Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

Recently, two Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) staff members had the opportunity to spend time with Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA). Lea Olson, ATIA’s Sales Manager and Graphic Designer, and Emma Waters, ATIA’s Sustainable Tourism Manager, spent four days with the wonderful team at AWA.

Alaska Wildland Adventures offers a wide range of accommodations and guided experiences throughout the Kenai Peninsula, with sustainability woven into every aspect of its operations. Each of AWA’s lodges provides a distinct rustic charm paired with exceptional service. Guests stay in heated cabins that offer scenic views of the surrounding wilderness.

At the Kenai Backcountry Lodge, hydroelectric and solar power create a uniquely quiet and immersive experience. The gentle patter of Cottonwood Creek and the rhythmic waves of Skilak Lake serve as a natural soundtrack inside the cabins and while adventuring on the trails. At the Kenai Riverside Lodge, guests enjoy front-row views of the lively Kenai River and engage in meaningful conversations with expert staff while savoring thoughtfully prepared meals.

Alaska Wildland Adventures’ guides ensure a personable and educational experience for guests. Fishing guide Matt Spradling works with anglers of all skill levels. Whether it’s your first time fishing or you’ve been fishing your entire life, Matt will help you find the best locations to ensure success. Matt was able to name every turn and landmark on the fishing trip from the Kenai Backcountry Lodge to the Kenai Riverside Lodge. His expertise was complemented by insights into the local wildlife, particularly facts about local bird species.

AWA integrates cultural sustainability into its core operations. In partnership with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe of Cooper Landing, the organization developed a land acknowledgment, personally reviewed and approved by Kenaitze elders. This acknowledgment has since been shared with hundreds of guests, fostering a deeper respect for Indigenous stewardship. Staff and guides honor the Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina Peoples, who have cared for Alaska’s lands, waters, and air since time immemorial; recognizing the Elders of the past, present-day Dena’ina communities, and future generations.

“It was important for us to share a sentiment that the Kenaitze felt truly represented by.” — Alaska Wildland Adventures

To deepen cultural education, AWA distributes Alaska Native Cultural Guides to both guests and staff at the Kenai Backcountry Lodge, Kenai Riverside Lodge, and Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, offering insights into the diverse Indigenous cultures of Alaska.

Environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of AWA’s operations. The Kenai Backcountry Lodge is entirely off-grid. Menus across all properties increasingly feature Alaska-grown ingredients, as AWA works to support local food networks through intentional sourcing. AWA also takes an active role in wildlife protection and habitat conservation. As a proud member of WhaleSENSE, AWA upholds best practices for responsible marine wildlife viewing. The company also partners with the Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance for annual beach cleanups.

AWA’s dedication to environmental care extends to its longstanding support of conservation organizations, including the Alaska Center for the Environment, Alaska Conservation Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy of Alaska. Through the “$2 a Day for Conservation” program, guests are invited to contribute directly to local conservation efforts. Over the years, travelers have donated more than $20,000 to these initiatives.

To learn more about Alaska Wildland Adventures, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Scott McEwen offers immersive tours of Kachemak Bay aboard his 30’ C-Dory catamaran, the Silver Wake. As a seasoned naturalist, Scott provides insightful interpretation of the area’s rich natural surroundings. On his three-hour “Touring Kachemak Bay” excursion, guests visit scenic landmarks including Gull Island, Peterson Bay, and Halibut Cove.

The personalized nature of Scott’s tours is the true gem of Tutka Tours. With decades of research and experience in the region, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge to share with curious guests. Whether you’re interested in local marine life, bird species, cultural heritage, or the maritime history of Kachemak Bay, Scott’s engaging interpretation has you covered.

Tutka Tours emphasizes personalization and environmental stewardship, ensuring each tour supports both the guest experience and the ecosystems explored. Scott has invested in fuel-efficient Honda outboard engines, which are some of the most environmentally friendly in their class. Tours are adapted based on weather and tides, providing guests with the best possible experience in ever-changing conditions. Passengers are treated to coffee, tea, and muffins from Captain’s Coffee Roasting Co., a local Homer business, enhancing the tour with authentic, local flavor.

Scott McEwen is also passionate about citizen science, inviting guests who partake in his longer tours to contribute to local research initiatives. This educational component benefits not only visitors but also the broader Kachemak Bay community.

“Narratives used in my tours are based on contributions by a historian and archaeologist, a marine biologist, a geologist, several wildlife photographers and artists, ornithologists and professional interpreters who live in the Homer area. Most of these individuals are personal friends who have taken marine trips with me over a long period of time” – Scott McEwen.

Scott’s storytelling brings to life the history of Homer and Kachemak Bay. He shares personal anecdotes from his work with respected organizations like the Alaska Center for Coast Studies and the Kachemak Bay National Marine Estuary Reserve. His collaborative spirit is a model for sustainable tourism; one that prioritizes the well-being of guests, the local community, and the natural environment.

To learn more about Tutka Tours, visit their Green Business profile and their website.

Our Sustainability Spotlight series is aimed at broadening the conversation surrounding sustainable tourism for visitors and businesses by sharing the stories of our Adventure Green Alaska certified businesses. To learn more about Adventure Green Alaska certification please visit our about page.

What is the history and function of your business?

Cape Fox Tours is located in Ketchikan, Alaska and originally started out of Saxman, Alaska. Our focus is to offer immersive Tlingit native tours for guests to learn about the history, people, foods, and more of Cape Fox.

How long has your business been implementing sustainable practices?

We have implemented practices that correlate with cultural, social, and economic pillars since the beginning of the company. We have a deep rooted connection with the communities of both Saxman and Ketchikan that have allowed us to grow and play a significant part in educating the next generation.

What advice do you have for tourism businesses that are beginning their sustainability journey?

Your sustainability program should be a part of the company culture. It needs to be something that the staff and guests can play a role in to support or assist in achieving goals.   

What sustainable practice is your business most proud of?

Cape Fox Tours has participated in several community food drives, clean ups and fundraising efforts for its shareholders, community members and others. Aside from our community interactions, we have advocated and provided opportunities for shareholders and others of native descent to partake in tourism related career paths. There are several family members and generations of families, that have worked for the company over the years. Our culinary tours have also incorporated using other locally sourced foods and beverages that also keep sustainability practices at the forefront of their businesses.

Which pillars of the Adventure Green Alaska program aligns most with your business?

Local economy, the environment, Alaska history and culture.

Collaboration with the Adventure Green Alaska program

Adventure Green Alaska certification has offered additional marketing efforts and campaigns for our business and products. It has also allowed us to connect with the travelers who are actively looking for businesses with sustainability practices.