Giving Back To The Land

Many developers talk about sustainable development, but few actually incorporate it as a way of life. Recycled materials are used frequently at Balsam Mountain Preserve.  Locust wood from the property is used for signage.  The recycled tin roofs on the Boarding House cabins make rain showers a pleasure to hear.  Trees from cleared homesteads are used for firewood at the main gatehouse and in the restaurant.

Balsam Mountain Preserve incorporates green building in a variety of ways.  For example, the Boarding House cabins were constructed utilizing a Geothermal heating and cooling system.  Our private family campground at Dark Ridge Creek has its own power source which utilizes water from the stream to generate power for lighting and hot water.  At the main gatehouse, a backup battery uses solar technology to power lights and security computers.

Also harnessing solar energy, The Boarding House Restaurant uses a hot water system in the commercial kitchen.  The Boarding House cabin construction process incorporated many recycled materials such as old barn wood, heart pine floors, and tin roofs.

Once a homestead has been purchased, Ron Lance, our Senior Naturalist, personally inventories all plant species on the property.  Any rare botanical species which might be harmed during home construction are removed and replanted elsewhere on the Preserve.  Trust naturalists are also active participants in the house siting process to help minimize unnecessary tree removal.