Conservation at Bluestem   

A conservation cemetery, sometimes called a conservation burial ground, looks and feels like the natural area that surrounds it, where nature is enough. The practice of natural burial (and the burial of cremated remains) coexists with the care, restoration, and protection of the land's natural resources.

Conservation cemeteries are also required to partner with a conservation organization. These important partners hold and monitor a conservation easement that is placed over the land, ensuring the permanent protection of the property. In March 2025, Bluestem donated its conservation  easement to Eno River Association and Triangle Land Conservancy.

Restoring Critical Habitat  

Throughout Bluestem we are restoring critical habitat in the grasslands and early successional woodland areas. With so much development taking place in our region, grasslands and early successional habitats are among the most endangered. A founding principle for Bluestem is preserving and protecting this critical landscape. 
Picture
Little Bluestem in the Fall
Picture
Piedmont woodlands in the Fall
Picture
Little Bluestem in the Winter
Picture
Creekside in the Winter
Our namesake, the little bluestem grass, is a core species in our grasslands, serving as a stabilizing force, with deep root systems that store carbon and survive through periods of drought or rain. Our grasslands host diverse pollinators that benefit the region's farms and fields and encourages the resurgence of animal species like the bobwhite quail and northern harrier. 
Picture
Bluestem grasses in the Fall
Picture
Bluebirds in the grasses
 Find Bluestem on eBird and iNaturalist! 

Practicing Community Conservation 

Bluestem is proud of its partnership with two long standing non-profit organizations
Eno River Association 
​and 
Triangle Land Conservancy
Both co-hold Bluestem's conservation easement. 
Picture
Ryan Fehrman, Executive Director of Eno River Association with Heidi Hannapel and Jeff Masten, Bluestem Co-Directors March 24, 2025
Based on years of experience and education, our leadership and land stewards deploy strategies that connect people with the land. Click here to join us for our next volunteer Friday workday and be a part of conservation at Bluestem. 
  • Cultivate 35 acres of native wildflowers and Southeast grasses that store carbon 
  • Enhance wildlife habitat with plant, shrub and tree plantings, and bird boxes​
  • Foster plant diversity, restoring the vibrancy of the open lands, upland and lowland forests 
  • Use prescribed fire to encourage growth and manage non-native plants 
  • Construct erosion controls to support stormwater management for portions of the headwaters of the Neuse and the Roanoke River Basins
  • Establish water quality buffers on 4,000 feet of stream frontage 
  • Create and maintain pollinator habitat
  • Nurture a climate-resilient refuge for people and wildlife alike
  • Follow low-density green burial practices
"We practice a reverence for land through values of integrity, utility, simplicity and sustainability. For every gravesite, we consider the impact of digging and disturbance to the soils and root systems. We calculate for stormwater and install water protections. And we consider the wildlife already living here."
​
Bluestem Council of Stewards 
Keep up with our conservation activities on Facebook and Instagram.
Header photo: Little bluestem growing in the fields after a prescribed burn in 2024. Additional photos credit: Jackie Rimmler​, James Gartrell, Caroline Ray, Noah Rokoske, Courtney Reid-Eaton and Mel Green.