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

Currently, five areas are open for burial. Each person making arrangements purchases a burial right (a right to be buried at Bluestem) and their burial right is assigned to a plot in one of our burial areas. Some burial plots are adjacent to pathways, most are located deep within the woods or grasslands. After a burial, families are provided with the GPS coordinates for their loved one's plots. New grassland and woodland burial areas will be made available over a phased timeline.

Burial Areas

Current burial areas are in the grasslands (First Field or the Meadow) and the woodlands (Woodlands 1, Woodlands 2, Woodlands 3, and the Woodland Edge).

Grassland burial plots can be selected in advance or at the time of need. Grassland plots include ash, natural, and pet burial options. Woodland burial plots can only be selected at the time of need, meaning when a death has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur within a month. Those planning in advance for a natural burial in the woods can purchase a burial right at any time, which is then assigned to a specific plot at the time of need. Woodland plots include ash and natural options. No pet burial is permitted in the woods. Woodland burial policies were updated June 30, 2026 and reflect an effort to better conserve and restore the woodland ecosystems.
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, and woodland burials often do not permit graveside services for more than 12 people.
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. It is important to note that Woodland burial areas take some hiking and navigating to reach, and woodland burials often do not permit graveside services for more than 12 people.
Woodland 3
The third woodland area is the most remote section of the cemetery currently open for burial. From Bluestem's entrance and parking area, 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. It is important to note that Woodland burial areas take some hiking and navigating to reach, and woodland burials often do not permit graveside services for more than 12 people.
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 
Bluestem staff and stewards are continually preparing and caring for future burial areas with attention to conservation principles and gravesite access. If your burial preference is for an area of Bluestem not yet open for burial, you may wait to make your burial right reservation, or consider making your burial right reservation now and adjusting your plot assignment for a small administrative fee at a later date.