Terramor
Outdoor Resort

To aid them in achieving this vision, Kath Williams + Associates and Catalyst Partners came together to document 54 prerequisites and credits, for a total of 112 points, earning Terramor Outdoor Resort SITES for Existing Landscapes Pilot Gold certification. 

The initiatives that earned these points began with Terramor’s removal of 40 traditional camping spaces on their 47 acre lot in Bar Harbor, Maine, and replacing them with 1,000 native trees to rejuvenate the landscape. To minimize disruption to the surrounding forest and wetlands, the resort kept the 64 luxury canvas tents and central facilities clustered together.  They transformed paved roads into porous aggregate drives and prioritized the implementation of native plants on site. To preserve natural habitats, 63% of their site is protected from future development, and is evaluated annually for restoration needs. Although more than half of this site is protected, just shy of 90% is native vegetation. 

The team at Terramor also focused on enhancing the guest experience, specifically through creating thoughtful amenities that connect visitors with nature. The resort now offers a range of outdoor activities, including nature trails, swimming, and yoga, as well as complementary gear like binoculars and walking sticks. They also partnered with GRIT Freedom Chair, to provide an all-terrain wheelchair, ensuring that guests of all abilities can enjoy the natural surroundings. These initiatives, alongside incredible safety and accessibility measures, and guest activities and amenities that support mental restoration, physical activity, and social connection, led them to earn 9 out of 11 Human Health and Well-being credits.

Their work did not stop there. To impact their site in the long run, sustainability initiatives were implemented in their operations and site maintenance policies. The resort implemented recycling programs, installed energy-efficient & environmentally friendly lighting, and provided multi-modal transit options, including a free shuttle and EV charging stations. The native landscaping and habitat maintained on site eliminates the need for permanent irrigation, reducing water use while allowing Terramor Outdoor Resort to retain 100% of its rainwater onsite.  

These efforts not only enhanced the environmental performance of the resort, earning them the first ever SITES for Existing Landscape certification, but demonstrated Terramor’s commitment to creating an outdoor experience that respects and preserves the natural environment for generations to come.