Energy Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - The Eco-Frontiers Ranch is totally off-grid. All energy is produced onsite by two windmills and photovoltaic panels, and accumulated in special batteries. Whole system has been designed and installed by hosts, and it has been evolving with trials and errors. All electrical devices at the Eco-Frontiers Ranch use power which is produced by wind and/or by sun. Only during non favorable weather conditions we switch on the power bio-diesel generator. We use only energy-saving bulbs. All colling devices are energy efficient class A+.

We do not iron or mangle – all bedclothes are made of seersucker or linen. Laundry is dried naturally. All guest are informed about energy related issues and kindly ask to switch off the light if not needed. After arrival all quest make a ranch-tour, when we explain how the energy is produced.

Water Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - The Eco-Frontiers Ranch uses water from its own 30 meters deep well. The water quality is perfect (laboratory tested) and we drink water directly from the tap, thus avoiding buying bottled water. Since we are using our own water, it is our own bussines to preserve it in a best way. We use biodegradable, phosphate free washing agents. Upon arrival, our guests are informed that we change towels and sheets only on requests.

There are two wastewater treatment plants – Wastewater Gardens at the Eco-Frontiers Ranch. One is purifying wastewater from the Main House, the second one treats sewage from the ‘human part’ of the Stable. Purified wastewater is distributed in the ground where fruit trees are planted. Each year we plant sunflowers in the wastewater gardens, then in the winter time sunflower seeds are given to the birds. Horse urine is collected in a special tank and then use to fertilize meadows and pastures. Rainwater collection systems have been built to make use of rainwater. The water is transported through gutters and other pipes into two ponds, where it is stored until needed for watering plants and trees. The ponds have become perfect habitat for frogs, toads and dragonflies, a drink bar for birds and dogs, beautiful place for people to seat and relax.

Disposal Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - We do our best to minimize the amount of waste. We always buy in glass or paper whenever possible to reducing usage of plastic and non-returnable containers, we buy in bulk and do not provide our guests with products in single-use packaging like soap, shampoo, sugar, coffee, butter, etc. We always take linen bag when shopping and use plastic bags more than once. Solid waste is separated into paper, plastic, metal, white and color glass, baterries, bulbs. Organic waste is collected on a composting heap.

Eco-Active Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - There are lots of eco-activities going on at the Eco-Frontier Ranch. We send eco-news to our guests and other signed up people. In the news we inform what is going on at the Eco-Frontiers Ranch. We participate in WWOOFing program, Ecovolunteer program, ArcaNET program. We enjoy beauty of pure, natural wood at the Eco Frontiers Ranch. We left it as it is, no paints, varnishes, fungicides, and other ‘protecting’ agents have been used inside and outside of the buildings.

Floors are made of solid 32 mm larch and fir boards, which are treated only with linen oil, no varnish have been used. Most of furniture is designed and made onsite. They are naturally simple and beautiful, made of the "leftover" wood using simple hand tools powered by renewable energy of wind and sun. They don't contain harmful chemicals. Fireplace is covered with mixture of local clay and straw decorated with natural motives of pine and juniper needles, grasses, and walnut shells.

Protection Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - We do our best to encourage different bird species to stay with us. We do not mow the meadows earlier then mid July to allow ground nesting birds like partridge and meadow pipit to grow up their nestlings. Mowing is made from the centre to the outside of the meadow, in order to allow animals to leave safely. Only very late summer our horses are allowed to graze corncrake meadows, what prevent colonization by trees. We lifted up the sticks for birds of prey, comfortable nest for stork, we protect and support bird friendly plants like hawthorn (Crataegus), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), dog rose (Rosa canina), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), etc. In the winter time, bird tables are full of seeds (we grow sunflower seeds in the Wastewater Garden). We designated 5 hectares of land to create private reserve, which protects valuable wetlands – habitat of wild orchids as well as dry meadows with juniper.

Beaver family was released and created amazing beaver habitat and keeps water level high to protect wetland from drying out. Ten hectares of forest belongs to the Eco-Frontiers Ranch property. It is spruce forest with admixture of broadleaf species like birch, beech, willow, rowan, and many other. It has been left unmanaged to see how nature manages itself. The Eco Frontiers Ranch is surrounded by 40 hectares (ca. 100 acres) of meadows and pastures, which are managed in an environmentally friendly way. Since 2003 the farm is certified according to EU standards for organic farming and horse breeding. Every year compliance with the standards is verified by an independent certification body. There is 0.5 hectare (1.2 acres) of organic orchard with apple, plum, pear, cherry, sweet cherry, apricot and peach trees. The organic garden provides fresh vegetables and herbs. We source most of the products locally wherever possible; we grow organic vegetables, herbs and fruits. Milk products come from local diary located in Sanok, which collects milk from local farmers. Seasonally we buy sheep and goat cheese from local shepherds. We try to make the best of what each season has to offer changing our menus accordingly. We make use of forest products like mushrooms and berries, pick up mint, wild thyme, juniper, rowan and hawthorn and use them as spices or ingredients for our home made wine and liquor. We prepare different kinds of preserves and pickles, which bring fresh summer scent during winter days. We bake our own bread, make own wine and liquors, brew our own beer. Our leaflets are printed out on the FSC certified paper.

Contact Details

Name:
The Eco-Frontiers Ranch
Address:
Michniowiec 37
38-710 Czarna
Poland
Telephone:
+48 781 116 638
Website:
www.ecofrontiers.net
E-mail:
Click Here