Salon Content

Green Mountain

April 1, 2008 By: Marianne Dougherty American Salon

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To help sustain the surrounding land, Mohonk Mountain House has supported the revival of a century-old farming tradition by providing land for the nearby Brook Farm Project. Vegetables such as squash, beans, cucumbers, carrots, greens and tomatoes are grown in the organic garden, which supplies hotel guests with seasonable farm-to-table produce. An on-site composting and recycling program has reduced waste sent to landfills by 50 percent. What's more, the compost is used to fertilize the extensive flower gardens on the property. Smiley points out that employees at Mohonk are encouraged to participate in eco-friendly activities, as well. Not only is a composting receptacle located in the employee dining area, but employees also participate in the annual Mohonk Mountain House "Clean Sweep" event. Oh, and to eliminate the use of Styrofoam cups, each employee has been given a reusable mug.

Mixing the Shawangunk Grit for a body treatment that exfoliates and improves circulation.

Other green initiatives at Mohonk include nature and interpretive programs, such as walks, slide shows and lectures hosted by Mohonk's staff naturalist; an environmentally friendly wastewater treatment plant; use of biodegradable laundry products and nonaerosol cleaning materials; a recycling program for office computers, batteries and fluorescent lightbulbs; and the donation of a regional headquarters for the Student Conservation Association, a national association dedicated to developing conservation leaders of the future. Last June, Mohonk introduced the Junior Naturalist Experience. Designed for children ages four to 12, the program includes a variety of nature-based activities, like climate lessons at the resort's boat dock and expeditions to observe the many types of flora and fauna that make up the spectacular natural environment at Mohonk. "This is one of the ways that Mohonk Mountain House is seeking to nurture children's delight in nature and to create future generations of environmentally aware adults," Smiley says. —MARIANNE DOUGHERTY

The Women's Veranda features energy-efficient windows that afford a spectacular view of the woods behind the spa

The indoor pool is also surrounded by windows that virtually bring the outdoors in.

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