Help The Wildlife While Staying At Stunning U.S. Eco Resorts

Wildlife protection and eco resorts’ programs are some of my passions.  I think it is more important then ever to encourage and support programs that protect our magnificent wildlife and beautiful planet.

I am always looking for ways an inexperienced person in wildlife management and husbandry like myself can make a difference and I have a few that not only allows me to contribute but to also learn and have fun in the process. AND ALL WHILE ON VACATION!

CALLAWAY GARDENS AND RESORT

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Callaway Gardens is a breathtaking natural paradise located on 2,500 glorious acres of gardens, lakes, forests and blossoms.  This nature and outdoor enthusiasts escape is an hours’ drive from Atlanta nestled in the Pine Mountain region of Georgia and it is a treasure trove of family fun and education.

My family and I go there often and stay in either their lodge/spa (beautiful) or their cabins (cozy).  You never need to leave the property during your stay. Callaway Gardens has all the entertainment, scenery, dining options, fun activities and comforts that will make you completely happy to stay put and enjoy.

Callaway has captured my heart for many reasons, two of which that are very dear to me: their impressive dedication to protecting the forests and their heartwarming nurturing of  birds of prey who are in their care due to injuries and other rehabilitation purposes.

Daily, the dedicated staff perform several educational programs and are assisted by beautiful raptors who help in enlightening their captivated audience to a better understanding of how to protect and help these precious birds. I have attended this thrilling show many times with the lake and forests surrounding us and it is a joy to be a part of. (Kids love it!)

Just make sure you’re ready to duck!

Callaway Gardens also has one of the largest butterfly conservatories with more then 1000 butterflies.  These breathtaking creatures fly about unhindered and are unafraid to catch a ride on your fingers and heads as you walk through the enclosed Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center.  The experience through this tropical environment is magical.

Tip:  Be sure to either rent or bring bicycles.  Biking is one of our favorite things to do here and you will be simply thrilled with the beautiful trails.

 

MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE NEW YORK 

Residing in the gorgeous Hudson Valley and dating back to the 1860’s, this fairytale castle resort offers amenities designed for kings and queens.  This is a truly beautiful resort with 40,000 acres of unhindered forest stretching like a green sea from the resort grounds.

While staying in this luxurious castle, you have tons of recreational activities from spa treatments to tomahawk throwing to paddle boarding the lake. Horseback ride the trails, play golf or tennis and hike the 85 miles of pristine trails.

But in addition to all the fun amenities offered, Mohonk Mountain House has a staff of dedicated naturalists who introduce kids to the great outdoors through fun eco-friendly activities. Environmental conservation is their highest goal and teaching is designed to give kids a hands on experience with nature, instill a desire to spend more time outdoors and raise an appreciation for the forest and its furry inhabitants so that conservation will continue throughout the generations to come.

 

MUSTANG MONUMENT WILD HORSE ECO RESORT 

 

This eco resort and what they do hits close to my heart as a horse owner and lover. Spreading across an immense 900 square miles of Nevada terrain, Mustang Monument is a luxurious resort (5 star) that uses their proceeds for the protection of a vast herd of wild mustangs that presently live on the property as well as for the Saving America’s Mustang Foundation.

Meet these gorgeous horses, stay in a glamped up teepee or comfy cottage and go all cowboy at this unique and special resort and property. This is a great vacation venue for everyone but especially for kids as they will experience a Wild West adventure (riding horses, range shooting, roping, archery to name a few) while learning about Mustangs and how they can help in the preservation of these horses and the land.

A cool event at this resort is the morning feeding of over 700 wild Mustangs which you will be able to participate in. There are also cooking classes with a chef who will turn you into the King of the Barbeque plus teach you how to make fabulous pizza, breads and desserts (most important part of a meal!).

This is a crazy fun ride and so worthy.  Wild horse herds that once galloped the lands are disappearing so what this resort is accomplishing through your help is heartwarming.

TERRANEA RESORT CALIFORNIA

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Terranea Resort makes extra special efforts to maintain the natural beauty of the Palos Verdes Peninsula along the coast of California.  A pristine 75 acres if this luxurious resort is left environmentally intact making your visit a scenic-filled paradise full of natural fauna and wildlife.

Terranea practices many impressive actions to reduce negative impact from major recycling programs, water quality and conservation, a no food waste operation, a mindful replanting of 50 year old trees and 14 acres of protected wildlife habitats. Guests can view wildlife all around them from rare butterflies to migrating whales.

Guided tours by educated personnel will inform guests of crucial ways to ensure natural habitat health.  Bird watching is awesome plus there are excursions to tide pools where guests can view and learn all about our precious marine life and what we can do to keep their seas healthy and ecologically balanced.

Terranea supports organizations such as Algalita Marine Research Foundation, Marine Mammal Care and the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy whose main goals are to protect and enhance the land and the wildlife of the region.

DISNEY’S VERO BEACH RESORT

AGODA DISNEY VERO BEACH RESORT

A couple of hours drive southeast of Orlando is the super elegant nostalgic Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.  With typical Disney awesomeness, pampering and attention to detail, this amazing resort offers excellent dining, watersports, pool, land sports and breathtaking beach views and relaxing enjoyment of the popular Atlantic Treasure Coast.

One of the coolest activities to experience at this beautiful resort is the Sea Turtle Night Walk. Disney’s Vero Beach is one of the more crucial turtle nesting beaches around and the conservation methods  practiced by the resort is of the upmost importance to ensure the sea turtles’ continued survival.

Occurring during the summer months (typically the months of June and July), a Disney guide will entertain you with an informative presentation on sea turtles before you are given night goggles and taken to an actual nest viewing.

If the time is right, you may be lucky enough to witness the glorious event of a turtle laying her eggs in the sand before covering up the nest and returning to the ocean. No talking will be allowed except by listening to the guide through an earpiece and definitely no pictures or lights of any kind so as to allow the turtle to properly and safely deposit her eggs.

Also, Tour de Turtles is an event where Sea Turtle Conservatory and Disney Conservation Fund join forces to release turtles equipped with satellite devices that will send back priceless information on migration and the overall activity of the turtles to help us better understand and protect this precious ocean wildlife. (They are so cute)

Viewing of this heartwarming event is available…the last one being in August 2019 with the releasing of two loggerhead turtles, Ursula and Ariel.

I mean, how cool is this!! Disney Conservation Fund has presently allocated over $3 million to research and conservation in 24 countries and is still going strong to protect these vital and adorable creatures.

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

AGODA DISNEY ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

I cannot really have a list like this without Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in the line up.  One of my favorite places to stay when in Orlando, Animal Kingdom Lodge is spectacular and captivates the romance and mystery of the African tundra excellently.

Mouthwatering dining, exotic pools and dazzling art and architecture will happily overwhelm your senses but, the true attraction are the spectacular animals and birds that walk four lavish savannas located around the lodge.  There are more the 30 species of wildlife residing on the lodge grounds and include, but not limited to, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, wildebeest, pelicans, ostrich, cranes  etc….

One of my favorite things to do at this lodge is to walk the paths that wind around the grounds and to leisurely watch all the animals that roam about. The grounds and lodge are stunning and peaceful, the animals beautiful and entertaining, all of which give this resort its impressive uniqueness.

It is purposely kept dark at this resort so that artificial light doesn’t interfere with the animals’ routine nor are there any fireworks or startling noises allowed. Everyone at the resort was very helpful and always ready to answer all the questions I asked with highly informed answers and patience.

The Wanyama Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge is an expensive excursion but an amazing one as you will be allowed to get very close to the animals and you will learn a great deal about each one.  You will gain an awareness of the incredible conservation efforts Disney is involved with all around the world.

More then 8000 acres of Disney World Property has been allocated to wildlife conservation and millions of dollars raised for the Disney Conservation Fund. Hundreds of animals have been nursed back to health and released into the wild while extensive recycling programs are being diligently practiced all in efforts to save the wildlife and to protect the planet.

The money you spend helps to fund all these amazing programs with more on the list to initiate.  Plus, everyone benefits because you are supporting great programs while learning about wildlife and having a crazy fun time as only Disney can accomplish.

I could stay at the resort and not do another thing but, there are many Disney parks to visit especially the Animal Kingdom Park which is my ultimate favorite park.  At this park, you can visit and learn about amazing and spectacular animals and their habitats.  Don’t miss the thrilling safari ride (Kilimanjaro Safaris) that navigates you around an enormous African savanna and brings you up close and personal with wild beautiful and exotic animals. (Tip:  This ride is always exciting but if you can catch a ride closer to evening feeding time, the animals are very active and ready for dinner)

 

STATE GAME LODGE

Sitting very elegantly in the Black Hills of South Dakota on Custer State Park grounds, State Game Lodge offers their visitors over 71,000 acres of land to explore with over 1,300 American bison and various gorgeous wildlife to keep you company. Built in 1920, this historic lodge surveys incredible vistas of grand trees, pasture, rolling hills and one of the largest American bison herds in the United States.

Here, you can enjoy the pristine beauty of a wildlife sanctuary either from the front lawn of the lodge or take the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour.  You will definitely see a lot of beautiful majestic bison during this tour but also many other varieties of wildlife who live on the reserve such as the elegant elk, pronghorns, birds, mountain goats, prairie dogs, deer, coyote and many more amazing animals. (The cutest thing ever are baby bison so be sure to keep a lookout)

Plus, you will learn a great deal about the animals you see and the efforts extended towards keeping the sanctuary a safe and free place for them to roam.  Being outdoors and up close and personal with the animals is a fun way to learn about natural habitats and ways to preserve the land so that these species can always be around healthy and thriving.

Accommodations are at the historic State Game Lodge plus several other lodges located throughout the park and specialty cabins.  It all just depends on what you like and where in the park you would like to be.

These are by far not the only resorts in the United States taking an impressive and admired part in serving and saving the environment and the wildlife.  As the earth changes and environmental issues become more of a concern, the overall population is demanding and expecting agencies and businesses to take keener and more aggressive steps in being “green” and doing their part in protecting natural resources and animals.

An excellent thing! Thank you to all out there who fight the fight to save the earth and the wildlife!  Whether you are a business, agency or a single person, all efforts are highly appreciated and incredibly helpful.

Please support wildlife protection and eco resorts’ programs around the world.  Thank you!

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