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 human 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. Pet burials exclusively have grave markers, no gravestone. 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 their plot's GPS coordinates. Bluestem's GPS record keeping system will be fully introduced in 2025. 

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

Bluestem Cemetery Rules and Guidelines

As a conservation cemetery, we are very intentional about supporting native Piedmont species and habitat. No outside plantings are to be introduced at, or on gravesites, nor are they permitted at Bluestem without the express permission of staff.  In some areas of the property, native species are dormant, and only emerge seasonally; while other areas of the property have been seeded with particular species that require time and specific natural conditions, before appearing above ground.

Every burial service includes the opportunity to scatter native wildflower seeds and grasses in the grasslands, or plant native ferns in the woodlands. This important practice maximizes species renewal in the disturbed burial areas and immediately engages families in Bluestem's restoration work.

NC BOTANICAL GARDEN NATIVE PLANT RESOURCES

INVASIVES IN THE NC PIEDMONT

​Bluestem volunteers spend countless hours with staff helping to remove invasives from the property. We do this physical work together while we are compiling a landscape-wide inventory of the existing plants, shrubs and trees on the property, and researching species we plan to reintroduce to the land. Until then, we recommend becoming familiar with the native plant lists developed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden and our Eno River Association friends' guide to invasives. 

Thank you for helping to care for Bluestem's land, water and wildlife! 

Please speak with staff about any questions or wishes related to memorializing your loved one. 

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