Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Maine, has achieved a significant milestone by earning the prestigious SITES Gold certification. This recognition, awarded under the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) rating system, signifies Terramor’s dedication to sustainable and resilient landscape development.
Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), SITES promotes responsible landscape management and aims to enhance sustainability, implement green infrastructure strategies, and improve resilience. Terramor’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as it is the first outdoor resort/glamping resort to attain SITES certification. It is also the first project in the U.S. to receive this recognition through the Existing Landscapes pilot program.
Since its opening in 2020, Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor has positioned itself as a thoughtful retreat that embraces authentic, sustainable experiences within nature. Situated at the gateway to Acadia National Park, the resort seamlessly blends the allure of a camping adventure with the comforts of an elevated getaway.
The site’s transformation from a traditional campground included the removal of 40 camping spaces and the planting of 1,000 trees, revitalizing the land. Through meticulous planning and the implementation of various green initiatives, Terramor has not only minimized its environmental footprint but also reaped 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), the owner and operator of 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 journey towards SITES certification involved a comprehensive approach that encompassed various sustainability practices. These included:
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Native Plant Dominance:
Over 90% of the vegetation on-site comprises native plants, eliminating the need for permanent irrigation and reducing potable water use and utility costs. KOA and Terramor collaborate with a team of arborists to identify, preserve, and protect native species like Black Cherry, Sugar Maple, Pine, Spruce, Cedar, and others.*
On-Site Composting and Mulch:
All vegetation trimmings remain on-site to be used as compost and mulch, while fallen trees are repurposed for firewood, minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization.*
Community Partnership with Friends of Acadia (FOA):
Terramor has forged a strong partnership with Friends of Acadia (FOA), an organization dedicated to protecting the natural landscapes of Acadia National Park. Terramor staff actively volunteers with FOA, participating in events like the annual Earth Day Park Clean-Up and hosting FOA’s luncheons. Terramor also supports FOA financially through a $1 donation for every direct online booking and hosts a weekly event called “Pints for a Purpose” to share the history of the area with guests and community members.*
Bee Apiary and Educational Initiatives:
Terramor recently introduced an on-site Bee Apiary and “Bee Keeping Experience” to educate guests about the importance of bees and the process of beekeeping.*
Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Terramor’s glamping experience caters to guests of all ages and abilities, offering nature trails and partnering with GRIT Freedom Chair to provide an All-Terrain Wheelchair for use by guests.*
Plastic Reduction Efforts:
Terramor has taken steps to reduce plastic usage by eliminating plastic bottles from the gift store, installing a water refill station, and selling only boxed water.*
Transportation Solutions:
To reduce traffic congestion in the area, Terramor is a scheduled stop for the Island Explorer, a free shuttle bus providing transportation to nearby destinations and services. The resort has also installed an EV charging station and bike racks throughout the property.“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 underscores KOA’s overarching commitment to sustainability, which is further reflected in the recent LEED Gold certification of the company’s 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 its operations, design, and development. By prioritizing green infrastructure and fostering a deep connection with the natural world, KOA elevates the standard for eco-friendly travel experiences.
The SITES Gold certification embodies Terramor’s commitment to sustainability and its “Rooted Here” philosophy, which emphasizes a deep connection to the local landscape and community. This philosophy is reflected in the resort’s use of locally sourced products and artisanal experiences, creating an environment that fosters meaningful connections between guests and the outdoors.
Terramor’s approach ensures that every guest enjoys a harmonious blend of nature and comfort, bringing its vision of a sustainable, immersive, and connected resort experience to life.
About Terramor Outdoor Resort
Terramor Outdoor Resort is a thoughtful retreat committed to authentic, immersive experiences in nature. The Terramor experience blends the romance of a camping adventure with the amenities of a luxurious getaway. Authentic local experiences combined with unique outdoor hospitality are what make a stay at Terramor so unique and 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 while promoting adoption of building and business practices that continually and measurably improve health, equity, resilience and environmental wellbeing for all. GBCI administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates including, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems, as well as 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.
