Burial Areas at Bluestem
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Bluestem offers two ecotypes for burial: prairie grasslands and woodlands. In thoughtful stewardship of the entire site, we are opening burial areas according to a phased timeline. Areas in each of the ecotypes are currently available and described below. Both ecotypes are natural and unpolished, serving equally for green burial while supporting the wildlife and native habitats typically found in the Piedmont region.
Individuals who have completed a Burial Preference Form will be invited to purchase an interment right in their burial area of choice, beginning in January 2023.
During Phase One, individuals can select burial sites in the First Field, the smaller interior grassland called Meadows, and the Woodland burial area defined below (see map). Descriptions follow 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 the woodland surrounding the natural sanctuary.
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 offer segments of the hiking network currently under construction. A grass pathway circumnavigates the meadow and connects with the future hiking trail that will lead to the creeks.
Woodland
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.
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, we can make that adjustment as well for a small administrative fee.
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