Spotlight on Sustainability: Green Pocono Properties and Partnerships

Did you know our region is home to one of the largest Regenerative Organic Farms in North America? Located on over 380 acres near Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Pocono Organics was built with a broad vision of sustainability in mind. Not only does the farm produce 100% USDA Certified Organic fruits and vegetables using responsible, regenerative agriculture practices, Pocono Organics also features a 30,000 square-foot living vegetative roof, is home to over 330,000 honeybees, offers education programs and much more. Learn more about sustainability at Pocono Organics.

The 25,000 square foot Shawnee Island Farm provides fresh produce to the restaurants like the Gem and Keystone Brewpub at the historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. The resort even taps its own Maple syrup! Eco-friendly practices can be found on the golf course as well, with protected bird sanctuaries established in cooperation with Audubon International. Wildflowers and grasses are used to naturalize the protected areas, no mowing or spraying needed. Learn more about sustainability at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort.

Le Spa Forêt at the French Manor is a fully green spa. From paint to plumbing fixtures, the space was designed with the environment in mind. Spa amenities include a saltwater pool and hot tub, where simple table salt is broken down to naturally chlorinate the water. This green alternative to pool chemicals is gentler on skin, eyes and the environment. Learn more about sustainability at The French Manor Inn and Spa.

A certified “Pennsylvania Pollinator-Friendly Property,” The Lodge at Woodloch is home to a healing garden, a farm-to-table garden, an orchard and a pollinator garden. The Blackmore Farm and Orchard, located within walking distance of the destination spa resort, is sustainably managed to provide vegetables and herbs for the Lodge's TREE Restaurant. It's also home to the Lodge's permanent guests: over 200,000 honeybees who help sustain natural biodiversity and produce delicious, homegrown honey for spa and dining specials. Learn more about sustainability about The Lodge at Woodloch.

Sustainable methods are used whenever possible at Mountain View Vineyard, Winery, Brewery and Distillery. Dry farming techniques cut back on water waste, mulching around vines promotes beneficial insects, and geothermal and solar energy naturally control conditions in the winemaking facility. In the tasting room, wine bottles, packing peanuts and tasting sheets are reused and recycled. Learn more about sustainability at Mountain View Vineyard.

Pocono Raceway has been powered by the sun for over a decade! In 2010, construction was completed on the track’s 25-acre solar farm. The farm supplies 100% of the track’s power, and the surplus energy supports about 100 homes and businesses nearby. Partnering with Pocono Organics, the Pocono Raceway also participates in a unique and robust composting program called Farm2Track. Learn more about sustainability at Pocono Raceway.

Positive Partnerships

TESLA DESTINATION CHARGING PROGRAM
Destinations throughout the Pocono Mountains offer electric car charging through Tesla Motors’ Destination Charging Program. Plug in and charge up at one of these participating properties: The French Manor Inn and Spa • The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park • Ledges Hotel • Cocoon Coffee House • Times House B&B • The Crossings Premium Outlets

Green Lodging Partnership

With every reservation, guests at participating hotels contribute directly to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and the protection of clean waters, healthy lands and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities in the Upper Delaware River region. Green Lodging Partners in the Pocono Mountains include: The Lodge at Woodloch • Hotel Fauchere • James Manning House B&B • Ledges Hotel • Roebling Inn on the Delaware • The Settlers Inn • Woodloch Resort

Do your part and help us maintain the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains for future generations to enjoy. When visiting, be sure to take your trash with you and properly dispose of garbage and recyclables to leave no trace.

Check out more upcoming green events in our area, and don't forget to celebrate Earth Day this year by joining our community effort on April 24, 2021 to Pick Up The Poconos!