Yogi Bear-themed parks are marking Earth Day by focusing on environmental sustainability. Across the U.S. and Canada, these sites are implementing measures to conserve resources and reduce waste. This includes the use of water and energy-saving devices, extensive recycling efforts, and the incorporation of educational programs with environmental themes.
“Many of our locations are using paperless check-in and encouraging guests to use the Jellystone Park app to access the daily activity schedules in order to reduce the usage of paper. Some Jellystone Park locations use recycled materials for their arts and crafts activities,” Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing for Camp Jellystone, said in a press release.
A notable initiative can be seen in Lodi, California, where a 1.6-acre solar field not only powers the park but also supports its commitment to green energy. LED and motion-activated lighting further reduce electricity usage.
In Indiana, the Fremont location has cut electricity and water use through automated shut-off lights and push-button showers. Water-saving fixtures are also installed at each campsite.
Maine’s North Monmouth park has modernized its facilities with eco-friendly soap dispensers and hand dryers, aligning with sustainable practices in daily operations.
The Williamsport site in Maryland supports energy conservation with energy-efficient bulbs and promotes recycling with strategically placed bins. Educational efforts to encourage energy-saving behaviors are also implemented through informative flyers in cabins.
Michigan hosts two parks in Frankenmuth and Petoskey, showcasing efforts in electric vehicle support and solar lighting, respectively. The latter has installed 83 solar lights to illuminate walkways and has automatic timers in bathrooms and showers to manage energy use effectively.
Missouri’s Eureka location has upgraded to eco-friendly lighting throughout the park, and similar to other locations, encourages guests to conserve energy with in-cabin signage.
In New York, parks in Gardiner and Jamestown focus on energy-efficient lighting and recycling, with Jamestown also adding electric vehicle charging stations. The North Java location has a unique recycling program that benefits local charities. Meanwhile, Mexico’s location has motion-activated lights.
North Carolina’s Bostic site and Oklahoma’s Eufaula location emphasize motion-sensor lighting, and water conservation devices, along with paperless check-in systems.
Pennsylvania’s Harrisville park has been recognized multiple times for its green initiatives, including motion-activated utilities and natural material walkways. Quarryville park continues the trend with energy-saving bulbs and recycling efforts.
In Texas, both Canyon Lake and Waller highlight the use of digital tools to reduce paper use and embrace solar power for park operations.
Virginia’s Luray location and several parks in Wisconsin, including Caledonia, Warrens, and Wisconsin Dells, have adopted various measures, from LED lighting replacements to digital menu scans and substantial tree planting initiatives to enhance their environmental footprint.
RV park owners and campground operators can draw significant insights from Jellystone Park Camp Resorts’ dedication to environmental sustainability. By integrating similar green technologies and practices, such as solar power installations, LED lighting, and motion-sensor utilities, campgrounds can reduce their operational costs, and increase environmental awareness.
For more information, visit Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts’ website at campjellystone.com.