Meet The Team: Joe- Park Ranger & Wilderness Mountaineer

Family-Run Care Rooted in National Park Reverence

Make it stand out

Meet Joe Sherbon:

Mountaineer, Scientist, and Guardian of Memories in America’s National Parks

Joe embodies a rare combination of skill, kindness, and humility.

Whether he’s restoring fish habitats, guiding a family through a meaningful scattering, or lending a hand to a hiker in need, his generosity shines through. These qualities make him not just highly trusted by colleagues and families, but genuinely approachable — someone whose warmth and integrity leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets.

🌿 See Available National Park Destinations

📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845

bonaventurememorial@gmail.com

Honoring Loved Ones in America’s National Parks

Scattering ashes in National Parks is a profound way to celebrate a life — and Joseph Sherbon knows these landscapes like few others. From the spires of Custer State Park to the glaciers of the Tetons, Joe ensures that each ceremony is safe, meaningful, and respectful of fragile ecosystems. By guiding families through their goodbyes in places they cherished, he turns National Parks into living memorials.

Explore BONAVENTURE’s National Park destinations and discover the beauty of destination ash scattering.

Environmentally Conscious & Green Practices

Joe combines his scientific expertise in soil, aquatic, and avian systems with practical care to minimize human impact. Every scattering is guided by eco-conscious principles, including:

  • Choosing sites that avoid wildlife nesting areas

  • Advising on natural dispersion of ashes in wind or water

  • Following Leave No Trace ethics for a lasting, positive impact

His approach ensures that farewells honor loved ones without disrupting the environment, letting families create memories in harmony with nature.

Learn more about eco-conscious scattering

Why Choose BONAVENTURE’s Family-Run Team

BONAVENTURE is built on family values, compassion, and personalized care — and Joe embodies all three. Working alongside current and former park rangers, Joe brings:

  • A trusted, family-oriented approach to each ceremony

  • Deep respect for every person and place

  • Expert knowledge of National Park regulations, wildlife, and preservation practices

Every scattering is a collaboration — a guided experience that blends professionalism with heartfelt care.

See how BONAVENTURE’s process works

🌿 See Available National Park Destinations

📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845

bonaventurememorial@gmail.com

Meet Joe: Adventurer, Scientist, and All-Around Great Guy

Joe Sherbon isn’t just a park ranger or a scientist — he’s a mountaineer, adventurer, and environmental steward. His career spans Yellowstone, Custer, and Lake Okoboji, where he’s rescued wildlife, restored fish habitats, and guided families through meaningful ceremonies.

Off the clock, Joe’s passions are equally vibrant:

  • Frisbee golf on quiet trails

  • Planting tomatoes and wildflowers

  • Installing cycling repair stations along trails

  • Sampling mint chocolate chip ice cream after a long hike

Read more about scattering with BONAVENTURE

🌿 See Available National Park Destinations

📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845

bonaventurememorial@gmail.com

Experience the Adventure of a Life Well-Honored

With Joseph Sherbon guiding every step, scattering ashes becomes more than a ceremony — it’s a connection to the wilderness, wildlife, and landscapes your loved one loved. Every journey with Joe is grounded in adventure, care, and environmental respect, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Plan a National Park scattering with BONAVENTURE

Ash Scattering & Events Areas of Expertise That Set BONAVENTURE Apart

At BONAVENTURE, our team brings a rare blend of skills and experience that transforms ash scattering into a deeply meaningful and flawlessly executed farewell. Here’s what makes us uniquely qualified to honor your loved ones in the most respectful, beautiful way:

Certified Charter & Sailing Captains for Marine Scatterings

Our licensed captains expertly navigate serene waters for memorial ceremonies at sea. Whether scattering ashes in coastal bays or the open ocean, their professional maritime skills ensure a safe, smooth, and reverent experience surrounded by nature’s gentle embrace.

Consulting Park Rangers with Specialized Knowledge

We work alongside active and retired park rangers who bring expertise in:

  • History & Archaeology: Honoring cultural significance and preserving sacred grounds

  • Botany: Ensuring scattering respects delicate ecosystems and native plants

  • Wildlife Management: Protecting local animal habitats while conducting ceremonies

Their stewardship guarantees every scattering is environmentally responsible and compliant with park regulations.

🌿 See Available National Park Destinations

📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845

bonaventurememorial@gmail.com

Veterans Experience Concierge for Military Families

Understanding the unique traditions and needs of veterans, our concierge team offers personalized support. We facilitate military honors, guide families through respectful tributes, and provide compassionate care to honor service members with dignity.

Mountaineer Expedition Leaders

Specializing in challenging and iconic locations like Devil’s Tower and the Grand Tetons, our mountaineer guides combine wilderness expertise with logistical precision. They safely lead scattering ceremonies in breathtaking, remote mountain settings where few can go.

Experienced Event Planners for High-Profile Ceremonies

Our team includes seasoned event professionals who have organized everything from intimate family gatherings to celebrity weddings. They bring meticulous attention to detail and grace under pressure, ensuring every scattering ceremony runs seamlessly and feels truly special.

Wilderness Guides with Deep Knowledge of National Parks

National Parks Ash Scattering expert guide Joe Sherbon navigates a difficult climb in Custer.

Why Expert Wilderness Guides Make All the Difference in Ash Scattering Ceremonies

When choosing to honor a loved one through ash scattering, the location and the people guiding the farewell matter deeply. At BONAVENTURE, our family is more than just experts—they are stewards of the land, intimately familiar with some of America’s most iconic national parks and natural landscapes.

Intimate Knowledge of National Parks & Wild Places

Our guides are experts in iconic parks like Yellowstone and Isle Royale, among others. They bring an intimate understanding of the terrain, flora, fauna, and local customs—crafting ceremonies that are respectful, personal, and immersed in nature’s quiet grandeur.

  • Terrain Expertise: Whether navigating the rugged cliffs of the Tetons or the dense forests of Isle Royale, our family know every trail, viewpoint, and hidden nook where a scattering ceremony can feel both private and powerful.


    🌿 See Available National Park Destinations

    📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845

    bonaventurememorial@gmail.com

  • Flora and Fauna Sensitivity: Our family understand how to protect delicate ecosystems and wildlife habitats. This ensures your loved one’s farewell leaves no trace beyond memory and gratitude.

  • Local Customs and Park Regulations: From permit requirements to traditional practices, our guides help families honor their loved ones in ways that respect both nature and local community values.


    Crafting a Ceremony Rooted in Nature’s Beauty

Scattering ashes is more than a ritual—it’s a deeply personal moment of remembrance and healing. Our wilderness guides specialize in creating experiences that echo the spirit of your loved one:

  • Personalized Ceremonies: Each farewell is tailored to reflect your loved one’s passions, stories, and relationship to the natural world.

  • Respectful and Seamless Logistics: Our guides manage the practical details—from navigating park rules to timing the scattering for optimal privacy and natural beauty—allowing families to focus solely on the emotional journey

  • Meaningful Connections: Being guided by someone who reveres the land fosters a sacred space where grief and celebration coexist peacefully.

Why Choose BONAVENTURE’s Wilderness Guides?

  • Decades of Experience: Our team includes seasoned professionals who have lived, worked, and led in national parks for years.

  • Environmental Stewardship: We prioritize eco-friendly practices, ensuring that every ceremony supports conservation efforts.

  • Compassionate Care: Our guides treat each ceremony with the tenderness and respect they would afford their own families.

  • Access to Exclusive Locations: Thanks to our park connections and expertise, we can offer scattering sites that many cannot easily reach, adding a unique, serene dimension to your farewell.

Explore Our Iconic Scattering Destinations

Whether you dream of:

Our wilderness guides are ready to help you create a farewell that honors life’s journey amidst nature’s majesty.

Preparing for Your Ceremony

We recommend starting your journey by:

  1. Choosing the Perfect Destination: Let our team help you select a location that resonates with your loved one’s spirit.

  2. Planning with Your Guide: Work closely with our experts to design a ceremony that feels authentic and meaningful.

  3. Understanding Regulations: We handle all necessary permits and permissions to ensure your ceremony is compliant and stress-free.

Discover More About Our Process

To learn about how BONAVENTURE honors each scattering with deep care and respect, visit our detailed guide:
How Destination Ash Scattering Works.

Join Us in Honoring Life’s Journey

At BONAVENTURE, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s home. We believe in offering families a dignified, eco-conscious way to celebrate life surrounded by earth’s most breathtaking places.

With every scattering, we plant 10 trees, giving back to the landscapes that hold our memories.

Discover your perfect place for farewell and join the BONAVENTURE family in making every goodbye a beautiful tribute.

Explore Our Destinations and Services

Hawaii | Yellowstone | Puget Sound Bioluminescence | Mount Rainier | And many more

“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” — Gary Snyder

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Where Can You Scatter Ashes?

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A Guide to Scattering Ashes in National Parks: Permits, Process, and Honoring Legacy