Cemetery Rules and GuidelinesBluestem operates a nature preserve with a conservation cemetery open 365 days/year from dawn to dusk. Conservation is practiced every day; natural burial is scheduled by appointment.
Conservation is practiced every day; natural burial is scheduled by appointment. Bluestem is closed at dusk, and no one should be on the preserve after daylight hours, unless granted express permission by Bluestem staff. People and pets are returned to the earth, simply and naturally in biodegradable unfinished materials. All burials must follow green burial principles of no embalming, no metals, steel, or plastics, and no vaults. Contact staff directly if you have questions about replacement body parts (prostheses). Gravesites at Bluestem are natural spaces within restored grasslands and woodlands. They alter over time and with the seasons. Gravestones can be cleared of leaf, tree or plant matter, but the gravesite itself is to remain unadorned and natural. Leaving flowers and grasses from the Bluestem's fields is welcome; however no framing of graves is permitted. If natural materials are assembled in excess, or invasives overcrowd the graves, they are removed. Headstones are not required. Gravestones are modest and lie flat to the ground. No outside stone material may be used. For individuals desiring a gravestone, Bluestem provides a selection of North Carolina flagstone from which individuals can choose. Engraving of the stone occurs offsite and is arranged by the individual/family. Only plantings supplied by staff and that support Bluestem’s ecological diversity are permitted on the gravesite or on the property. We ask visitors and friends to keep informed about invasive plants. Click here for the North Carolina Native Plant Society's Invasive Plants list. Contact staff if you would like more information about Bluestem's list of native plants and scheduled Family Planting Days. Natural Gravesites at BluestemAsh scattering is not currently permitted onsite. Ashes are placed directly in the earth. Urns are not buried. Prior to interment, ashes are removed from the urn and amended with an organic compound to reduce the ash's salinity. The amending process can be performed by the family as part of their graveside ceremony, or staff can prepare the ashes privately, ahead of the service. After burial, staff may replant gravesites with native plants and seed appropriate to the grave location and seasonal timing. Families are invited to participate in these experiences. Bluestem’s trail network is designed with respect for the ecological values on the property. It is managed for privacy, sustainability, and utility. No cutting of trees, moving of existing rocks or boulders, or building of throughways to gravesites is permitted. Every grave is marked and recorded by staff, with the resident’s name and dates on an aluminum grave marker. You may find these aluminum markers in the fields and woodlands, as they also designate a reserved burial plot. Burial plots are recorded by GPS coordinates. No non-decomposable materials are permitted inside the grave or on gravesites. Flower arrangements placed in the grave must be all natural and devoid of styling materials. Any non-biodegradable materials left at a gravesite or on the property will be removed by staff. Visitors are welcome to pick wildflowers and grasses from the fields to place on gravesites. Bluestem maintains a list of native plants that support the cemetery’s land restoration and stewardship plans. Families can make selections from this list in honor of their loved ones, or they can donate to Bluestem's Restoration Program. On an annual basis, Bluestem manages the native species of the grasslands and portions of the woodlands with prescribed burning and some mechanical mowing. Our prescribed fire events play a critical role in controlling invasive species and encouraging key grassland species. The burns do not negatively impact graves or gravestones. Walking is encouraged at Bluestem. Driving into the cemetery is by permission only. With ongoing, active restoration taking place, many portions of the cemetery are not suitable for vehicular traffic. Some portions of the woodlands may be difficult to access. For visitors with mobility concerns, golf cart appointments can be made. Please contact Bluestem staff for assistance. Bicycles must be parked at the front gate. No mountain biking or ATV riding is allowed on the property. No horses are allowed on the preserve, unless by express permission. Certain areas of the property are off limits due to ongoing restoration. Please do not trespass on neighboring properties. Dogs must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after. Camping and bonfires are not permitted at Bluestem, unless by express permission. No fishing, swimming or wading in the pond is permitted. Bluestem Cemetery Standards and Guidelines are reviewed regularly and updated online. (Revised 11/01/2024.) |