Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch Sustainability Mission:
To apply practices in our daily work routine that support a sustainable operation in harmony with the natural environment through the principles of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle.
Awards:
2008 Environmental Business Award
In January 2009, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch was selected to win the "2008 Environmental Business Award for Small Members" by the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, who made the choice from applications submitted by twelve businesses. The award was based on Sylvan Dale's outstanding efforts to enhance the environmental performance of their organization. Criteria included improvements in the areas of: Recycling and Solid-Waste Reductions, Education and Advocacy, Counter Global Warming, COnscientious Purchasing, Green Building, Conservation, Toxic Materials, Indoor Environmental Quality, Natural and Habitat Protection and Unique Efforts.
2008 Conservationist of the Year
The Big Thompson Conservation District has named Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch as the 2008 Conservationist of the Year for the Upper South Platte Watershed. The annual award acknowledges one Larimer County landowner who has utilized techniques that conserve land and water.
Areas of Focus:
Ranch wide policies support our Sustainability Mission by:
-placing 60% of our 3,200 acres in land trust conservation easements
-working with local and national conservation groups for wildlife and habitat protection
-purchasing wind energy
-remodeling cabins & building for better energy efficiency
The Food and Beverage Department contributes to our Sustainability Mission by:
-purchasing local products when available
-purchasing natural and organic meats and vegetables
-purchasing 100% recycled paper products
-purchasing compostable paper hot cups and food containers
-purchasing reusable picnic silverware and plate ware for up to 200 guests
-using toxin free and natural cleaners
-using reusable linens
-composting all non-protein based foods
-using single stream recycling
-converting all kitchen lights to efficient fluorescents
-changing out bulbs with CFL's when burned out
-limited use for single use service ware
-installing low flow dishwashers and sink sprayers
-reusable glasses, plates, silverware, coffee cups and service ware in event areas
-purchasing fair trade coffee and teas
Our Facilities Department contributes to our Sustainability Mission by:
-reducing towel and linen usage by posting signs in rooms asking guests to reuse
-installing low flow toilets when remodeling
-installing low flow showerheads and sink aerators
-posting signage asking guests to reduce energy usage by turning off AC and lighting when they are out of the rooms
-installing motion sensors for lighting in the restrooms in public areas
-installing programmable HVAC controls for the event area rooms
-purchasing 100% recycled paper products
-using toxin free and natural cleaners
-replacing equipment based on a life cycle system
-using fire places for heat in some accommodations
-using reclaimed woods and metals for other projects
-using single stream recycling
-replacing old water heaters with tankless water heaters
-changing out bulbs with CFL's when burned out
-Converting light fixtures to energy efficient fixtures
Our Landscaping and Grounds Department contributes to our Sustainability Mission by:
-using natural fertilizers and landscaping products
-using composting materials for landscaping
-using local and sustainable plants and flowers
-planting a small garden for guest meals
-composting grass and trimmings
Our Working Ranch Department contributes to our Sustainability Mission by:
-using rotational grazing of the cattle and horses
-using cattle and horse manures for fertilizing the pastures
-locally selling natural and grass fed beef - Heart-J Beef
-using a trail and land preservation program
using solar pumps for stock watering
-converting to more efficient hay irrigation system
-experimenting with windrow grazing instead of hay harvesting
-using all organic fertilizers and soil supplements
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History of Business:
The new buzz, “Going Green,” is not new at Sylvan Dale.
Since 1946, green practices have been in place on the Ranch. Our parents, being children of the Great Depression, knew what it meant to “recycle.” Nothing was ever thrown away! Mom recycled plastic bags, and tin foil. Dad put things in storage- “We’ll use that some day!” When aluminum became a commodity, we gathered cans to recycle. Some of you may remember the sign: “Pitch in for Tillie’s roses.” The “can money” went to Mom and she would buy flowers to beautify the Ranch grounds.
In the 1990’s we made a big commitment to sustainability by initiating conservation easements on our land. To date, we have preserved over 1700 acres of foothill views and wildlife habitat.
Going Green? You bet! We’ll continue to follow the example our parents set to save the planet. It is so gratifying that doing the right thing and upholding the sustainable values we have held for years have become popular and important in today's world.