Fireworks & Mylar Balloon Policy

Nemacolin is a resort like no other, and there are exciting opportunities taking place during 2024. In 2023, the resort committed to a variety of sustainability initiatives that lessen our impact on the local environment by conserving water, natural resources, and energy, while reducing food waste and the use of plastic. 

As a result of these initiatives, the various departments and teams at Nemacolin have evaluated their conservation and sustainability opportunities. The resort’s engineering, golf, wildlife, food and beverage, purchasing, grounds and turfgrass, spa and wellness, and activities departments (among others) have taken steps within the last year to support the resort’s sustainability commitment

The Wildlife Adventures Department has been a part of the resort for decades, and 2024 will mark new initiatives to focus on sustainability, animal protection, and conservation. Beginning in 2024 and to protect and preserve the animals living at the resort, Nemacolin will no longer use fireworks or Mylar balloons as a part of resort, group, guest, and member events. Nemacolin is researching alternative options, and guests may see synchronized LED drone shows, laser shows, and projection mapping at future events.

Why? is a good question, and the decision to go this route has been given much thought based on education.

Why will Nemacolin no longer use Mylar balloons?
Mylar balloons will no longer be used for outdoor events and balloon releases. There will be no balloon releases of any kind on Nemacolin resort property. Balloons, ribbons, and fragments are often mistaken for food, berries, and flowers. When ingested, the material does not break down easily. It can get lodged in an animal’s digestive tract, inhibiting their ability to eat and leading to starvation, death, or illness.

Why will Nemacolin no longer use fireworks?
The use of fireworks causes fear, stress, hearing damage, and the release of poisonous chemicals and particles into the air and food supply, all of which can cause harm to the more than 200 animals that call Nemacolin home as a part of Wildlife Adventures. The health and well-being of the habitat animals and naturalized animals on more than 2,200 acres across the resort is a part of our conservation and sustainability commitment.

As Nemacolin furthers accreditation through the Zoological Association of America, responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education are a part of the professional standards in animal welfare, safety, and ethics to which Nemacolin ascribes.