Terramor
Outdoor Resort
Project Details
Location
Terramor Outdoor Resort
1453 ME-102
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Partnership
Kath Williams + Associates
with Catalyst Partners
Services Utilized
Sustainable Landscape Certification
Project Size
47 Acres
Project Achievements
SITES for Existing Landscape Pilot: Gold certified
First US-based SITES for Existing Landscape certified project
The Challenge
When Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) looked to revitalize their Woodlands KOA Holiday campsite, their goal was to revolutionize the outdoor hospitality experience by blending luxury with nature in a way that hadn’t been done before. Looking to create a destination where guests could enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing comfort, they sought to elevate the traditional camping experience into something more refined and immersive. They created a vision to develop a resort that would not only offer high-end amenities but also foster a deep connection between visitors and the natural environment. In addition to providing a luxurious and memorable experience for guests, the company was committed to ensuring that the resort would be environmentally responsible. KOA wanted to preserve the natural landscape, minimize the ecological impact of their site, and set a new standard for sustainability in the outdoor hospitality industry. After implementing extensive preservation, sustainability, and wellness initiatives, Terramor Outdoor Resort realized their commitment to the environment and their guests aligned perfectly with the SITES Rating System. With the renovations complete, it led them to embark on the first ever SITES for Existing Landscape certification in the United States.
An Ecosystem Saving
Switch
Surrounded by wetlands they wanted to preserve, Terramor Outdoor Resort made the decision to remove all hardscape, including roads, walkways, and parking lots, and replace pathways with permeable aggregate. This material allows rainwater to seep into the ground naturally, reducing runoff and helping to maintain the area’s delicate ecosystem. By keeping water on-site, the resort not only prevents environmental damage but also supports the health of the nearby wetlands. Rainwater is now able to absorb into the new surfaces, and helps to better manage water flow and protect the surrounding environment.
Our Solution
“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. 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."
- Peter Templeton
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.
Projected Achievements
89%
Existing and new native plantings
100%
Reduction in permanent outdoor water use
100%
Rainwater managed on-site
63%
of site protected indefinitely in VSPZ
0%
Hardscape used on site
3
Sustainability policies put in place