8 days/7 nights with the Maho Bay Camps

About the Trip

When Maho Bay Camps opened in 1976, the term ecotourism didn’t exist. Today, Maho Bay has come to personify ecotourism. Winner of numerous ecotoursim awards, Maho Bay offers intimacy with the great outdoors on the island of St. John, one of the world’s most beautiful settings. It provides comfort and convenience, at low cost. The tents, nestled on a hillside in a national park, were built with site-sensitive techniques that preserve and protect the fragile eco-system of the US VirginIslands.

Includes: accommodation in tent cottage (meals not included)

Awards:

• One of 10 Best Places to Stay in the National Park System, National Geographic Adventure Magazine, 2005
• One of 10 Best Vegetarian Destinations in the Word, VegNews Magazine, 2005
• One of 5 Great Green Vacations, American Eagle Latitudes Magazine, 2005.

Starting bid: $150

Green Practices

Maho Bay Camps and its three sister resorts are built with site-sensitive techniques that preserve, protect, and even enhance the fragile eco-system of the Virgin Islands. It’s one of the first resorts to provide a place where environment conscious travelers could enjoy a comfortable vacation free from conspicuous consumption and close to nature.

Elevated walkways prevent soil erosion and protect the beach and fragile coral. Construction methods minimized removal of vegetation and use recycled building materials such as “plastic lumber”, recycled glass tiles and rubber tire rugs.

Each building is a showcase of conservation, recycling and site restoration. The sun, using timers and sensors to maximize efficiency, generates much of our electricity. Passive solar design, photovoltaic, rain collection and roof scoops that circulate cooling breezes are used.

Our Art Center operates a “Trash to Treasures” program where the resort’s trash is recycled into craft items and fine art. The Center features a Glass Studio, Clay Studio, Textile Department and Gallery/Craft Center.

Learn more about Maho Bay Camps.

4 days/3 nights with Alaska Waters and Old Sourdough Lodge

About the Trip

Spend an amazing day on a river trip with Alaska Waters on the Stikine River. The river is fed by over 20 glaciers and is the fastest free-flowing navigable river in North America. See spawning salmon, bald eagles, and other incredible Alaskan wildlife. Accommodations will be provided by Bruce Harding’s Old Sourdough Lodge nestled in the heart of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage in the authentic Alaskan island community of Wrangell, Alaska. Here you can hike and experience the extraordinary wildlife viewing from a nearby bear observatory.

Includes: lodging, all meals, airport transfer, local ground transportation and a 1 day river expedition

Awards: Alaska Waters Incorporated Designed as Part of White House Millennium Celebration

Certification: Alaska Waters:USFS Certified Naturalists

Starting Bid: see ONLINE auction

About Alaska Waters

Alaska Waters is central southeast Alaska’s premier tour and charter company. We offer a menu of services valuable to visitors and locals alike. Alaska Waters is the only Alaskan owned tour company to be designated as part of the White House Millennium Celebration. “The United States Department of Commerce’s office of Tourism Industries announced the Stikine River Jet Boat Tour and Telegraph Creek and Riversong Lodge Excursion, two tours developed by Alaska Waters Incorporated of Wrangell, Alaska, were designated as official American Pathways 2000 itineraries”

Learn more about Alaska Waters

About Old Sourdough Lodge

Old Sourdough Lodge is a rustic Alaskan red cedar pole lodge with Southeast Alaskan native artwork, lush green plant decor, Wrangell Harbor vista, refreshing sleeping rooms with private baths, Alaskan Home-Style dining and barrier free access.

Learn more about Old Sourdough Lodge.

(All photos above courtesy of Ivan Simonek)

3 days/2 nights with Fairmont Whistler Chateau, Ziptrek and Bear and Wildlife Viewing in Whistler.
About the Trip

Strike gold and spend two luxurious nights in the Fairmont Whistler Chateau located in lovely Whistler, British Colombia, Canada. Spend your first day bear and wildlife viewing with a guided tour by Mountain Backcountry Tours above the Whistler village and visit a hot spot for some 50 black bears. Then zip around the Whistler wilderness on a 2 ½ hour Ziptrek Ecotour flying across a series of 5 suspended ziplines that connect between the treetops of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain.

Includes: accommodation, transfer from hotel to wildlife viewing, transfer from town to Ziptrek—all equipment provided.

Awards:
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Conde Nast Gold List 2006
Whistler/Blackcomb: North American Ski Industry Award for Environmental Excellence 2003-2005
Ziptrek Ecotours: Nominated for Environmentally Responsible Tourism Award, 2006

Certification: Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Power Smart Certified, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary 1998

Starting Bid: $525

About the Fairmont Chateau

The 550-room Fairmont Chateau Whistler is located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Tastefully designed rooms with spectacular mountain or village views were created to blend with the natural alpine setting. The breathtaking mountains aren’t the only thing you will be impressed by. Exceptional service that caters to you every need will ensure that your stay is a memorable one.

A scenic two-hour drive from Vancouver along the Sea To Sky Highway brings you into the heart of this alpine valley. Renowned as the top-ranked ski area in North America and home of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Whistler easily rivals the major ski regions of Europe. And when the snow melts, this all-season resort transforms into a playground for mountain bikers and golf enthusiasts. Evenings offer a selection of intimate candlelit dinners, cozy fireside lounges and lively nightclubs.

Learn more about Fairmont Whistler Chateau.

About Ziptrek

Experience the exhilaration of flying as you glide along steel ziplines suspended high above the breathtaking white-water river that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Ziptrek Ecotours provides a discovery of mountain ecology that combines adventure with environmental education. Guided tours include five incredible zipline rides that gain progressively in height and length with the longest spanning over 1100ft. The ziplines are joined by a network of ground based boardwalks and trails, and by aerial stairways and bridges at heights of over eighty feet in the tree canopy!

Ziptrek Ecotours gives guests exclusive access to areas of rare and untouched ancient coastal temperate rainforest. All this only minutes away from Whistler Village. Tours operate in all weather conditions, 365 days a year.

Ziptrek has attracted tens of thousands individuals, corporate groups and families of all sizes! It is an adventure that is accessible to all and produces a similar effect over and over - no one can believe how much they enjoyed themselves!

Ziptrek tours run regularly throughout the day, all year round, and in almost all weather conditions.

Learn more about Ziptrek.

About Whistler

This is an exclusive tour for a party of 6 to enjoy Black Bear and Wildlife viewing on Whistler Blackcomb mountains. Guided by Mike Allen who has been featured on two BBC films and considered a world authority on Black Bears- you will be toured through one of our provinces richest bear habitat ecosystems. Other wildlife features is Costal Mountain Black Tailed Deer, Bobcats, and Marmots.

Experience the wildlife, vegetation, glaciers and rainforests of Whistler Blackcomb Mountains. View wildlife on ski trails as you learn how conservation and enhancement initiatives help to sustain healthy populations. Visit a bear den. Wander through pristine alpine meadows and old growth western hemlock forests. View one of the most spectacular alpine settings in the world at sunset. Learn how mountain resorts are redesigning recreational experiences for a sustainable future.

Learn more about Whistler.

About Your Guide: Michael Allen: Black Bear Researcher

Michael Allen is a self-taught black bear researcher with Coastal Mountain Black Bear Resources. His information on the life history of black bears is based on 14 years of comprehensive field observations. Allen’s research has been represented internationally through the BBC Natural World’s “In the Company of Bears” and the U.S. Discovery Animal Planet new bear ecology website. Coastal Mountain Black Bear Resources provides a foundation for ski area, school, and community bear awareness programs.

4 days/3 nights with Tara Wildlife and Moss Point Oaks Bed and Breakfast

About the Trip

Spend 2 nights in Tara Wildlife nature preserve with 12 miles of Mississippi River frontage complete with a boat tour to see the 17,200 acres of oxbow lakes and bottomland hardwood forests. Participate in the annual Stork and Cork Birding Festival, which takes place in Vicksburg August 25-27, and is the annual celebration of the arrival of Woodstock and other wading birds to the area. You can then move to Moss Point Oaks Bed and Breakfast and enjoy a tour of the Pascagola and a great one night stay. Inconjunction with a wonderful get-a-way you will also be contributing to rebuilding a community that is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Includes: lodging, all meals in Tara and breakfasts in Moss Point, and activities.

Starting Bid: $150

About Moss Point

We are the caretakers of a charming old home in historic Moss Point, Mississippi. This is the realization of a dream we have had for twenty years. Inspiration came from our tour of duty in Germany while Dan was in the US Army. While there we visited many old cities and spent time in local “Gasthauses” & “Pensions”. These are Germany’s versions of the old English Inn where travelers can enjoy a meal, conversation and lodging as a rest in their journeys. We have been blessed with a lovely home, the gift of hospitality and the fulfillment of our dream to operate a Bed & Breakfast. We invite you to come share the beauty of our home and experience the warmth of our hospitality.

Learn more about Moss Point Oaks Bed and Breakfast.

About Tara Wildlife

Tara is located in the Eagle Lake community about 30 minutes northwest of historic Vicksburg, Mississippi and 72 miles west of Jackson. With 12 miles of Mississippi River frontage and 17,200 acres of oxbow lakes and bottomland hardwood forests, Tara is one the nation’s ultimate destinations for deer, and turkey hunting. The new 5700 square foot state-of-the-art conference center is the perfect location for your corporate retreats, business meetings, team building seminars, family reunions or conservation workshops.

Learn more about Tara Wildlife.

5 days/4 nights with Alaska Wildland Adventures

About the Trip

Explore the spectacular wilderness areas of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula - stunning forests, mountains, rivers, trails, lakes, and seacoast. The journey begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Spend your first night and last night at our cozy Kenai Riverside Lodge, then 2 nights at the top-rated Kenai Backcountry Lodge, owned by award winning Alaska Wildland Adventures.  Enjoy a breathtaking rafting trip, guided wilderness hikes, and the peaceful wilderness setting.  Experience the Kenai Fjords National Park on a full day small ship cruise and be as active or relaxed as you please.

Includes: accommodation, meals, activities, guides, airport transfer, train ride back to Anchorage.
Awards:

• Conde Nast Traveler International Green List Award, 2005
• Kenai Peninsula Tourism Council Special Achievement Award, 2003

Starting bid: $875

About the Organization

Since 1977, Alaska Wildland Adventures has been leading high quality, small group trips and adventures in Alaska’s national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. We have cultivated a participatory style of travel that allows our guests to experience the natural beauty of Alaska without compromising comfort. In pursuit of excellence, we have grown to operate our own rafting and sport fishing trips, guided hiking and natural history programs, and three custom built uniquely Alaskan lodges and overnight facilities. When you travel Alaska, much or all of your trip will be directly in our hands!

Green Practices

• Trips have a primary focus on visiting remote and relatively unaltered natural environments.
• Our style of travel maintains a low impact on the natural environment. Use is sustainable over time without altering the resource or negatively affecting the experience.
• There is an educational emphasis and purposeful desire for travelers to learn about the natural and cultural history of the places they visit.
• The tours provide direct benefit to the local economy and local inhabitants, thereby providing an incentive for local support and preservation of wild areas and wildlife habitat.
• The travel provides economic growth while protecting the natural environment — any development must willingly be subjected to limits.
• Alaska Wildland Adventures developed a method for evaluating and minimizing its impacts on the environment. We call this method our “Greenworks Program.” This award-winning program looks at all of our operations and administrative activities, and identifies steps where our daily business practices can be modified to lessen the harm on our environment.
• Company President Kirk Hoessle is a founding board member and two-term past president of the Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association (AWRTA). This association of small wilderness-dependent companies provides a unified voice in support of the value of the wild character of Alaska. Hoessle was elected by his peers to serve on the board of the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA), the official statewide trade group. As a board member he champions the importance of Alaska’s greatest asset, the pristine lands and waterways we all enjoy. Other AWA staff support their communities in a variety of ways, embodying a company spirit of contribution and positive participation.
• After three years of researching and planning, Alaska Wildland Adventures was able to lessen their dependence on generators at their remote Kenai Backcountry Lodge. The strategic construction of a hydro-electric system utilizes the power of a nearby creek. The water from the creek moves through a series of pipes and through a turbine to eventually charge the lodge’s battery bank. Following its natural path, all creek water flows into Skilak Lake. The energy stored in the battery bank runs all lights and water in the kitchen, main lodge, and bathhouse as well as lodge laundry facilities. Guests are fascinated by the hydro system and truly appreciate the lack of generator noise that is common to most other backcountry lodges. Alaska Wildland Adventures is proud to continue working towards promoting the quiet beauty of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and all of Alaska’s wild places.

Learn more about Alaska Wildland Adventures

3 days/2 nights with Montfair Resort Farm

About the Trip

Spend 2 cozy nights in the lovely A-frame and cedar timber frame cottages that overlook picturesque lakes nestled in the valleys the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Montfair Resort Farm offers a perfect combination of comfort, simplicity, and nature for couples and small families. The air-conditioned cottages are fully equipped with modern appliances and gas fireplaces. All dishes, utensils, linens & towels are provided along with complimentary organic coffee & teas. Walk out your cabin door to the easily accessible trails for fishing, hiking, bird watching and biking.

Includes: lodging, organic coffee, and access to 129 acres of undeveloped wild woodlands.
Starting Bid: $150About the Organization

Montfair Farm is an ideal quiet vacation country retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia only 15 miles N.W. of Charlottesville, 40 minutes from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

For that perfect vacation or special event, our restful atmosphere of fresh mountain air, 129 acres of peaceful woodlands and open fields at the foot of Pasture Fence Mountain is sure to please.

Green Practices

Complimentary organic shade grown coffee and organic teas are provided as well as many eco-products such as soaps, unbleached coffee filters and environmental educational magazines and literature. Native plans are planted on the property. 129 acres of undeveloped wild woodlands, fields and wetlands.

Learn more about Montfair Resort Farm

4 days/3 nights with Papoose Creek Lodge

About the Trip

Spend 3 nights in the acclaimed Papoose Creek Lodge where you can indulge in some of the finest scenery and fishing North America has to offer.  Papoose Creek Lodge is located in Montana’s southwest Madison River Valley start your adventures in the Big Sky state just minutes away from Yellowstone National Park.  Enjoy gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinners provide by world class chefs, guided hiking, canoeing, and daily complimentary happy hour at one of the top ecolodges in the world!

Includes: lodging, all meals, guided hiking, canoeing, complimentary daily happy hour, airport transfers, use of on-site amenities.

Awards:

• 2005 Conde Nast Traveler Green List as one of top five eco-lodges in world.
• 2003 Winner of Mountain Living Magazine’s Responsible Development Award

Certification: Currently no certification for eco-lodges.  However guidelines strictly adhere to on-going green practices.

Starting Bid: $750

About the Organization

Papoose Creek Lodge is an eco-tourism lodge, dedicated to fostering our natural and cultural environment. A stay at Papoose Creek Lodge combines invigorating outdoor activities with engaging evening programs — such as naturalist presentations and showings of local artists and craftsmen — all designed to promote greater understanding of the land, wildlife and rural community about which we care so deeply.

Learn more about Papoose Creek Lodge