The Cemetery 
The cemetery offers two ecotypes for burial: prairie grasslands and woodlands. Both types are natural and unpolished, serving as areas for burial while supporting the wildlife and native habitats typically found in the Piedmont region. 

Currently five burial areas are open for burial plot selection. Each is described below. Burial sites in other fields and woodlands will be made available over a phased timeline.  
Resident's graves are located in one of the five areas, off of the trails and pathways. Some are adjacent to a pathway, others are located deep within the woods or grasslands. After the burial service, families are provided with the GPS coordinates for their loved one's plots.

Burial Areas

Individuals can select burial sites from the First Field, the Meadow, Woodlands 1, Woodlands 2, Woodlands 3, and the Woodland Edge. Descriptions for each of these areas follows below the map. 
First Field 
Bluestem’s signature grassland prairie, this six-acre field is the first of nine fields undergoing restoration. It is comprised of native grasses and wildflowers unique to the Piedmont region. The field supports ongoing habitat and conservation practices, including controlled burning on a periodic rotation. Hiking trails in the woods connect with and meander through the prairie, and around the field. The field is edged by Bluestem Road, three Black Walnut trees, and woodlands. The Pond Sanctuary is the closest sanctuary to the southern side of First Field. First Field (especially its southern side) is the closest burial area to the front parking lot, so it is preferred for those seeking the shortest walk (5-10 min) when returning to visit.
Meadow 
Located adjacent to the historic cemetery, this small one-acre field is a thriving example of the restoration work tied to Bluestem’s conservation mission. Bursting with native wildflowers and grasses, it displays excellent examples of Little and Big Bluestem, for which the cemetery is named. The field is in active restoration and will also be managed with controlled burns. The woods surrounding the field include segments of the Yellow Trail, part of Bluestem's hiking network.  A grass pathway circumnavigates the meadow and connects with the Yellow Trail heading toward the creeks. The meadow is about a 10-15 minute walk from the front parking lot.
Woodland 1
Bluestem's first woodland area undergoing restoration, this shady old growth forest contains fine examples of Christmas fern, spicebush, spring ephemerals and trees such as white and red oaks, shagbark hickory, poplar, hackberry, redbud, dogwood, cedar, and more. Our woodland restoration efforts are focused on invasive removal, thinning of early successional trees, ecological inventory, installing water quality buffers, and accounting for the property’s cultural and agricultural history. Trees that have fallen in the woods, or may fall in the future, blend with the landscape. Siting a particular burial plot is conditional on slope and adjacent tree root systems. It is important to note that Woodland burial areas take some hiking and navigating to reach.
Woodland 2
Bluestem's second woodland area undergoing restoration is a very remote section of the cemetery currently open for burial. From Bluestem's entrance, it takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to Woodland 2. Huge Christmas ferns cascade along the edge of the woods. Large boulders silently protrude among the ferns and mosses. Songbirds and the creek's trickling water direct hikers to the creek's edge. Siting burial plots in this area is entirely conditional on existing trees, their root systems and the slope of the land.
Woodland 3
The third woodland area is the most remote section of the cemetery currently open for burial beginning in January 2026. From Bluestem's entrance, it takes approximately 25 minutes to walk to Woodland 3. It is beautifully dotted with sourwoods, beech trees, poplars, fungi, and mosses. A small gathering space, the Sourwood Sanctuary sits within it. Siting burial plots in this area is entirely conditional on existing trees, their root systems and the slope of the land.
Woodland Edge
Click here for map
Woodland edge sites are located at the edge of the woods overlooking the meadow and alongside the northernmost field. Native wildflowers appear on these edges throughout the seasons amidst the spice bush, redbud trees, oaks, hickories and cedars. Early burials have included efforts to tackle the invasive Tree of Heaven in this section of the property. Over time, these gravesites "disappear" behind the abundant crownbeard found along the edges of the woods throughout Bluestem. These are limited sites and require a donation of $2000 to the Bluestem Community Fund in addition to the full cost of the interment right. More information about the fund can be found here. 
Areas Not Yet Open for Burial 
If your burial preference is for an area of Bluestem not yet open, we recommend identifying an existing site and notifying us of your preferred area at the time of purchase. When new areas become available you will be contacted. If, after purchasing an existing site, you wish to select a different plot, Bluestem can make an adjustment for a small administrative fee.