Conservation at BluestemWe practice reverence for land through our values of integrity, utility, simplicity and sustainability. For every gravesite, we consider the impact of digging on the soil, root systems, water quality and wildlife.
Bluestem Conservation Cemetery is an 87-acre nature preserve of three habitat types: grassland, early transitional and woodland. Grasslands and early successional habitats are among the most endangered in our region. That’s why one of our founding principles is preserving and protecting ours. Through conservation easements with our partners the Eno River Association and Triangle Land Conservancy, Bluestem will be permanently protected by December 2024.
Restoring crucial habitat returns the balance of species availability to the ecosystem. Our namesake, the little bluestem grass, is a core species in our fields. A stabilizing force, their deep root systems store carbon and survive through periods of drought or rain. They encourage dozens of other native companion plants like larkspur, tickseed and narrow-leaf sunflower. Our grassland hosts diverse pollinators that benefit our community’s farms and fields and encourages the resurgence of animal species like the bobwhite quail and northern harrier.
Bluestem’s conservation mission extends to our old oak and hickory forest habitat includes beech, sassafras, tulip poplar, sweetgum and several pine species. It’s a welcoming home for fungi, lichens, woodland birds and larger animals like squirrels, deer, foxes and coyotes. Our efforts have made Bluestem a popular destination for amateur and recreational naturalists and an eBird Hotspot and iNaturalist location. Learn more about how you can support our conservation mission. Our Community Conservation Strategy
Based on years of experience and education, our leadership and land steward deploy strategies that connect people with the land. Click here to join us for our next volunteer Friday workday and be a part of our conservation mission to:
Header photo: Prescribed Burn at Bluestem March 4, 2024. Photo credit: Don Bryson. Additional photos credit: Jackie Rimmler, James Gartrell, Caroline Ray, Noah Rokoske, Courtney Reid-Eaton.
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