One of the state’s top attractions puts emphasis on environment
ROCK CITY, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA—MAY 2024—In addition to providing an innovative and artful attraction in a natural environment, See Rock City Inc. has been working toward reducing its carbon footprint and becoming energy sustainable. Titled “Our Green Way Forward,” Rock City is committed toward four ongoing objectives: fundamentals, cultivation of our local place, education and best practices.
Energy consumption
When visitors approach the ticket office, they’ll notice Rock City’s Welcome Plaza solar-powered arbor, which shades guests from the harsh summer sun while providing sustainable energy to the building. The solar canopy generates enough renewable energy to power 40 refrigerators or 3,200 cell phones for an entire year! It’s a cooperative effort between Rock City, EPB communications and energy company Seven States Power.
Recycling
Recycling is a cornerstone at Rock City, with bins available throughout the park and the innovative composting of food waste from its Starbucks franchise and dining outlets. Many of Rock City’s art pieces were created from recycled and reclaimed materials, including sculptures from downed trees onsite. The attraction’s water harvesting program utilizes rain barrels to help irrigate its elaborate gardens. Additional ways of capturing large quantities of water are being reviewed and put into practice.
SRC’s Clumpies Ice Cream Co., which turns 25 in 2024, instituted a composting program last year for kitchen and behind-the-counter food scraps and recyclable gloves. As of February, Clumpies composted 1,745 pounds of food waste, which helped supply soil for Rock City’s plant nursery. Recently, each Clumpies location installed three guest-facing receptacles for composting, recycling and trash.
Our natural environment
Our Green Way Forward would not be complete without including our feathered friends of Lookout Mountain. Rock City’s “Birds of Prey” family friendly summer show, presented by the nonprofit Wings to Soar, features birds that have been rehabilitated but unable to be released in the wild. Visitors will learn about the region’s many species of owls, hawks, bald eagles and vultures by trainers John Stokes and Dale Kernahan.
In addition, Rock City has partnered with Wings to Soarin their peregrine falcon release program working to rebuild endangered falcon populations. So far, 18 birds have been released from Rock City’s Carter Cliffs since 2006.
Education
Rock City joins Tennessee’s Green Hospitality Program for certification in encouraging attractions, lodging facilities and restaurants to be aware of their impact on the environment and to take steps to reduce their carbon footprints while enhancing the overall sustainability of their operations. In accordance with the program, Rock City is proud to provide guidance and resources in its operation that will greatly reduce our impact on the environment by using techniques that have been proven to reduce waste.
See Rock City
Located atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia and six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rock City offers an extravagant Southern garden carved out of ancient geological wonders along with a magical element to delight all ages. Rock City visitors will enjoy original artwork, delicious dining opportunities, the breathtaking “See Seven States” panoramic views and the Swing-A-Long Bridge that spans nearly 200 feet, among so much more. Visit SeeRockCity.com for more information.