Green Burial at Bluestem
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Green burial at Bluestem is simple, natural and personal. It occurs without embalming, without metal or steel caskets, and without concrete vaults. Individuals are returned to the earth simply, using biodegradable materials such as a plain wooden casket or cloth shroud.
The practice of green burial invites families into participating in the sacred act of burying their loved ones. They can pick from burial areas in the conservation cemetery, choose their own biodegradable burial container, plan their own service, engage a funeral home or a community of friends, arrange for the casket or shrouded body to be transported to Bluestem, carried to the grave, include friends and family in the lowering into the grave, and finally, closing the grave with shovels of dirt. At Bluestem, we encourage families to participate in the burial process as much or as little as they like. This natural place encourages family and friends to be active in saying farewell. The sound of the birds, the feel of the wind, the smell of the earth, bending into each shovel full, imprints a beloved farewell. Burial at Bluestem is open to all – to people of any faith, to those without faith practices and to those with unique cultural traditions. At the end of each burial service, family and friends are invited to cover the grave mound in pine straw and to sit for awhile, or to wander the pathways. At the end of the day, burial tools and materials are put away, the family and friends depart, and Bluestem resets for the following day.
Burial arrangements are by appointment only.
Bluestem supports at-need and pre-need burial options:
Once you complete a burial planning form (either at need or preplanning) you will be invited to make an appointment with Bluestem staff to select a burial plot and purchase your interment rights.
Purchasing a plot at Bluestem takes the burden of decision making off of family and friends and allows you to engage in this beautiful sanctuary while you are alive and thriving. Your choice of Bluestem supports the permanent protection and restoration of native grasslands, Piedmont woodlands, and wildlife habitat. Your investment creates a healing space for the living. Pet BurialPets may also be buried in the same plot as their people. A separate burial fee is charged for each pet's interment. Our Pet Burial page will be live in 2024. Contact us directly for more information on pet burials.
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