Sustainability: A Way of Life at the Goosewing Ranch
The ranching tradition has forever been built upon the intimate relationship of people and the land. Nowadays we call it sustainability, though the practices of good stewardship have always been a part of ranch life. The more respect and care is shown for the land, the more the people who inhabit that land benefit.
The Goosewing Ranch carries out a philosophy of environmental respect, with a multitude of programs intended to minimize impacts, promote concepts sustainability and live in harmony with the land. The sustainability mission demonstrates the concepts of reuse, recycling and reducing throughout the many functions of the ranch.
“Our sustainability mission is to lessen our daily footprint and leave our environment in better condition than we found it. To leave a lasting impression in the hearts of our guests, but not on the land we call home. To improve the experience of our guests, neighbors, community members for generations to follow.”
So how does a ranch achieve a sustainable operation? Carefully constructed and well thought out plans have been implemented in just about every area of the ranch functions. Reducing waste is a key feature. In the office, the staff strives to conduct as much paperless business as possible. The ranch’s composting program reduces the amount of material sent to the trash, and much of the food scraps are used to feed the pigs and chickens.
Reuse of materials is another method used at the Goosewing Ranch to encourage a lighter impact. Guests are encouraged to use the towel reuse plan and are given a waterbottle for their stay that eliminates single-use water bottles. Used motor oil is used for heating, and in the evenings the ranch switches to a smaller power source generator that reduces propane use.
Recycling is a part of everyday operations and includes an educational component to teach both guests and staff about all of the green practices in place at the Goosewing.
The philosophy of maintaining a peaceful relationship with the land is observed in the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products, utilizing downed and dead trees for ranch projects as well as catch and release fishing. A stay at the Goosewing Ranch provides guests with many enriching experiences, all within harmony and balance of the beautiful landscape.