Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor has been awarded Gold-level certification from the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES), administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). This certification recognizes “sustainable and resilient landscape development to enhance sustainability, implement green infrastructure strategies, and improve resilience.”
Opened in 2020, Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor is located at the entrance of Acadia National Park. The resort combines traditional camping experiences with luxury amenities, offering an elevated outdoor getaway. The site, formerly a campground, underwent significant renovations, including the removal of 40 camping spaces and the planting of 1,000 trees.
The SITES certification highlights several sustainable practices at Terramor. More than 90% of the on-site vegetation consists of native plants, reducing the need for permanent irrigation and minimizing water use. The resort also utilizes vegetation trimmings as compost and mulch, and repurposes fallen trees as firewood. This approach supports local biodiversity and minimizes waste.
Terramor’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its grounds. The resort partners with Friends of Acadia (FOA), supporting their mission to protect Acadia National Park. Terramor contributes financially through donations from online bookings and hosts events like Pints for a Purpose, which features local experts discussing the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Additionally, the resort’s staff actively participates in FOA’s Earth Day Park Clean-Up and other community events.
To further its environmental goals, Terramor introduced a Bee Apiary and “Bee Keeping Experience,” educating guests on the importance of bees and beekeeping practices. The resort also promotes accessibility by offering nature trails and an All-Terrain Wheelchair for guests with mobility challenges, ensuring an inclusive outdoor experience.
To reduce plastic waste, Terramor has removed plastic bottles from its gift store, installed a water refill station, and switched to boxed water. The resort also supports local transportation by being a stop for the Island Explorer shuttle and has added an EV charging station and bike racks to encourage eco-friendly travel.
Peter Templeton, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council and GBCI, commended Terramor’s efforts, stating, “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.”
Featured image by Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor via terramoroutdoorresort.com