ceremony to open the forest. The Methodist group owns and operates the camp and retreat center through a non-profit organization.