Caring for our Planet

At Camp DeForest, environmental stewardship isn’t a slogan — it’s part of camp life. From the way we maintain our grounds to the experiences we encourage our guests to enjoy, we are committed to protecting the natural beauty of Midcoast Maine for generations of campers to come.

Through our Camp DeForest Conservation Corps, we invite guests to join us in simple, meaningful practices that help keep both our camp and our planet healthy. We also maintain a formal land stewardship pledge.

Here are some of the ways we practice good environmental stewardship every day:

Thoughtful Water Use

We minimize water consumption wherever possible. Lawns are watered by Mother Nature, and linens and towels are refreshed upon request to conserve water and energy.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics

We limit disposable plastics throughout camp and use compostable plates and cutlery whenever possible.

Supporting Local Makers

By partnering with local farmers, makers, and suppliers, we reduce transportation emissions while strengthening the Midcoast Maine community.

Cleaner, Greener Housekeeping

We’ve replaced harsh chemicals with biodegradable cleaning products that are safer for our guests and gentler on the environment.

Clean Water, No Bottles

Guests enjoy triple-filtered drinking water instead of bottled water. Our refill station at the lodge keeps adventurers hydrated while encouraging the use of reusable bottles.

Low-Impact Outdoor Recreation

Camp is best experienced outdoors. We encourage hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching, snowshoeing, and other low-impact activities that celebrate nature without disturbing it.

Recycling & Reimagining

We operate a camp-wide recycling program — and in many ways, Camp DeForest itself is a story of renewal. A once-forgotten motor lodge has been thoughtfully restored, and much of our vintage décor and Camp Store inventory features reclaimed and repurposed treasures.

Native Pollinator Gardens

We maintain native pollinator gardens on the property to support bees, butterflies, and other essential species that sustain Maine’s ecosystems.

Reforestation Partnership

To help offset our carbon impact, we plant trees through our partnership with Ecologi, supporting verified global reforestation projects.

Electric Vehicle Charging

We offer on-site EV charging so our guests can explore Maine with a lighter carbon footprint.

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