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.

Diamond M Ranch Resort was originally founded over 30 years ago as a working family ranch focused on caring for the land and raising animals. The ranch has since expanded to include an RV park and lodging to share the beauty of the Kenai Peninsula with visitors. Today, it serves as a basecamp for Alaska adventures while still maintaining its agricultural roots.  

Run by second-generation Alaskans Blair and Ronna Martin and their family, Diamond M Ranch Resort is committed to sharing the beauty of Alaska with the world. From weekly firepit potlucks to guided river hikes to farm tours, the Martin family provides a caring and community-orientated experience for guests across their 77 RV sites and 18 lodging units.  

Diamond M Ranch Resort’s deep commitment to sustainable practices is driven by their belief in conserving Alaska’s wild resources and has been a part of their operations since the beginning. One practice they are especially proud of is their salmon composting program. For the past 15 years, they have reused 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of salmon remains each season to create nutrient-rich compost that supports their lawns, pastures, and gardens.  

Another core stewardship practice on the ranch is their use of biochar, a soil enhancer made by burning organic waste in a low oxygen environment. Biochar permanently sequesters carbon, improves soil health, and helps grow nutrient dense food. Diamond M Ranch Resort built a biochar pit, the largest in the state of Alaska, right on their land. Through Matti’s farm, the family’s non-profit, they are using the pit to educate the next generation on food security, sustainability, and land stewardship.  

In 2026, the family is expanding their efforts by ensiling lawn clippings to produce animal food (a more efficient alternative to dry hay horticultural practices), encouraging guests and the local community to drop off kitchen scraps to feed their animals, and continuing to use all-natural laundry soap and non-toxic cleaning products throughout the resort.  

For businesses looking to implement more sustainable practices, Diamond M Ranch Resort recommends “starting small and growing as you are able…Small changes add up over time, and sustainability is a process of continually improving as you learn what works for your business.” 

Of the four sustainable initiative categories of the Adventure Green Alaska program, Diamond M Ranch Resort most closely aligns with the “local economies and communities” and “Alaska history and cultures” pillars. As a family-owned and resort, they value supporting their community and sharing an authentic Alaska experience with guests. 

To learn more about Diamond M Ranch Resort, visit their Green Business profile and their website.