Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
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    • Say No to Balloon Releases
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Say No to Balloon and Sky Lantern Releases!
Our nonprofit supports Ohio's only national wildlife refuge complex along the Lake Erie coastline. The 10,000 acres of critical coastal habitat is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for migratory birds, fish, and wildlife. Each day, the refuge's small team of biologists and volunteers encounter dozens of balloons in our waterways and marshes. One of our seasonal staff members came in with armfuls of balloons she picked up on a public tour.  Courtney picked up 26 balloons during a two-hour tour of Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge, the largest contiguous marsh on Lake Erie. Refuge visitors see her as a conservation super hero for stopping the bus EVERY TIME she saw a balloon to go pick it up.

Why are balloons so dangerous?


When a balloon is let go, it will blow away, only to burst or deflate & return to pollute the Earth. They can travel thousands of miles before landing in a forest, field, lake or ocean.  No ecosystem is safe. Balloon pollution is a global issue.  

​Many animals – marine & terrestrial, wild & domestic - easily mistake them for food or get entangled in any string. When ingested, balloons can block an animal’s digestive tract & cause it to slowly starve to death. It is extremely common for sea turtles & other marine creatures to consume balloon litter because the burst remains resemble jellies. Terrestrial animals such as the desert tortoise, bighorn sheep & others, mistake them as nutrient rich vegetation. Any attached ribbon or string can entangle an animal that comes in contact with it, also causing a painful death.  
Download a Balloon Release Fact Sheet
What about sky lanterns?
Sky lanterns are an uncontrollable fire hazard. They have sparked massive wildfires & structure fires - burning homes. People have suffered serious burns as the dripping fuel falls from the swaying lantern or the lantern suddenly drops from the sky. Falsely marketed as biodegradable, the chemically treated paper, bamboo ring, metal wires, & fuel cell can last over a year- polluting the planet & risking harm to other lives. Animals have become entangled in them or have ingested the parts - a slow agonizing death as the wires pierce internal organs. The bamboo ring can become a death trap to any curious animal.  Releasing sky lanterns is in violation of international fire codes which require that fires be constantly attended until extinguished.
Download a Sky Lantern Fact Sheet
Photo: FWS seasonal staff holding balloons found on Cedar Point NWR
Photo: Latex balloons and impacts on animals
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Celebrate with these alternatives to balloon or sky lantern releases.

  • Plant a tree or pollinator garden
  • Create wildflower seed bombs
  • Put up a birdhouse
  • Make a stepping stone
  • Use flags, banners, streamers, kites, pinwheels or garden spinners
  • Light candles or luminaries
  • Sponsor a bench
  • Blow bubbles
  • Launch a walk to bring attention to an issue or honor an individual
Photo: Collage of alternatives to balloon or sky lantern releases
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Friends of Ottawa NWR
14000 W. State Route 2
Oak Harbor, OH 43449 

  
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419-898-0014 x13
friendsofottawanwr@gmail.com

 EIN: 34-1904821   
Visitor Center open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
  • HOME
  • YOUR REFUGE
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Ottawa NWR Complex
    • Refuge Challenges
    • Recent Sightings
    • Visitor Center
    • Kids Corner
    • Wildlife Drive
    • Endangered Wildlife
    • Endangered Plants
    • Research >
      • Bald Eagle Updates
      • West Sister Island Rookery
      • Blanding's Turtles
    • Gallery >
      • Most Memorable Moments
      • Photos by Friends
    • Wildlife Observation & Birding Tips
    • Timing of Bird Migration
    • Spring Birding Spots
    • Fishing and Hunting Information
    • Refuge Staff
    • EV Charging Station
    • Barn Quilt Trail
    • Know Your Signs
    • National Wildlife Refuge System
  • Who we are
    • Our Story
    • Friends History
    • Network of Friends
    • Strategic Goals
    • Financials
    • Board of Directors
    • Friends Staff
    • Community Partners
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Events >
      • Spring Migration
      • Chili Cookoff
      • Photography Contest
    • Friends Programs >
      • Land Acquisition and Restoration
      • Internship Program
      • Environmental Education Grants
      • Nature Programs
    • Friends Projects >
      • Shuttle
      • Bird Friendly Facility Project
      • Fox Nature Preserve
      • Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve
      • Portage River Water Trail
      • Marinewood Restoration
      • West Harbor Project
      • Wildlife Drive Improvements
      • Visitor Center Fishing Access
    • Recent Accomplishments
    • Carrying on a Legacy
  • HOW TO HELP
    • Donate
    • License Plate
    • Become a Member
    • Employer Match
    • Wheels for Wetlands
    • Legacy Gifts
    • Federal Duck Stamp Program
    • Volunteer >
      • Volunteer Portal
    • Corporate Sponsors
    • Conservation at Home
    • Say No to Balloon Releases
  • Shop