Memorials at Bluestem  

In keeping with Bluestem’s guiding principles, remembering loved ones at Bluestem is modest, natural, and respectful. There are no upright headstones. Offsite stone or polished granite headstones are not allowed. Gravestones blend into the landscape. ​

Gravestones  ​

Bluestem gravestone

   

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Every burial right purchased includes a complimentary, unpolished piece of North Carolina flagstone. Families are responsible for engraving the stone (performed offsite) and returning to place the stone at the gravesite with the assistance of Bluestem staff. Individuals buried at Bluestem are not required to have a gravestone. All gravestones blend in with the landscape.

Grave markers are placed in the center of every grave after every burial. Similar to a survey pin, these aluminum markers are stamped with the loved one's name and dates. ​Individuals choosing to “leave no trace” can rely on these grave markers for their permanent record. Every grave marker is tracked through Bluestem's GPS and record-keeping system. Grave markers in the fields and woodlands also denote reserved burial plots. 

Grave Markers 

Bluestem grave marker

             

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Remembering at Bluestem   

Returning family and friends can locate their loved one’s gravesite or, as importantly, they can experience the fullness of the entire nature preserve in honor of their loved one’s memory. After burial services, families receive GPS coordinates for the location of graves. Our GPS record keeping system will be introduced in 2024. 

Gravesites at Bluestem are natural spaces within restored grasslands and woodlands. The gravesites alter over time and may even "disappear" with the seasons. Gravesites become one with the evolving landscape. No framing of graves is permitted. If collections of stones, branches, or other leave behinds are assembled around or on gravesites, they will be removed.

No outside plantings are permitted; however, native plantings and seeds may be provided for the burial service by Bluestem staff. Please speak with us directly about your wishes for memorialization.

​We are currently engaged in a landscape wide inventory of existing plants, shrubs and trees, and developing a list of approved native plants for future consideration. Contact us if you would like to make a donation towards this effort in the name of your loved one. 

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Bluestem Cemetery Rules and Guidelines