Wuksachi Lodge Celebrates ‘Earth Hour 2011’ March 26

If the lights go out in the forest, does anybody see? That question will be answered March 26 when Wuksachi Lodge “unplugs” from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. in honor of Earth Hour, the global campaign that raises awareness for climate change and the need for energy conservation.

Wuksachi Lodge will kick off its Earth Hour celebration at 8 p.m. with the first of two presentations led by the Sequoia Field Institute. Children are invited to meet downstairs at the Lodge to hear how one city inspired the world to do something good for planet earth. Activities include viewing photos of cities around the world celebrating Earth Hour and a scavenger hunt for the Lodge’s most eco-friendly lighting systems. At the end of this interactive half hour, kids will be inspired to get involved and “Turn Over a New Leaf.” Children under six years of age must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling.

As the Lodge dims its lights at 8:30 p.m., visitors are invited to gather outdoors for a breathtaking view of the night sky (weather permitting). The Sequoia Field Institute will help observers look for galaxies, identify winter constellations and watch Saturn rise. Warm attire and stable walking shoes are recommended. Flashlights will be available at the front desk.

Inside, visitors will be able to dine by candlelight in the Wuksachi Lodge Dining Room. Inspired by the season and surroundings, Executive Chef Steven Sterritt will serve up regional organic and sustainable fare such as wild-caught crab and shrimp cake with grilled pineapple, oven-roasted tomato and goat cheese soup, free-range organic chicken Marsala, and more.

Visitors will also be able to measure their carbon footprint via “Do Your Part! for Climate Friendly Parks,” an interactive program that provides people with tools to understand their carbon footprints and therefore how to help protect national parks from global warming. Overnight guests will be encouraged to further participate in Earth Hour by dimming the lights in their rooms.

No stranger to eco-friendly practices, Wuksachi Lodge adheres to standards set forth by GreenPath, an environmental management system established by the property’s management company, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. The Wuksachi Lodge recently received a Star of the Industry Award in Good Earthkeeping from the California Hotel & Lodging Association due to its efforts.

“Because Delaware North specializes in hospitality in special places, we’ve always been sensitive to minimizing our impact on the surrounding environment,” said Wuksachi Lodge Assistant General Manager Brandy Frederich. “The beauty of Sequoia National Park reminds us of that responsibility every day and Earth Hour gives us a great opportunity to celebrate and promote environmental stewardship.”

Established by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour is open to any institution or individual interested in its global conservation message. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.earthhour.org.

The Wuksachi Lodge Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Advance reservations for the Earth Hour candlelight dinner can be made by calling the Front Desk at 559-565-4070 ext. 0. For more information or to book an overnight stay, call 866-449-4902 or visit http://VisitSequoia.com.

To learn more about Wuksachi Lodge’s GreenPath environmental stewardship program visit http://www.visitsequoia.com/aboutus_greenpath.aspx.

To read more about the Wuksachi Lodge and the Sequoia National Park, click here.