COMMUNITY EVENTS  

As we grow into this beautiful space, some wonderful outdoor (and indoor) activities are planned by and for this generous community. Some events are planned by partners and others are simply an invitation to show up at the barn, in the sanctuary, or quietly walking the pathways. All events are open to the public; please note where registration is required. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into this dedicated to nature community.   

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Friday April 4th or Saturday April 5th
9:30am-noon
At Bluestem
1900 Hurdle Mills Road
​Cedar Grove, NC 27231

Bluestem Burial Crew Training 

Serving on a burial crew is a significant role volunteers play to support families through the meaningful farewell of green burial at Bluestem. Interested in joining a Bluestem burial crew? Save the date for one of two burial crew training opportunities to be held this April, where Bluestem staff and seasoned volunteers will share more about the role and the experience. You can read more about the the Burial Crew Volunteer position description here. The same training will be offered on Friday and on Saturday, 9:30a-noon each day. Registration required. Please register at this link.

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Sunday, April 6
noon - 4PM
​At Bluestem
1900 Hurdle Mills Road
​Cedar Grove, NC 27231 

Climate Action Open House

Bluestem is a partner in the Hillsborough Climate Change Challenge! Come on out to savor our natural resources, walk the pathways or hiking trail, and sit by the pond listening to the birds. Bluestem volunteers and staff will be on hand to share favorite corners of the land, provide golf cart tours, and answer green burial questions. The gate will be open from noon to 4PM. Folks are welcome to stay after 4PM but cars must be parked on the Hurdle Mills side of the gate.  We recommend a hat, comfortable clothing, and sturdy walking shoes. No registration needed. 

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Tuesday, April 22
3 - 7PM
​At Bluestem
1900 Hurdle Mills Road
​Cedar Grove, NC 27231 

Earth Day Planting

Join us on Tuesday, April 22nd between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. for our first Earth Day planting event at Bluestem in honor of all the loved ones buried here. Together, we'll plant new native species in designated areas around the property that serve as a living memorial to those who rest here. Feel welcome to stay and picnic, birdwatch, hike, or linger while the sun sets. Find more details and please register here by April 15.

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Sunday, May 4
1 - 3PM
​At Bluestem
1900 Hurdle Mills Road
​Cedar Grove, NC 27231 

Springtime Tree ID Walk 

Take a slow walk through Bluestem’s woodland habitat and learn to identify Piedmont tree species! Led by Margot Lester, TLC trail guide and certified interpretive naturalist, and Geoffrey Neal, local arboretum curator and director of the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference, we will identify trees using leaf arrangement and shapes, branching pattern, fruits, cones, bark and twigs. We’ll talk about common and scientific names and share a little natural history, too. A water bottle, bug spray, walking shoes, and sunscreen are recommended. This event is free, but registration is required. Please register here.

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Quiet Hour at Bluestem

We hold the Friday noon hour as an intentional slowing down moment, whether together or on our own. Park in the parking area and walk to the Woodland Sanctuary, just west of the Barn. Benches overlooking the pond await you. Feel welcome to bring a poem to read aloud, or just yourself. If you prefer more movement, pathways and shaded areas around the property beckon for walking or sitting meditations. Find a small reflection area tucked into the sanctuary woods. Email us for more information.

Every Friday at Noon

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Bluestem Calendar

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​Contact us for a list of past events.
If you have a topic or service you wish to share with
Bluestem Community, please email us. 

Photo: Gathering for a Tree ID Walk with Geoffrey Neal, Curator Coker Arboretum, North Carolina Botanical Garden