Big Canyon Reaches for Big Sustainability
When Big Canyon found a pristine piece of land in the Wasatch Mountains – they wanted to leave it that way.
For years Big Canyon had sought the most ideal tract of land where they could develop an environment for kids and adults to focus on the important questions of life without the normal day-to-day interruptions and pressures that constantly confront them at home and work.
In 2001 they found an undisturbed stretch of 1,500 acres in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah where they could provide programs such as summer sports & adventure camps for kids, family camping, as well as men’s and women’s group retreats. Big Canyon wanted to offer it all without leaving a dent in the beautiful scenery they found.
The facility, which is still in early development, will ultimately include an 11,000 square foot dining hall, a recreation complex, a 3,000 square foot pool, two family/couples lodges, 12 camper cabins, a meeting hall, sports fields, ropes course, zip line, and dozens of other recreational opportunities.
However, when Big Canyon arrived at the scene, there were no power lines, sewage or roads. Just trees, streams, a lake and miles of rolling hills. Big Canyon wanted to provide an example of good stewardship of their financial and natural resources and fulfill the vision for the land in a way that was both socially and environmentally responsible.
In 2007 Blue Source partnered with Big Canyon to fund projects that utilize alternative energy opportunities and energy efficient building practices. Blue Source plans to fund a 3 KiloWatt hydro generator that will harness the energy of a small natural creek and provide electric power for much of the camp. Blue Source will also fund a geothermal heating system that will allow Big Canyon to utilize the naturally occurring heat of the earth only a few feet under the ground to heat buildings in the winter months. A solar-powered well pump will be installed, and advanced building materials will be used throughout the site to greatly increase energy efficiency with minimal cost compared to traditional building systems.
Big Canyon and Blue Source both know that the world our children are growing up in can no longer take the environment for granted, and they want to develop a place that shows it is possible to lessen our negative impact.
Blue Source is playing a part in helping Big Canyon develop an idyllic place in an idyllic location, illustrating Blue Source’s commitment to support sustainable development projects.
