“Eliminating single-use plastics is dear to my heart, as I was part of a group that helped eliminate the use of more than 15,000 plastic water bottles annually. Once our glass bottles fulfill their lifetime, they are crushed into sand and used in projects on property.” ~ Assistant GM Linda Walser
22 Ways We're Reducing Our Environmental Impact in 2022
As a destination rooted in the landscape, there isn’t a day that goes by where we don’t consider the importance of the natural world that surrounds us. Each department is connected to being a more sustainable resort – from Owner Jim Manley to the staff members who live on-property and hike or bike to work, sometimes waking up to the sound of clashing Bighorn sheep curls outside staff housing. Here we take stock of 22 active sustainability initiatives.
Our Commitment
Eco Tourism
The Ranch is unique because our sustainability path has actually been in our property’s plans since The Ranch opened.
Single-Use Plastic Elimination
Our refillable water bottles and bathroom amenities have eliminated 50,000 plastic bottles annually.
Reduced Emissions
Biking and walking are the main modes of ranch transportation. Carpools and on-site staff housing also reduce emissions
Waterway Protection
River cleanups have removed four tons of trash and our Trout Unlimited partnership installed fish screens on property.
Hay Straws
We replaced all plastic straws with Hay Straws, made from the biodegradable by-products of wheat production.
Our Commitment
Local Sourcing
Our location and role as a working ranch means that we naturally partner with our neighbors and nearby ranches in the area. We naturally coexist with our surroundings by the activities that we offer, the food that we prepare and the accommodations that we have built for our guests.
Culinary Sourcing
75% of dining is sourced from local farms, with 90-100% of meats, summer produce, grains and dairy from Western Montana.
On-Ranch Apiary
In 2017, Apiarist Kelsey Bruns built our bee program from the ground up. We use the honey in our cuisine and cocktails.
Nature Spa Sourcing
Our spa partnered with emerginC, a fair-trade, ethically farmed brand known for its efficacy and sustainable production.
Mercantile Sourcing
Our Mercantile showcases local jewelry, pottery, art, leather crafts, homegoods and clothing made by local artisans.
Our Commitment
Community Sustainability
Our staff come to Montana because we share a similar mindset about our environment – that it is beautiful and should be treasured. Our focus for philanthropy is increasing medical, educational and recreational resources for our frontier area (meaning less than six people per square mile).
Community-Based Philanthropy
Donations are mostly local, including hosting the Festival of Trees that raises $50K annually for frontier health care.
EMT Training
Activities Director Patrick Little trains EMTs to saturate The Ranch and the county with people who can respond to emergency calls and make backcountry recreation safer.
The Nest Childcare
The Nest at Rock Creek gives families access to affordable childcare, helps combat gender pay gaps and gives equal access to career opportunities.
Community Support Request
Please submit at least 3 months before your event
The Ranch at Rock Creek is committed to serving the Granite County community and surrounding area through its support of local organizations and events that improve the lives of our fellow citizens. If your organization is interested in requesting the support of The Ranch, please complete and submit this form.
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Explore Ranch Sustainability Initiatives
