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Middleton Place Receives Special Recognition at South Carolina Governor's Conference
For Immediate Release, February 2009
Middleton Place, one of the nation's leading historic landmarks, received a special Sustainability Award at the 44th annual South Carolina Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel held February 17-19 on Hilton Head Island.
During this year's awards luncheon, Chad Prosser, Director of the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, recognized Middleton Place for "its extensive, leading-edge efforts in modern sustainability, conservation and eco-friendly practices." Prosser also noted "Middleton Place's efforts in protecting the scenic view shed along the Ashley River and placing thousands of acres of woods and swamp into conservation easements, expanding its nature-based recreational opportunities, and maintaining membership in major 'green' hotel, wildlife and other nature groups." On hand to accept the award for Middleton Place were Charles Duell, Foundation President; Pat Kennedy, VP Marketing; Sidney Frazier, VP Horticulture; Abigail Martin, General Manager of The Inn; and Kristina Poole, Director of the Outdoor Center.
"Middleton Place was honored to be acknowledged for its sustainable practices and to have been selected to receive this special award," said Pat Kennedy, VP Marketing. "It is important to preserve and protect the valuable resources that make South Carolina a unique traveling experience and a popular destination for thousands of visitors each year. At Middleton Place we recognize that future growth in heritage and eco-tourism can not be achieved if we do not protect the environment and cultural resources that make this area so special."
Theme of the 2009 Governor's Conference was "Sustainability: Tourism's Timeless Trend." Sustainability, a growing trend in all industries, has now found its way into mainstream tourism. Middleton Place has long recognized the importance of protecting its environment. This is being demonstrated daily in all aspects of the Landmark's operation. Taking a risk on behalf of the environment, the horticulture department has abandoned the use of most chemical pesticides and fertilizers on the turf and ornamental gardens. Today, over 90% of the gardens are chemical-free.
The Inn at Middleton Place is a member of the Green Hotels Association, South Carolina Wildlife Federation, South Carolina Audubon Society and the South Carolina Nature-Based Tourism Association. The Inn operates an extensive recycling program, offers only recycled paper products in guest rooms, places used coffee grounds on landscaping instead of in the trash, features water-saver showers and toilets in its rooms, and all housekeeping duties revolve around sustainable practices. In 2008, the Inn was one of only 150 hotels listed on National Geographic Traveler's "Stay List" of eco-friendly hotels.
The Restaurant at Middleton Place is a member of Lowcountry Local First, and the Sustainable Seafood Initiative earning the 2008 Partner of the Year Award. Most vegetables and herbs used in the Restaurant are organically grown on the plantation. Middleton Place and the Inn at Middleton Place have the oldest Adopt-a-Highway program in Dorchester County, and since 1988 have diligently worked to keep the 1.5 mile stretch of Highway 61 clean and litter free. The Outdoor Center participates in the yearly International Beach and River Sweep, removing tons of trash and debris from South Carolina's water systems.
Sustainable efforts have also been addressed in special events held at Middleton Place. In 2008, the Foundation presented the 4th annual Charleston Garden Festival. "Green" has been the underlying theme for the past two years at the festival, offering such topics as bioremediation, stylish green garden aesthetics, drought-resistant flora, composting and more. The exhibit gardeners were challenged to create their showcase gardens using only recycled, repurposed or reused materials.
For more information on Middleton Place and the Inn at Middleton Place, please call (843) 556-6020 or visit the websites at www.middletonplace.org and www.theinnatmiddletonplace.com.
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