Cemetery Rules and Guidelines  

Bluestem is open 365 days/year from dawn to dusk. It is closed at dusk, and no one should be on the preserve after daylight hours, unless granted express permission by Bluestem staff.  
 
People (and pets) are returned to the earth, simply and naturally in biodegradable unfinished materials. All burials must follow green burial principles of no embalming, no metals, steel, or plastics, and no vaults.  
 
Gravesites at Bluestem are natural spaces within restored grasslands and woodlands. They will alter over time and with the seasons. Gravestones can be cleared of leaf, tree or plant matter, but the gravesite itself is to remain unadorned and natural. Leaving flowers and grasses from the Bluestem's fields is welcome; however no framing of graves is permitted. If natural materials are assembled in excess, or invasives overcrowd the graves, they will be removed. 

Headstones are not required. Gravestones are modest and lie flat to the ground. No outside stone material may be used. For individuals desiring a gravestone, Bluestem provides a selection of North Carolina flagstone from which individuals can choose. Engraving of the stone occurs offsite and is arranged by the individual/family. 

Only plantings supplied by staff and that support Bluestem’s ecological diversity are permitted on the gravesite or on the property. We are developing a list of native plants for the cemetery. Contact us directly if you would like more information on plant species at Bluestem.

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Natural Gravesites at Bluestem   

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Ash scattering is not currently permitted.

Ash burials are placed directly in the earth. Urns are not buried. Prior to interment, ashes are removed from the urn and amended with an organic compound to reduce the ashes salinity. The amending process can be performed by staff or by the family as part of their graveside ritual. 

After burial, staff may replant gravesites with native plants and seed appropriate to the grave location and seasonal timing. Families are invited to participate in these experiences. 
 
Bluestem’s trail network is designed with respect for the ecological values on the property. It is managed for privacy, sustainability, and utility. No cutting of trees, moving of existing rocks or boulders, or building of throughways to gravesites is permitted.  
 
Every grave is marked and recorded by staff, with the resident’s name and dates on an aluminum grave marker. You may find these aluminum markers in the fields and woodlands, as they also designate a reserved burial plot. Gravemarkers are recorded by GPS coordinates.

No non-decomposable materials are permitted inside the grave or on gravesites. 
 
Flower arrangements placed in the grave must be all natural and devoid of styling materials. Any nonbiodegradable materials left at a site or on the property will be removed by staff.  
 
Visitors are welcome to pick wildflowers and grasses from the fields to place on gravesites. 

Bluestem is currently building a list of native plants that support the cemetery’s land restoration and stewardship plans. In the future families will be invited to make selections from this list in honor of their loved ones.     
 
On an annual basis, Bluestem will manage the native species of the grasslands and portions of the woodlands with controlled burns and some mechanical mowing. These prescribed fire events play a critical role in controlling invasive species and encouraging key grassland species. They do not negatively impact graves or gravestones.  
 
Walking is encouraged. For visitors with mobility issues, please contact staff for assistance.

Bicycles must be parked at the front gate. No mountain biking or ATV riding is allowed. No horses are allowed on the preserve, unless by express permission. 
 
Certain areas of the property are off limits due to ongoing restoration. Please do not trespass on neighboring properties.  
 
Dogs must be leashed at all times and must be cleaned up after. 
 
Camping and bonfires are not permitted at Bluestem, unless by express permission. 

Bluestem Cemetery Rules and Guidelines are reviewed regularly and updated online. (Revised 7/31/23)

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