Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor, a luxurious glamping destination situated at the gateway to Acadia National Park, has achieved a significant milestone by earning Gold-level certification under the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) rating system. This recognition underscores Terramor’s dedication to sustainability, community engagement, and thoughtful landscape design, setting a new standard for eco-conscious outdoor hospitality. Notably, Terramor is the first outdoor resort/glamping resort in the world to receive SITES certification, and the first project in the U.S. to achieve certification through the Existing Landscapes pilot program.
Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which also manages the renowned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, SITES promotes sustainable and resilient landscape development. This certification acknowledges Terramor’s commitment to implementing green infrastructure strategies, enhancing sustainability, and improving resilience.
Since its opening in 2020, Terramor has consistently strived to offer authentic, sustainable experiences in nature. The resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in its thoughtful renovations, which involved removing 40 camping spaces and planting 1,000 trees to revitalize the site. This dedication extends to a comprehensive suite of green initiatives that not only minimize the resort’s environmental footprint but also generate substantial economic and social benefits.
“The name ‘Terramor’ combines the words ‘Terra’ (earth) and ‘amor’ (love), and since day one, our resort has worked to create a space that lives up to that ideal,” said Toby O’Rourke, President & CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), which owns and operates Terramor. “We’re extremely proud to be the first outdoor resort to have earned this SITES for Existing Landscapes certification, demonstrating that eco-friendliness, luxury and the great outdoors can all be blended seamlessly.”
Terramor’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its numerous initiatives, including:
*
Native Plant Focus:
Over 90% of the vegetation on-site is comprised of native plants, eliminating the need for permanent irrigation and reducing potable water use and utility costs.*
Arborist Collaboration:
Terramor works closely with professional arborists to identify, preserve, and protect native species such as Black Cherry, Sugar Maple, Pine, Spruce, Cedar, and more.*
Sustainable Waste Management:
100% of vegetation trimmings are used as compost and mulch, while fallen trees are repurposed for firewood.*
Community Partnerships:
Terramor has partnered with Friends of Acadia (FOA), an organization dedicated to protecting the natural landscapes of Acadia National Park. Terramor staff actively volunteers with FOA, participates in annual events, and financially supports their mission.*
Beekeeping Experience:
Terramor recently introduced an on-site Bee Apiary and “Bee Keeping Experience” where guests can learn about the lives of bees, the process of beekeeping, and their environmental importance.*
Accessible Exploration:
Terramor offers nature trails and has partnered with GRIT Freedom Chair to provide an All-Terrain Wheelchair, ensuring accessibility for guests of all abilities.*
Plastic Reduction:
Terramor has eliminated plastic bottles from the gift store, added a water refill station, and transitioned to boxed water.*
Transportation Alternatives:
Terramor is a scheduled stop for the Island Explorer, a free shuttle bus providing rides to nearby destinations. The resort has also installed an EV charging station and bike racks.“SITES certification recognizes best practices in sustainable landscape design, development and management, and Terramor Outdoor Resort is a notable example of implementing these practices within an existing landscape,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council and GBCI. “Through their SITES Gold certification, KOA is showing its commitment to protecting the natural spaces it manages and bringing sustainability to the forefront of its operations.”
The SITES Gold certification at Terramor Outdoor Resort is a testament to KOA’s broader commitment to sustainability, further exemplified by the recent LEED Gold certification of its new headquarters. As the leading network of privately owned campgrounds in North America, KOA is dedicated to setting a new standard in the outdoor hospitality industry by integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of its operations.
Terramor’s “Rooted Here” philosophy emphasizes a deep connection to the local landscape and community, celebrating its unique sense of place on Mount Desert Island. This commitment is reflected in the resort’s integration of locally sourced products and artisanal experiences, fostering meaningful connections between guests and the natural world. This approach ensures that every guest enjoys a harmonious blend of nature and comfort, bringing Terramor’s vision of a sustainable, immersive, and connected resort experience to life.
About Terramor Outdoor Resort: Terramor Outdoor Resort offers authentic, immersive experiences in nature, blending the romance of a camping adventure with the amenities of a luxurious getaway. Authentic local experiences combined with unique outdoor hospitality make a stay at Terramor truly special. Terramor is a business unit owned and operated by Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA). Learn more at www.terramoroutdoorresort.com.
About Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI): GBCI is the world’s leading sustainability and health certification and credentialing body, independently recognizing excellence in performance and practice globally. GBCI promotes adoption of building and business practices that measurably improve health, equity, resilience, and environmental well-being for all. GBCI administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates including, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems, the PEER standard for power systems, the WELL Building Standard, the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES), EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), TRUE certification for zero waste, and Investor Confidence Project (ICP) for energy efficiency retrofits.
