Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Shenandoah National Park Lodging, we believe in preserving the natural beauty of our park for generations to come. As stewards of unique lodging locations, restaurants, waysides, and retail stores; we're dedicated to operating responsibly and minimizing our environmental footprint. Recently, we've launched exciting new sustainability initiatives that reflect our deep commitment to protecting the environment while enhancing the guest experience.

Innovative Composting Program

Our robust composting program has transformed how we handle food waste. In our lodge kitchens, employee dining rooms, and Starbucks stores, food scraps are carefully collected and combined with manure from our stables and woodchips to create nutrient-rich mulch. Even Starbucks cups, napkins, and compostable utensils find their way into our compost bins through our convenient cup take-back program. Using an Earth Flow composting machine by Green Mountain Technologies, these materials are processed into finished compost in just six weeks.

So far, we've diverted nearly 20,000 pounds of waste from the landfill, with 7,500 pounds of that being food scraps. This effort doesn't just keep waste out of landfills; it also gives back to the community. Recently, we donated one ton of compost to the Page Alliance for Community Action in Luray and shared additional mulch with local businesses like Wisteria Farm & Vineyard. In 2025, we'll take our program even further by adding compost bins near trash and recycling stations to capture post-consumer food scraps.

Bread Tag Collection for Mobility Devices

Small changes can make a big difference. At Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge, our teams are collecting bread tags, which are donated to Danielle Cares for Chairs, an organization that recycles the tags to fund mobility devices for those in need. This simple initiative has already gathered hundreds of bread tags, making an impact both environmentally and socially. Inspired by this program, we've expanded bread tag collection to other locations, encouraging everyone to contribute to this meaningful cause.

Preserving the Park for Future Generations

Our efforts reflect our mission to not only protect but also improve the environment around us. By embracing innovative solutions like large-scale composting and engaging in small but impactful actions like bread tag collection, we're leaving Shenandoah National Park a better place for our guests and wildlife.

We invite you to join us in our journey toward sustainability. Whether you're staying at one of our lodges, dining in our restaurants, or simply exploring the park, your support helps us make a difference. Together, we can ensure Shenandoah remains a cherished destination for years to come.

Plan your stay and learn more about our sustainability efforts - because protecting nature is at the heart of what we do.