Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality in Yosemite

Nestled in the serene woods bordering Yosemite National Park, Evergreen Lodge, and Rush Creek Lodge stand as a testament to the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern sustainability. While many visitors are drawn to its cozy cabins and proximity to Yosemite's wonders, few realize they're staying at properties that have revolutionized water conservation in the hospitality industry.

A Legacy of Innovation

Evergreen Lodge, established in 1921, has a rich history tied to the development of Yosemite. However, its most significant contribution to the area might be its pioneering approach to water conservation. In a groundbreaking move, Evergreen Lodge became the first property in Tuolumne County to implement a greywater system, setting a new standard for sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.

The Greywater Revolution

The lodge's greywater system is a marvel of sustainable engineering. Here's how it works:

1. Extensive Coverage: The system recycles nearly a million gallons of greywater each year from 55 guest cabins, staff housing, and the commercial laundry facility.

2. Gravity-Fed Efficiency: Most of the systems, particularly those from guest cabins, are simple, gravity-fed branched drain systems. This design minimizes energy use and maintenance needs.

3. Careful Design: All systems were meticulously designed and installed to prevent water from standing in the pipes, ensuring safety and efficiency.

4. Adaptive Capacity: To accommodate fluctuating occupancy rates, the system includes oversized basins filled with woodchips. These basins provide surge capacity and filter the greywater before it soaks into the ground.

5. Professional Oversight: The system was designed and is maintained by Sierra Watershed Progressive, ensuring ongoing safety and effectiveness.

Setting the Standard

Evergreen Lodge's initiative paved the way for broader adoption of greywater systems in the area. Its sister property, Rush Creek Lodge, now boasts one of the largest greywater systems in California, showcasing the scalability and effectiveness of this approach.  It is actually home to one of the county’s first commercial greywater reuse systems, which harvests over 3.3 million gallons of greywater annually. 

A Certified B Company, meeting high environmental performance standards, this allows Rush Creek Lodge & Spa to reuse over 1 million gallons of shower and laundry water each year. Their sewer disposal methods include greywater capture which leads directly to landscape beds, irrigating and replenishing the native habitat with greywater and making it so there’s less overall water to process on site. 

Beyond Water Conservation

Evergreen Lodge's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its greywater system. As a founding B Corporation, the lodge integrates social and environmental performance into its core business model. This includes:

• A behind-the-scenes Youth Program providing job experience and life skills to under-served youth

• Comprehensive water conservation systems that repurpose nearly 100% of water onsite

• Solar panels to power heating elements for year-round hot tubs and pools

• Use of local products and talents in its general store and throughout the property

A Model for Sustainable Hospitality

Evergreen Lodge's pioneering efforts in greywater recycling and broader sustainability initiatives serve as a model for the hospitality industry. By demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can coexist, Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge are not just providing a place to stay – it's offering a glimpse into the future of eco-friendly travel.

As travelers become increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, properties like these stand out not just for their beautiful locations and comfortable amenities, but for their commitment to preserving the natural wonders that draw visitors in the first place.

The next time you're planning a trip to Yosemite, consider staying at Evergreen Lodge or Rush Creek Lodge. Not only will you enjoy the comforts of a modern resort with a historic vibe, but you'll also be supporting a pioneer in sustainable hospitality – and perhaps gaining inspiration for how we can all do our part in conserving our precious natural resources.

Disclaimer: This post is not an advertisement for Evergreen lodge or Rushcreek lodge. Our founder had the opportunity to stay in one of the lodges as part of a conference and learnt of their work.