Growing Bluestem

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Bluestem is a community-supported project made possible through countless volunteer hours and generous donations from committed individuals and one local foundation. We’re proud of our grassroots origins – and we have so much more to build.   
 
Our near-term fundraising goals include infrastructure improvements, ongoing green burial education and outreach, information kiosks and signage, and continual invasive removal and native species reintroduction for enhanced wildlife habitat.  
 
You can help us achieve these goals. Click below to donate. Thank you!   

Donate here

All gifts are tax deductible and support the care of the land and Bluestem Community -- individuals at rest, their families and friends, our partners and volunteers.   

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2024 Fundraising Opportunities

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New trail map in the barn!

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Grassland gravesite seeded with native species

 INTERPRETATIVE SIGNAGE​

Visitors come to Bluestem every day. In person, they walk their dogs, practice mindfulness, bird watch, picnic or paint. A new kiosk in the barn will assist visitors in finding hiking trails, interpreting nature and learning about natural burial. Online visitors learn more about our mission and practices, check current conditions and plan their visits. We plan to offer wayfinding and on-site and online information in English and Spanish to make the preserve even more welcoming. We also hope to add a trail cam for habitat viewing alongside our weather station. Your financial support enables us to improve the Bluestem visitor experience. Your gift reinforces Bluestem's mission and message with new visitors onsite and online. Give here.

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​NATIVE SPECIES REINTRODUCTION

At a conversation cemetery, even the gravesites support the return of native plants to the habitat. At every green burial service, after the family and Bluestem volunteers close the grave, native wildflower seeds are scattered over the disturbed areas. Donations help us purchase these seeds from reputable native seed sources. On a larger scale, your gifts enable us to buy plants for our larger habitat areas. Recently, we reintroduced hundreds of little bluestem and prairie dropseed into our grasslands. Donations in the memory of loved ones are directed to Bluestem's Grassland and Woodland Restoration program

DONATE HERE

Bluestem Wish List   

Meeting our green burial and land conservation goals keeps us busy. Donations from individual and organizational donors help us purchase vital items on our wish list. Contact us to discuss options.

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Ropes, boards and hand tools                        
Office supplies and computer equipment
Milwaukee-brand batteries and battery-operated power tools
Handsaws, rakes, pruning shears and shovels 
One wheelbarrow  
One 4WD utility vehicle 
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SERVICES
Landscaping support 
Design and mapping support
Plant inventory 
Spanish-language translation
Prescribed fire training and oversight

SITE IMPROVEMENTS
Land management equipment
​Small covered shelters 
Small building annex for staff
Equipment shelters
A covered shelter in the interior
​Locally sourced cedar
Native grass and wildflower seeds and plugs 
Perennial bulbs, shrubs and trees

What Donors Like You Make Possible  

Eartha the Excavator   
In Fall 2022, a dedicated Bluestem supporter inspired a fundraising challenge for the purchase of an excavator, one of our most important pieces of equipment. In two months, donors gave to the Gratitude Challenge and raised enough to cover the cost. Working with “Eartha”, as we call her, gives us the flexibility to enhance Bluestem's water protection measures and forest restoration, create more pathways and trails, and prepare natural graves.Thank you to everyone who helped bring Eartha to Bluestem! 

Our Revitalized Barn
Bluestem's 100-year-old barn was stabilized and renovated in mid-2024 thanks to generous supporters who funded the work. New footings strengthened the cedar posts and improved gutters redirect stormwater away from the structure. The new retaining wall reduces erosion and serves as a bench for barn gatherings and environmental education opportunities.

Walter the dog sharing the limelight with Eartha

New bench seating in the barn serving also as erosion control

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Other Ways To Help Build Bluestem 

Sharing Bluestem with your friends, family, colleagues, and communities is a great way to support green burial in our region.

• Bring people you know out any day from dawn till dusk
  
• Volunteer with us on Fridays
• Follow Bluestem on Facebook and Instagram
• Organize a walking tour or other event
• Convene a virtual green burial presentation 

We are inspired by the many messages in our inboxes, and new relationships that are growing from this important community space. Thank you. 

Header photo courtesy of Courtney Reid-Eaton.