Conservation

Conservation at Bluestem

We practice a reverence for land. Our aesthetic is measured through values of integrity, utility, simplicity and sustainability. The absence of extraneous decoration signifies our respect for nature's beauty in its present form. From the moment we step onto the property, we work to prioritize the care of the land.

A founding principle at Bluestem is the presence and re-creation of Southeast native grassland habitat on its existing open lands. Grasslands and early successional habitat are one of the most endangered habitat types in the Southeast. The loss of these habitats has impacted the balance of species availability.

Little Bluestem grasses, a core species in our fields, are stabilizing forces. Their deep root systems store carbon and survive through periods of drought or rain. The grasslands themselves serve as diverse pollinator habitat supporting the area's farms and fields, and encouraging the resurgence of species such as the Bobwhite Quail, Northern Harrier, Larkspur Tickseed, and Narrow-leaf Sunflower.

Our Strategies

Connecting people with land through community conservation
Providing a publicly accessible nature preserve with 2-3 miles of trails and quiet sitting areas
Recreating grassland habitat on 30 acres with native wildflowers and grasses
Enhancing wildlife habitat with bird boxes located throughout the preserve
Managing the grasslands with prescribed fire
Placing erosion controls to support stormwater management
Installing water quality buffers on 3,500 feet of stream frontage
Supporting climate resiliency with pollinator habitat and native grass root systems that store carbon
Restoring old Oak and Hickory forest habitats
Protecting an iconic Piedmont landscape
Empowering families with the transformational practice of green burial

Conservation cemeteries bury at much lighter densities than conventional cemeteries and prioritize the conservation values of the land. For every planned gravesite, we consider the impact of digging the grave on the soils, on root systems, on the water quality, on wildlife.

Additionally, the size of Bluestem's burial plots are much larger than in conventional cemeteries. Natural burial plots measure 20 x 15 feet. Ash burial plots measure 5 x 5 feet. For information on pricing, please see Burial Costs.