BalloonTrack.org began as a simple idea during long walks and runs through the desert, those wide open miles where the silence is broken only by wind, gravel, and the occasional crumpled mylar balloon caught on a creosote bush. My wife and I started picking them up one at a time, then realized how common they really are. These balloons don't just blow away; they drift for miles, land in fragile ecosystems, and stay there far longer than the celebration they came from.
This project is my way of giving that problem some light.
BalloonTrack.org is a community-powered map where anyone can log the mylar balloons they find on the ground. Every pin tells a small story, where the balloon ended up and how much these shiny bits of litter accumulate across the West. By collecting this data, we can raise awareness, show patterns, and hopefully spark better conversations about outdoor impacts and alternatives.
It isn't about shaming celebrations or policing fun. It's about visibility. It's about stewardship. It's about giving the desert, mountains, and open spaces we love a little more care.
Whether you're a hiker, a runner, an off-roader, a scientist, or someone who simply cares, you're invited to take part. Log what you find. Explore the map. Share the project. Every entry helps paint a clearer picture—and every balloon removed is one less piece of trash left behind.
Thanks for being part of this effort to keep wild places wild.