Burial Costs and Fees
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Arranging for burial at Bluestem is very different from purchasing a burial plot in a conventional cemetery. Choosing Bluestem as a final place of rest means committing to its mission of remembering loved ones through the permanent protection, restoration and operation of a living, memorial landscape.
Arrangements can be made at need or for the future. Individuals can choose between natural burial (full body) or ash burial (cremated or aquamated remains) and between grassland or woodland burial areas. Restoration Burial is a new option introduced in 2025, and available only for at-need burial in the grasslands. Find a description of Restoration Burial below.
Click here for descriptions of Bluestem’s different burial areas.
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Burial CostsThe total cost of burial at Bluestem is divided into two elements:
BURIAL RIGHTS and BURIAL FEES.
These burial costs and fees are valid through 12/31/2026. Burial costs and fees are reviewed annually by Bluestem Community's Council of Stewards and are subject to change. About Restoration BurialRestoration burial is an option only for at-need natural burial in the grasslands. Restoration burial is not available for preplanning or prepayment, ash burial, or woodland burial. Restoration burials occur within a designated area in the order of need. Therefore, couples, friends, or family members, cannot reserve plots next to one another. Restoration Burial is an economical, at-need option for individuals who are not concerned with the location of their gravesite, but wish to contribute to Bluestem’s conservation mission. It carries a slightly lower cost and allows Bluestem to perform conservation and restoration activities with a greater degree of certainty within this designated area. |
Additional Services and FeesDepending on capacity, Bluestem may be able to offer the additional services listed below. Click on each service for more information and fees. Please contact staff to discuss your options.
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PET BURIAL
While our priority is human burial, arrangements can be made for natural pet burial in an owner's paid plot, if the selected plot has capacity. Pet burial fees begin at $500. Please speak with Bluestem staff to consider your unique arrangement.
Restoration BURIAL
Restoration burial is only offered for at-need burial, for natural burial in the grasslands. Restoration burial is not available for future plot reservations, ash burial, or woodland burial. Restoration burial plots are selected by Bluestem staff. Plots are reduced in size and designed so that the grassland habitat surrounding them only has to be disturbed once, allowing for more complete restoration of the field over time. It is an economical, at-need option for individuals who wish to contribute to Bluestem’s conservation mission, but do not want to choose a specific location.
WOODLAND EDGE PLOTS
Woodland Edge plots are located on the border of the Woodland burial areas, overlooking the fields. More about Bluestem’s burial areas here. These are limited sites and require a premium in addition to the full cost of the interment right in order to reserve this plot. For natural burial the premium is $2000. For ash burial the premium is $1000. This amount is donated to the Bluestem Community Fund. More information about the fund can be found here.
AFTER HOURS & Extended burial services
Standard burial services are held on weekdays before 4:00PM. Up to three hours of Bluestem staff support and use of Bluestem's natural sanctuary spaces is included in regular burial costs. To arrange a weekend service or extended service, additional fees apply:
Extended service (over 3 hrs) $100 per added hour Weekend service $500 Holiday service $500 Evening service (4PM and later) $500 MEMORIAL SERVICES
For a standard, weekday service up to three hours in duration, the time for a burial service, Bluestem staff support, and use of Bluestem's natural sanctuary spaces is included in burial costs. To arrange a memorial service in addition to or separate from a burial service, fees are determined according to number of guests:
For 25 guests or fewer $300 Up to 75 guests $500 More than 75 guests $850 STAFF ASSISTANCE WITH GRAVESTONE
Bluestem provides the gravestone, but engraving is the family's responsibility. More information about grave markers and stones can be found here.
Delivery to Durham Marble Works $100 Retrieval from Durham Marble Works $100 |
Payment Options
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Payment of burial rights is required to complete a plot reservation. Payment of burial fees is required before burial.
Payment can be made by check, ACH, money order, or credit card. Your bank will charge you $25 to make an ACH transfer. Credit cards require an additional 3% processing fee. We strive to help make natural burial an affordable option for all. A limited number of payment plans are available for those who cannot afford to pay the full cost of a reservation at one time. Additional fees are required to establish a payment plan. Please speak with staff if you are interested in a payment plan. Financial assistance may be available to qualifying individuals through the Bluestem Community Fund. Click here for more information about the Fund. |
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Thank you for considering Bluestem — a place of rest and restoration.
Header photo: Gravesite at Bluestem with a willow casket by Moss and Thistle Farm.
