Spring 2008 Volume 13 No

Home , Blackwoods Campground, Desert island, Seawall Campground

Spring 2008 Volume 13 No. 1

A Magazine about Acadia National Park and Surrounding Communities Purchase Your Park Pass! Whether walking, bicycling, driving, or riding the fare-free Island Explorer through the park, all must pay the entrance fee.

The Acadia National Park $20 weekly pass ($10 in the shoulder seasons) and $40 annual pass are available at the following locations in Maine: Open Year-Round • ACADIA NATIONAL PARK HEADQUARTERS (on the Eagle Lake Road/Rte. 233 in Bar Harbor) Open May – November • HULLS COVE VISITOR CENTER • THOMPSON ISLAND INFORMATION STATION • SAND BEACH ENTRANCE STATION • BLACKWOODS CAMPGROUND • SEAWALL CAMPGROUND • JORDAN POND AND CADILLAC MTN. GIFT SHOPS • MOUNT DESERT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • VILLAGE GREEN BUS CENTER

Your park pass purchase makes possible vital maintenance projects in Acadia. Rich Johnson President’s Column

AN ECO-RESORT AT SCHOODIC

nyone who has traveled Downeast to the Schoodic Peninsula knows “No matter how ecologically- Awhat a rare pleasure is in store at the sound the construction, a end of land. After passing through the communities of Gouldsboro or Winter Harbor, the development of this scale road weaves through a forested landscape would forever change the until vistas begin to open onto the ocean. The Schoodic Peninsula offers a rocky coastline, character of the communities, winding trails, summit views from Schoodic the region, and the quiet Head, and, most especially, the opportunity experience of visiting Acadia for quiet discovery and experience. Schoodic is a beautiful area for humans at Schoodic.” to live and visit. Winter Harbor and Gouldsboro, with their several villages, A formal development proposal has not share the peninsula. Schoodic is also home been submitted for consideration to a plan- to many species worthy of conserving. The ning board to date, but plans are being land provides valuable breeding, nesting, discussed that include a golf course, two and stopover habitats for migratory song- hotels, a beaver ecology center, a captive birds. Hundreds of plant species thrive bird breeding center, affordable housing, on the peninsula. The jack pine stands and a green corridor that proposes trails and maritime shrubland communities are and electric trams for transportation, among Hogan Noreen listed as “Rare and Exemplary Natural other features. The discussion includes scapes that have already lost their natural Communities” by the Maine Natural Areas plans for as many as 1,000 housing units, habitats. But it is a tragic irony to build Program. Acadia National Park has been and possibly more. This is not an unlikely an “eco-resort” touting sound ecological protecting and sharing the Schoodic expe- scenario, as in the past the landowner has practices while destroying the rare natural rience on 2,300 acres for 80 years. stated the right to build 3,000 units. No communities. Recently, the Schoodic communities, matter how ecologically-sound the con- Friends of Acadia is working with part- Acadia National Park, and other stakeholders struction, a development of this scale would ners to advocate for a better “eco-future” for were alerted to the possibility of large-scale forever change the character of the commu- Schoodic. Innovative alternatives can be resort development on the approximately nities, the region, and the quiet experience created that would treat the landowners 3,200 acres directly abutting Acadia. of visiting Acadia at Schoodic. fairly, protect the characteristics most val- Labeled an “eco-resort,” the development is A habitat corridor that is interspersed ued by the communities, protect the tradi- proposed on land that separates the park with trails and electric trams transporting tional public enjoyment of the land, and from the rest of the mainland and that is an visitors from lodging to golf course to eco- preserve the integrity of the ecosystems that integral part of the complex wildlife habi- logical center presents conflicts that make sustain valuable wildlife habitats and tats of Acadia and the Schoodic region. its ecological success unlikely. A habitat migration. Twelve years ago, when the land A large-scale development like the one corridor should provide an unbroken was threatened with a proposed clear cut, being explored would have significant buffer and land for wildlife and plant Friends of Acadia and partners protected regional impacts and deserves a regional species to move and thrive in diverse the integrity of the Schoodic landscape and discussion. Friends of Acadia is engaging landscapes. The presence of trails and negotiated a sensitive timber cut with the residents and stakeholders in asking the tramways interrupts the protected corri- landowner. Today, Friends welcomes a important questions about their preferred dor, reducing if not eliminating its effec- broad and dynamic regional discussion vision for Schoodic. We want to hear from tiveness. The plans explore the possibility about a truly ecologically-sound and them their most valued experiences in the of opening these areas to the public, as visionary future for the Schoodic Peninsula. Schoodic area. Does a large-scale resort well. Add parking lots and increased use to development fit the values of the commu- the “habitat corridor.” nities? What sort of development, if any, is A beaver ecology center, a captive bird appropriate on the boundaries of a nation- breeding center and a nursery for jack al resource like Acadia National Park? pine stands may be fine objectives in land- —Marla S. O’Byrne Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lili Pew, Chair Joseph Murphy, Vice Chair Edward L. Samek, Treasurer Michael Siklosi, Secretary

Emily Beck Gail Cook Andrew Davis Dianna Emory John Fassak Spring 2008 Debby Lash Volume 13 No. 1 Linda Lewis Ed Lipkin Stan MacDonald Liz Martinez A Magazine about Acadia National Park and Surrounding Communities Barbara McLeod Julia Merck Joe Minutolo Marla S. O’Byrne Jeannine Ross Howard Solomon Sherry Streeter Nonie Sullivan Bill Whitman Dick Wolf Bill Zoellick

HONORARY TRUSTEES Eleanor Ames Robert and Anne Bass Edward McCormick Blair Curtis and Patricia Blake Robert and Sylvia Blake Frederic A. Bourke Jr. Tristram and Ruth Colket Shelby and Gale Davis Nathaniel R. Fenton FEATURE ARTICLES Frances Fitzgerald 5 Becoming Aware Vassar Pierce Sheldon Goldthwait Charles W. Eliot’s great-great-great-grandson reflects on family legacy. Neva Goodwin Paul and Eileen Growald 9 Running the Ridges of Acadia Melissa Gates John and Polly Guth The revelations and experiences of a former Ridge Runner. Paul Haertel Lee Judd 10 The Phantom Groomers of Acadia Charles Wray Gerrish and Phoebe Milliken How 16 volunteers keep Acadia’s carriage roads ready for skiing. George J. and Heather Mitchell Janneke Neilson 12 Investing in Acadia: The Invisible Hand of John S. Kennedy William J. Baker Nancy Nimick The story of John S. Kennedy’s role in creating Acadia. Jack Perkins Nancy Pyne 14 Making a Difference with Today’s Youth Ginny Reams Louis Rabineau Acadia’s efforts to engage youth in the park. Nathaniel P. Reed Ann R. Roberts 16 Partners Conserve the Northeast Creek Watershed Erin H. Fogg David Rockefeller Local partners secure land for Acadia and for “green” affordable housing in Bar Harbor. Patricia Scull Erwin Soule CTIVITIES IGHLIGHTS Diana Davis Spencer A /H Beth Straus 8 Save the Date – Friends of Acadia Events

EMERITUS TRUSTEES 19 Updates W. Kent Olson Charles Tyson Jr. 23 Advocacy Corner 26 Book Reviews FRIENDS OF ACADIA STAFF Mike Alley, Senior Field Crew Leader Theresa Begley, Projects & Events Coordinator DEPARTMENTS Sharon Broom, Development Officer 1 President’s Column An Eco-Resort at Schoodic Marla S. O’Byrne Sheree Castonguay, Accounting & Administrative Associate Stephanie Clement, Conservation Director 3 Superintendent’s View The Frosting on the Cake Sheridan Steele Erin H. Fogg, Communications Coordinator 6 Poem Primitive Runes Elizabeth Potter Lisa Horsch, Director of Development Diana R. McDowell, Director of Finance & Administration 7 Special Person Jack Russell Stephanie Clement Marla S. O’Byrne, President 27 Schoodic Committee The Splendor of Schoodic Garry Levin Cliff Olson, Field Crew Leader Mike Staggs, Projects & Systems Coordinator 28 Chairman’s Letter Acadia’s Winter Wonderland Lili Pew 2 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal Superintendent’s View

The Frosting on the Cake

hanks to volunteers and donors, • Helping the park acquire available Acadia National Park is a much bet- parcels inside its boundary, like the Tter place to visit and enjoy. Without Pooler Farm property near the this private assistance, the National Park Northeast Creek watershed, and Service could not keep up with the mainte- helping protect very significant land nance and demands of serving more than two on the edge of the park, like the 25 million visitors each year. acres on Acadia Mountain that was National park superintendents often see acquired to end a major development one another at various meetings around threat the country and I am always pleased to answer questions about Acadia’s many suc- • Monitoring nearly 200 conservation cesses resulting from its partnership with easements to be sure the natural and Friends of Acadia. I am proud to say that scenic values are not being altered Friends is clearly one of the leading over time “friends groups” and, believe me, many superintendents would love to have a sim- • Family Fun Day, which introduces ilar success story. children to the wonders of Acadia and Even though it is easy for me to remem- nature ber the many great things happening in Acadia thanks to our donors and volun- • Nine new research projects, using the

teers, I am still very impressed when I see Peter Travers L.L.Bean Research Fellowship grants, a list of those accomplishments for any that provide valuable information for given year. Projects, programs, events, and “National park superinten- park managers on topics such as activities made possible through Friends of seabirds, winter recreation, songbird Acadia and your generosity just last year dents often see one another at migration, geology, brook trout, histo- include: various meetings around the ry of the Frazer homestead, freshwater snails, and zooplankton • Our ranger horse patrol, including the country and I am always feed, veterinary service, winter sta- pleased to answer questions • The recruitment and management of bling, and training for Max the horse the 3,000 volunteers that pitch in to about Acadia’s many successes improve the trails, carriage roads, • Our bike patrol on the carriage roads, resulting from its partnership education programs, and many other which serves thousands of users each activities that make up our visitor summer with Friends of Acadia.” service and resource management work—we couldn’t begin to properly • The Acadia Youth Conservation care for Acadia and our visitors with- Corps, which gives youth a great • Helping restore and maintain the his- out the dedicated and hard working work experience in the park toric hiking trails that are unique to volunteers Acadia • Earth Day Roadside Clean-Up and Working as one large team, we are able to Take Pride in Acadia Day events, • Helping maintain the historic carriage accomplish so much more than we could which involve hundreds of helpers roads for walkers, carriages, equestri- without the generosity of people like you. picking up litter, raking leaves, and ans, and bikers Acadia National Park is fortunate, indeed, generally having fun working with to have friends like you. Thank you for others who care for Acadia • Funding the Island Explorer buses your interest and support. that carried a daily average of more • The Ridge Runners who maintain the than 6,000 riders during the summer, trail cairns and teach “Leave No Trace” equating to 2,000-3,000 fewer cars in principles the park each day

• One summer worker for the Wild • The Schoodic Education Adventure Gardens of Acadia to keep the plants program that serves school children (and volunteers) thriving from around Maine —Sheridan Steele Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 3 Notes from Friends

In Awe of Acadia ble, I met up with Lili Pew, also breaking Spring 2008 My five siblings and I gather from around trail. Lili reminded me that if I appreciate Volume 13 No. 1 the world every year for a meeting (our the groomed trials (I do) that a simple mother joins us, too). Last year we had a word of thanks goes a long way to sup- A Magazine about Acadia National Park wonderful vacation in Bar Harbor. We porting the volunteers. So, it is from the and Surrounding Communities especially enjoyed the hiking and biking bottom of my heart that I send this sim- along the carriage roads. We have been ple “thank you all!” for your hard work. Friends of Acadia is a private, nonprofit taking trips together for more than 20 My family and I are, indeed, most appre- organization dedicated to preserving years and this is the first time we have ciative. and protecting the outstanding natural been inspired to give a donation in order beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural to keep a national park cared for. It could distinctiveness of Acadia National Park —Steve Demers and the surrounding communities, and be our age, but the beauty of the Bar Town Hill, Maine thereby ensuring a high quality experience Harbor area just struck us as “awesome.” for visitors and residents. The Journal is published three times a year. —Meriam Krout and family Winter in Acadia Submissions are welcome. Deleware, Utah, Pennsylvania, Maryland, We’ve just returned from a winter sojourn Opinions expressed are the authors’. Florida, and the United Kingdom in Bar Harbor and enjoyed the beauty and peacefulness of Acadia in the winter. You may write us at Exploring the park is a true pleasure for 43 Cottage Street / PO Box 45 Bar Harbor, Maine 04609 An Appreciative Skier us. Thanks for all of your efforts in main- or contact us at Last Wednesday, as I was briefly breaking taining its accessibility and its loveliness! 207-288-3340 cross-country trail on the Giant Slide 800-625-0321 Loop towards Gilmore Meadow on one of —Ric and Emma St. Germain www.friendsofacadia.org the most beautiful winter days imagina- Providence, Rhode Island email: [email protected]

EDITOR Erin Hitchcock Fogg POETRY EDITOR Philip Dane Levin DESIGN Packard Judd Kaye PRINTING Penmor Lithographers PUBLISHER Marla S. O’Byrne

Canada Cliffs at dawn above Echo Lake Cover photographs by Tom Blagden

This Journal is printed on chlorine-process free, recycled, and recyclable stock using soy-based ink. Rich Johnson 4 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal Founder’s Legacy

BECOMING AWARE Vassar Pierce

hile I was growing up, coming to Mount Desert Island was always Wa highlight of the year. Long after- noons spent exploring the beaches and woods, hours passed sailing or in a rowboat, and the annual hike to the Jordan Pond House were all eagerly-anticipated activities. As the summers at home in Massachusetts became hot and muggy, I longed for the cool breeze coming off the ocean and the calming tranquility of the island. As I see significant change to the areas around me, Mount Desert Island remains seemingly unchanged due to Acadia National Park. Although I’ve always been conscious of the park, it wasn’t until recently that I truly Vassar Pierce and his grandfather, Daniel Pierce, celebrate together at a recent event honoring and valued the influence that Acadia has on the recognizing Charles W. Eliot, their ancestor and one of the founders of Acadia National Park. island and its residents and visitors. As I begin to understand the impact of Acadia, I am dynamic original officers, nothing would I give back in every way I can because also able to appreciate my ancestors’ role in have come of his son’s vision. Although my Acadia has given so much to me. I like to creating Acadia National Park. great-great-great-grandfather was quick to think that Charles William Eliot would be credit his son for being the visionary proud. “And when my favorite woods behind what later became Acadia National President Eliot wrote an article in 1904 Park, it was he who guided into fruition the called “The Right Development of Mount at home in Massachusetts vision of a park preserved for public use. Desert Island.” In it he discusses a number became private property and I personally owe much to Charles of ideas, such as the importance for main- William Eliot. His appreciation of the taining pretty roadsides and how to pre- developed, my favorite places Maine coastline was instilled in the genera- serve the island and coastline. There is one in Acadia remained just as wild tions of Eliots who came after him, and is sentence in particular, though, that sticks as they had been the year the reason why I have been blessed with with me: “Whether Mount Desert is, or is the opportunity to know Mount Desert not, to be developed as a prosperous pleas- before.” Island and Acadia National Park as a home ure and health resort for years to come away from home. By regularly coming back depends on the amount of foresight, good Charles William Eliot, my great-great- to Acadia I have, over time, developed an judgment, and good feeling which the vot- great-grandfather, is known to most as the intimate relationship with the park. ers in the three towns can bring to bear on longest serving president of Harvard As is the tradition of many visitors, I the problem. They can either secure or University. He is the namesake of Eliot climb Sargent Mountain as my first hike on endanger the future of the island.” House at Harvard and referred to by many the island. I have favorite trails for clear Lucky for all those who love the island, as President Eliot. But unknown to many days, and favorite trails for rainy days. the Hancock County Trustees of Public Harvard historians, Charles W. Eliot was Acadia helped foster my love of the out- Reservations was able to secure, not also the founder of the Hancock County doors and nature. And when my favorite endanger, the future of Acadia National Trustees of Public Reservations. This group woods at home in Massachusetts became Park and Mount Desert Island. ❧ was able to implement a vision that Charles private property and developed, my W. Eliot’s son had—a vision of acquiring favorite places in Acadia remained just as VASSAR PIERCE is the great-great-great- land to conserve it for public use. wild as they had been the year before. And grandson of Charles William Eliot. He is a President Eliot chose the right people so, I try to give back as much as I can to graduate of Bucknell University and is a (including George B. Dorr) to chair the Acadia. I have worked in the park, volun- Friends of Acadia Ridge Runner and former Hancock County Trustees, for without teered in the park, and donated to the park. No Child Left Inside Intern. Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 5 Poem IN MEMORIAM We gratefully acknowledge gifts received in memory of: FRIENDS OF ACADIA POETRY AWARD Harvey Aiges Samuel David Amitin Honorable Mention Curtis Barnett Benjamin L. Breeze Sr. Bettina R. Brooks George Buck Jeanine Chin Primitive Runes Carlyle Cochran Thomas P. Davis David Diegert The ravens come Francis W. Dinsmore complaining out of the woods Elva Fisk Brenton S. Halsey Jr. at first light, like a clutch Fitzgerald S. Hudson of teenagers awakened too early, lagging Jane Ilstad down the stairs for breakfast. David J. Krieger Joseph B. Krisanda Mary Lucas Heads gawky and ruffled, Gretchen Pfeifer Lucchesi Rick Madden beaks unbarred, they squawk out questions, Sally Magyar rummage through life for answers – Miles McIntire No reassuring replies or pleasing Elizabeth Meiklejohn Melvin and Shirley Mickelson refrains in these bird calls. Dora Pierce I like that. David L. Rabasca Joyce Raymond Howard Roberts Black eyes roll in sockets, Joseph Rounsville taking in the same world as mine, Sandy Sanderson John Scott though they, at least, seem a part of it all – Clare F. Shepley tops of pines and roundness of moon Albert E. Siklosi skimming their bellies. Josie Smith Christie S. Stephenson Donald B. Straus Seeing me far below, Patricia Fox Wagner pale and exposed as a jointed earthworm, John Weast J. Addison Young II looking up neither for food nor weather – What must they think of a creature IN NOMINE so removed from the natural world, We gratefully acknowledge gifts muddling back and forth from car to house? received in honor of: Angela Bouchard I want to decipher J. Reeve Bright the primitive runes of Dr. Kent Carter and Jennifer DiLella Robert Clark their black bodies against the sky. Tom Hageman Susan Hinkle Part an ebony beak and Vesta Kowalski Ross Millhiser let out a pointed scream, Ursula Poland Brett, Alexa, Drew, and Landon Salvato lights of neighbors flashing on, Hannah Schuller Patricia Scull as I fly off with the other hoodlums in my pack. James R. Secor Paul Sheets Fabio Simao —Elizabeth Potter Allison Sullens Janine Pommy Vega Volunteers of the Harrison Middle ELIZABETH POTTER lives in Round Pond, Maine. School Library, Yarmouth November 1, 2007-February 29, 2008

6 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal Special Person

JACK RUSSELL, ADVOCATE EXTRAORDINAIRE

t’s always an exciting thing when a vol- environment in Washington changed, and unteer walks into the Friends of Acadia Jack swiftly learned how to build from the Ioffice with unique talents and life expe- local grassroots level to create a national riences, and a passion for Acadia National story to which Congress would pay atten- Park and the surrounding communities. Just tion. He said that if the cause is just and as Friends of Acadia hopes to enhance park the case is clear, anyone can be heard and programs and operations through its contri- have an effect in Washington. butions, volunteer contributions truly aug- Given this, what are the lessons for ment the organization’s efforts to preserve and Friends of Acadia? Jack encouraged protect the park and its gateway communi- Friends to continue to build its Acadia ties. Jack Russell, a dedicated member of the Advocacy Network, communicate with Acadia Advocacy Network, a contributing members regularly, and provide opportu- writer to the Journal, and a frequent partici- nities for Acadia’s advocates to gather and pant in trail and carriage road work, has feel part of a team. He cited Take Pride in become an indispensable member of Friends Acadia Day, the November raking day that of Acadia. prepares the carriage roads for winter, as a Jack and his wife, Sandy Wilcox, joined perfect example of how people can under- Friends of Acadia when they moved to stand that they are part of a team with a Mount Desert Island in 1996. Jack, the son common mission that accomplishes great Jack Russell, rake in hand, shares his enthusiasm for Friends of Acadia with a fellow Friend at Take of Jackson Laboratory scientists, spent the tasks while enjoying the process. Pride in Acadia Day. first 15 years of his life as an island resident, followed his family to the West “After a long night of hearing nominees are aware of and support the Coast, and eventually took on a career in Centennial Initiative as an important pro- Michigan. Jack estimates that he and Sandy comments, it was Jack’s testi- gram that brings additional operating spend five out of seven days a week in the mony about the need for more funds to our national parks. park, “stepping with the multiple genera- park funding so that Acadia When asked about his hopes for the tions who secured the lands and created future of Acadia, Jack responded with two the park and trails system.” would be there for his grand- priorities: 1) that the private inholdings Friends of Acadia staff first realized daughter Michaela to enjoy within the boundaries of Acadia National what a gem of a volunteer Jack is when that Secretary Kempthorne Park and critical lands bordering the park Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne be protected within his lifetime, if not by toured Acadia in September 2006 and held quoted.” Acadia’s (and the National Park Service’s) a “listening session” in Brewer regarding Centennial in 2016; and 2) that the com- cooperative conservation. Most of the more Jack also suggested that Friends of munities and Acadia National Park have a than 100 attendees who testified spoke Acadia reach out make Acadia relevant to deep, healthy, resonant relationship such about a project to restore portions of the all Americans. He mentioned that minority that neighbors, especially children, see the Penobscot River, but there were several populations in the United States will soon park as their own—that it was created for individuals there to address park funding outnumber white Americans, and that them, that they have good fortune for liv- issues. After a long night of hearing com- Friends of Acadia and other park advocates ing here, and that they have an active role ments, it was Jack’s testimony about need to engage minority communities in managing and protecting it. the need for more park funding so that to ensure that they become the preserva- Thanks to the combined efforts of Jack Acadia would be there for his granddaugh- tionists of the future. In this presidential Russell and the other volunteers who con- ter Michaela to enjoy that Secretary transition year, Jack also specifically rec- tribute their voices to the Acadia Advocacy Kempthorne quoted. ommended that Friends of Acadia work Network and other programs, Friends of Jack gained his experience in the advo- with national partners, such as the Acadia’s message is stronger and there is a cacy arena by working for years directing National Parks Conservation Association far better chance of making hopes like state and national centers representing the and the congressional sponsors of the Jack’s a reality. ❧ needs and interests of small manufacturers. Centennial Challenge authorizing legisla- When Newt Gingrich came to power the tion, to make sure that the presidential —Stephanie Clement Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 7 Give the Gift of Acadia Save the Date Upcoming Friends of Acadia Events

Saturday, April 26 Earth Day Roadside Clean-Up Looking for the perfect gift idea for Mount Desert Island, Trenton, and Schoodic a birthday or anniversary? Bring your family and co-workers and help remove trash from the roadside. Introduce someone you care about to Acadia with a gift membership in Saturday, June 7 Friends of Acadia. National Trails Day Acadia National Park Please send a special $40 gift package* to: Learn about Acadia’s historic trails or assist with a spring ______clean-up project in the park. Name ______Sunday, July 6 Address America’s National Parks: A Monumental Vision ______Gates Center and Ethel H. Blum Gallery, College of the Atlantic ______Join us for a lecture by photographer Clyde Butcher and view his photographs City, State, Zip Code, & Telephone Number of America’s national parks.

Message you would like on the card: ______Friday, July 11 ______Friends of Acadia Annual Meeting ______Bar Harbor Club * Gift package includes: Celebrate Friends of Acadia’s accomplishments in the past year and meet • The Rusticator’s Journal, a delightful book of essays and photographs of Mount other Friends members and leaders. Desert Island and Acadia National Park • A one-year subscription to the Friends of Acadia Journal, published three times Sunday, July 20 annually Acadia Adventures: Family Fun Day • A Friends of Acadia window decal Sieur de Monts, Acadia National Park • The satisfaction of knowing that membership in Friends of Acadia helps Bring your children or young relatives and friends and join Friends of to preserve the remarkable beauty of Acadia and park rangers for special field-day activities. Acadia National Park Saturday, August 9

To give a gift membership, simply mail the th above form, along with a check made payable to Friends of Acadia 19 Annual Benefit Gala Friends of Acadia, in the envelope provided or The Benefit Gala is going green! Join us for an evening of good green fun. visit www.friendsofacadia.org.

All contributions to Friends of Acadia are used to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities. All gifts are tax For more information about Friends of Acadia events, visit deductible. Friends of Acadia www.friendsofacadia.org/events or call 207-288-3340. P.O. Box 45 • Bar Harbor, ME 04609 www.friendsofacadia.org 207-288-3340 • 800-625-0321

8 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal Ridge Runners

RUNNING THE RIDGES OF ACADIA Melissa Gates

had the pleasure of working in Acadia National Park as a Ridge Runner for “Gentle salt musk graces the IFriends of Acadia during the summer of pines through the wind, cre- 2007. This 10-week experience presented plenty of reciprocal opportunities for educa- ating a signature scent. Shared tion and growth, and proved to be a syner- laughter echoes in the embrace gistic blessing in countless ways. of winding carriage roads and Under the careful planning and guid- ance of Acadia National Park Resource breathtaking trails…the time Specialist Charlie Jacobi, the initial two- we each spend here bears wit- week Ridge Runner training period offered a well-rounded initiation to the park and ness to the uniqueness of the all of its facets. This overview included les- park’s essence.” sons about the history of park and some of the outer-lying islands; park geography cumstances presented themselves. Despite and trails; Leave No Trace principles; visi- the time constraints of a short summer and tor usage trends; and trail and cairn main- an overflowing calendar, we made great tenance. We were also introduced to the strides of progress. We gathered important park’s natural and human resources, field data for the park and furthered trail including key go-to people for wildlife, maintenance efforts. We offered first aid, wildflower, geologic, and air quality issues, extra water, trail tips, wildlife information, and more. The information I absorbed and directions to those in need. We Charlie Jacobi/NPS Melissa Gates (front) and her fellow Ridge Runners during the training allowed me to field vis- reached thousands of visitors with the scale the Precipice Trail in Acadia. itor questions with precision and confi- principles of Leave No Trace, helping to dence while gaining valuable personal preserve Acadia for everyone by broaden- It was a true honor to work with the insight into the natural splendor that is ing awareness of responsible stewardship. park and Friends of Acadia. The intense Acadia National Park. As all who love Mount Desert Island connection I feel with the land, the com- Charlie prepared us with solid skills and know, Acadia National Park is greater than munity, and the island blossomed from information to handle most any situation. the sum of its parts. It is rife with character my Ridge Runner experience. The program We were always prepared to shift gears and rich with ageless stories. Gentle salt nurtured and empowered this relationship, when inclement weather or ulterior cir- musk graces the pines through the wind, giving me heightened insight into the intri- creating a signature scent. Shared laughter cate balance between humans and the nat- echoes in the embrace of winding carriage ural world. roads and breathtaking trails. Awe is dis- Sitting on mountain summits for hours covered in ocean-side tide pools genera- at a time conducting census counts, I was tion after generation. The time we each brought back to the awareness that comes spend here bears witness to the uniqueness from simplicity. Helping others to under- of the park’s essence. stand the delicate nature of alpine ecosys- The dedicated park staff and tireless vol- tems and the sensitive needs of wildlife, I unteers nurture the roots that grow here was able to see the nature of the people and allow Acadia to flourish. The Ridge who make Acadia National Park the gem Runner program flows forth as a branch of that it is. These people, of course, are all of combined effort, helping create unity you, for together we are the park. ❧ between all of the parts that comprise the park—a unity based around a love for the MELISSA GATES is a fourth-year student Melissa Gates Ridge Runners share Leave No Trace principles blessing that is Acadia National Park, and a at College of the Atlantic. A native with visitors near the trailhead for the Gorham desire to maintain and improve upon our Vermonter, she now calls Southwest Mountain Trail. shared resource. Harbor home. Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 9 Volunteers

THE PHANTOM GROOMERS OF ACADIA Charles Wray

lthough Maine has a reputation for Many years ago, local resident Dr. Bob cold, dark winters, the carriage roads Masucco began laying down groomed ski “On winter weekends it is Ain Acadia National Park come alive tracks in the Hadlock Pond, Sargent common to see skate skiers, with each and every snowfall. For more than Mountain, and Amphitheater areas of 20 years a small but growing group of vol- Acadia National Park. As the father of classic skiers, and snow- unteer trail groomers—the Acadia Winter track-setting in Acadia, Bob has now shoers from every walk of life Trails Association (AWTA), a committee of begun to pass the torch to a new band of sharing and enjoying the car- Friends of Acadia—have set out to prepare a hardy volunteers. Using his private groom- large portion of the carriage road system for ing equipment Bob amassed a wealth of riage road system in Acadia cross-country skiing. After even the most knowledge about snow conditions across National Park.” moderate snowfall, groomers use modern the carriage road system. While he may not snowmobiles and a variety of towed rollers, use the dozens of Inuit terms for different tidd-groomers, and track-setters, and the car- types of snow, Bob has informed the new Penobscot Mountain, potentially swallow- riage roads become, quite possibly, the finest volunteers about the 10-foot high snow ing up even the most intrepid groomer. cross country-skiing terrain in Maine. drifts that can occur on the east flank of Today, grooming in Acadia is coordinat- ed from two locations, Hulls Cove and the Brown Mountain gate in Northeast Harbor. As a result of the extraordinary generosity of the Bright Family, who donated $250,000 to Friends of Acadia in 2005 to establish the Elizabeth R. Bright Endowment that funds carriage road grooming in perpetuity, Friends of Acadia maintains a budget for AWTA grooming activities and equipment. Night or day, as soon as a snowstorm begins to wind down, as many as four snowmobiles hit the trail, and the grooming begins. Depending on exact snow and wind conditions, the posse of groomers sets track on ski routes at Witch Hole, Eagle Lake, and Aunt Betty’s Pond, as well as the Amphitheater, Sargent Mountain, and Hadlock Pond areas. Snowstorms on Mount Desert Island are commonly associated with wind (and sadly rain), so groomers are often required to clear downed trees and debris from the trails. Much of the grooming activity takes place at dusk or during the evening hours to accommodate the volunteers’ busy lives and to provide set tracks for daylight skiing. The grooming activity in Acadia National Park would not be possible without the support of the park staff. As trail setting activities have expanded, park staff now Charles Wray A freshly-groomed section of the carriage roads on the Amphitheater Loop. As this trail shows, groomers store and prepare the snowmobiles and, set tracks for both classic and skate skiers. when necessary, repair machinery and clear 10 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal Eagle Lake, and Brown Mountain parking areas overflowing with vehicles. On winter weekends it is common to see skate skiers, classic skiers, and snowshoers from every walk of life sharing and enjoying the carriage road system in Acadia National Park. A former ski-industry executive once com- mented that, when the snowfall is ample, “Acadia National Park has the best trail system and the most beautiful cross-country skiing anywhere.” As the snow falls, and in certain out-of- the-way areas, one can always find untracked snow in the park. Whether on groomed or fresh, untracked snow, it is always a treat to break the crest of a hill on the Amphitheater Loop and see the crisp January sunlight shimmer off the waters around the Cranberry Isles and Baker

Brad Viles Island. The skiing in Acadia National Park Acadia Winter Trails Association volunteers David Kief (left) and Mike Gilfillan demonstrate the new remains glorious thanks to the efforts Ginzugroomer track-setting equipment. The new tool will help volunteers groom Acadia’s carriage road of phantom-like, cold- and dark-loving system more efficiently, while providing better tracks for cross-country skiers. volunteer groomers. ❧ away the largest downed trees. In 2008 the park staff. Through the dedication and park created a new section of its website, cooperation Friends of Acadia, AWTA vol- CHARLES WRAY is a resident of Mount which includes grooming updates so that unteers, and the park, it is possible to Desert. When not out skiing or grooming skiers know the status of the road system. provide unbeatable access for all skiers. he works at the Mount Desert Island Several times each winter, Friends of Acadia Even on the coldest winter days, it is Biological Laboratory as associate adminis- organizes meetings between AWTA and wonderful to see the Parkman Mountain, trative director.

Volunteers Enhance the Winter Experience in Acadia

The 2007 winter season dropped larger-than-usual amounts of snow on Acadia National Park, making it a superb season for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. The number of storms and the amount of snowfall also made it a very busy season for members of the all-volunteer Acadia Winter Trails Association, a committee of Friends of Acadia.

With the support of Friends of Acadia and Acadia National Park, the 16 volunteers worked together to groom carriage roads throughout the park, setting tracks for cross-country skiers. Friends of Acadia thanks the members of its Acadia Winter Trails Association (AWTA) for enhancing the experience for winter visitors in Acadia. Members of AWTA include: Dirck Bradt Matt Gerrish Bill Jenkins Stan MacDonald (chairman) Peter Brown Michael Gilfillan Karl Johnson Robert Massucco Mark Fernald Paul Haertel David Kief Dennis Smith Gary Fountain Karol Hagberg Stephen Linscott Charlie Wray

For more information about the Acadia Winter Trails Association or grooming activities, contact Terry Begley, projects and events coordinator, at 207-288-3340 or [email protected].

Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 11 History

INVESTING IN ACADIA: THE INVISIBLE HAND OF JOHN STEWART KENNEDY William J. Baker

The following has been excerpted from an article originally published in the 2008 issue of Chebacco–The Magazine of the Mount Desert Island Historical Society.

n The Wealth of Nations (1776), Adam Smith extolled the “invisible hand” of logic Ilinking individual enterprise to the common good. Although the relation of personal self-interest to larger social concerns is an arguable topic, Smith’s “invisible hand” metaphor is a term potentially rich with mean- ings beyond the metaphorical. History is filled with literal examples of invisible hands working quietly behind the scenes on projects ben- eficial to large numbers of people. In the creation of Acadia National Park, John Stewart Kennedy is one of those unrecognized, unremembered patrons whose philanthropic generosity contributed to the common good. Histories of

the park invariably focus on the monu- Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs, Print Collection, Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundations Lenox, and Tilden Astor, Public Library, The New York mental efforts of George B. Dorr, Charles John Stewart Kennedy was one of the “invisible hands” who worked behind the scenes to help build Acadia National Park. W. Eliot, and John D. Rockefeller Jr., not on Kennedy. They are the dominant play- profile in the history of the park. He died in Lanarkshire, near Glasgow, in 1830. ers, he an afterthought. In contrast to their l909, shortly before his 80th birthday, and a With little formal education, at age 13 fame, the Kennedy name is not popularly full decade before Congress passed a bill, Kennedy began work in a local iron mill. attached to any mountain, historic home, signed by President Woodrow Wilson in His superiors, impressed with his intelli- or carriage road on Mount Desert Island. l9l9, designating a public park, then called gence and sunny disposition, sent him at Kennedy himself is partly to blame for Lafayette National Park, protected and sup- age 20 to the United States to solicit orders his own invisibility. On projects ranging ported by the federal government. By con- for their iron to be used in the expansion from hospitals, libraries, and museums in trast, Eliot lived until 1926, Rockefeller of American railroads. Two years later he New York City to mountain peaks on until 1937, and Dorr until 1944, enabling returned home to manage the company. Mount Desert Island, he adamantly refused them to give generously to the crucial early By the time Kennedy crossed the to allow public mention of his financial phases of park development and provide Atlantic again in 1856 to settle permanent- support. Having once made a huge dona- interpretive commentary in correspon- ly in the U.S., he had decided to stake his tion to the enlargement of the New York dence and memoirs. future not on the production of iron rail Presbyterian Hospital with the proviso that Sometime around 1880, Kennedy first and machines but rather on gathering and no announcement of his gift be “pro- made his way to Mount Desert Island. dispensing funds for the building of west- claimed ostentatiously,” he similarly put a Having spent more than 30 years on the ern railroads. For 10 years he negotiated publicity lid on all the energetic and finan- busy streets of New York City, he instantly loans and commissions through a New cial contributions he made to the early appreciated the slower pace of MDI life. York company, but in 1868 he went his stages of the dream that became Acadia Island mountains, lakes, and rugged coast own way with the creation of a new bank- National Park. reminded him of his native Scotland, ing and investment house, J. S. Kennedy & More than self-imposed privacy, the tim- where he was born the sixth of nine sib- Co. For the next 15 years, he boldly pro- ing of Kennedy’s work determined his low lings in a mining community in County vided funds for new railways, bought and

12 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal ACADIA BY THE NUMBERS sold railway stocks and bonds, and repre- sented numerous British and European “Alongside the names of investors in American railroads transac- George B. Dorr and Charles tions. At the apex of his financial empire, Kennedy owned more than $60 million in W. Eliot, the name of John S. stocks and bonds. For good reason, he was Kennedy stood as one of known as the Railway King. For almost three decades the king lived the eight incorporators of royally in semi-retirement for several this endeavor that became months each summer at Kenarden Lodge the cornerstone of Acadia in Bar Harbor. Beyond his sumptuous estate, however, Kennedy chafed at the National Park.” commercial growth that threatened to deface the Island’s pristine beauty. Dorr to discuss the possibility of acquiring Meetings with other wealthy summer resi- Pickett Mountain (now known as dents produced an application to the Huguenot Head) and an adjoining part of Rich Johnson Maine legislature for a tax-free Hancock Newport Mountain (now Champlain). County Trustees of Public Reservations. In Kennedy promised to provide the funds, 2007 at Acadia January 1903, the legislature granted a but signed no papers before he returned 2,202,228 charter to this organization “to acquire, home to New York. By late October, he was Recreation visits hold and maintain, and improve for free dying of pneumonia. Bending over his public use lands in Hancock County, bed, his wife strained to hear his final 544,892 which by reason of scenic beauty, historical words: “Remember... that I promised Mr. Recreation visits in August interest, sanitary advantage, or for other Dorr... to help him get that land.” Shortly reasons may be available for the purpose.” thereafter, she sent Dorr a check to cover 5.7% Alongside the names of George B. Dorr the acquisition of yet another crucial piece Increase in visits from 2006 and Charles W. Eliot, the name of John S. of the future park. Kennedy stood as one of the eight incor- No one but Emma Kennedy heard her 35 porators of this endeavor that became the husband’s dying words. Certainly no men- Acadia’s visitation ranking cornerstone of Acadia National Park. tion was made of this incident in any of the among the 360 reporting In 1908, just a year before he died, many press notices of his death. Although National Park Service units Kennedy was approached by George B. the names of the three mountains pur- Dorr with the news that Green Mountain, chased by Kennedy funds were subse- 2007 on the Island Explorer the highest and most rugged of all the quently changed, none today honor the granite peaks on Mount Desert Island, Kennedy name. John Stewart Kennedy 352,378 could possibly be purchased at a reason- died as he lived, a man extravagantly suc- Passengers transported able price. Without a moment’s hesitation, cessful but a private, modest man who Kennedy offered to pay whatever the cost found good ways to invest generously in 6% to secure this priceless gem for the public the future of his beloved Acadia. ❧ Increase in riders from 2006 enjoyment of future generations. Dorr negotiated the details and presented his WILLIAM J. BAKER is a resident of Bass 4,409 old friend with the bill. Green Mountain Harbor. He is an emeritus professor of Average summer riders per day would shortly be renamed Cadillac, the history at the University of Maine and the 1,096 centerpiece of the emergent park. author or editor of 10 books, including Average fall riders per day Prior to returning to New York in the Playing with God: Religion and Modern late summer of l909, Kennedy met with Sport.

Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 13 Youth in Acadia

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH TODAY’S YOUTH Ginny Reams

hen I was a kid, my mom would reconnect children to nature, determining have to drag me back inside that increasing education and interpreta- Weach night after a long day of tion opportunities for youth will be one playing tag, riding bikes, and hanging out of five primary focus areas in the com- with friends. “But it’s not dark yet,” my broth- ing years. er and I would complain. Those days are Alongside these efforts is Acadia’s long gone. Today’s kids, experts say, spend Engage Youth program, a NPS Centennial more time cooped up indoors than playing Challenge project funded by a combina- outside. Whether it’s because they would tion of public and private funds. This ambi- rather play video games or watch TV, or tious project to enhance and expand Acadia because their parents are afraid to let them National Park opportunities for youth run loose, the result is the same—kids today includes several components that, with the don’t interact with nature like they used to. help of partners, reach children of all ages. But the staff at Acadia National Park, along Matching partnership funds have been with partners like Friends of Acadia, is identified for 2008 and 2009 with Friends embarking on an exciting effort to make a of Acadia, Eastern National, and Acadia difference with younger generations. Partners for Science and Learning, and the The park has offered opportunities to park is currently awaiting notification of explore and learn about nature for several funding authorization. Components of the generations. George B. Dorr, Acadia’s first Engage Youth program include Acadia superintendent, organized hikes and auto eLearning (technology innovations), 21st

caravans into the park as early as 1916. Peter Travers Century Education (funding education for Today park rangers provide a wide variety The dip-netting activity at Family Fun Day capti- the future), Parks as Classrooms (curricu- of walks, talks, evening programs, and boat vates a young mind. Family Fun Day and other lum-based education), Out in It (ranger- cruises to children and adults. The first events are part of the new Acadia Quest program, guided activities), Next Generation Rangers which aims to get more kids into the park more ranger-guided school trips began in 1988; (secondary and undergraduate student often this year. the education program has since expanded internships and employment), and Acadia to reach more than 7,000 children in interpretation park rangers in the field to Quest (special events). grades three through eight annually. share Acadia’s wonders with visitors. The Acadia Quest, organized in conjunction park’s Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program with Friends of Acadia, is one of the fun “Acadia National Park, along has expanded from the 2006 pilot pro- projects coming up this year. Acadia Quest with partners like Friends gram with one teacher to include four includes a series of youth- and family- teachers this summer, thanks to a Parks as oriented activities in the park. Children of Acadia, is embarking on Classrooms grant and funding from will sign up to participate in the Quest, an exciting effort to make Acadia Partners for Science and Learning. and then choose from a variety of activities This program helps teachers from diverse within three categories: explore, learn, a difference with younger school systems bring the national parks and protect. Activities will include ranger- generations.” back to their classrooms by providing led programs, volunteer days, special work experience and curriculum content. events like Family Fun Day and National But the situation today requires even The L.L.Bean Kids in Acadia grant sup- Junior Ranger Day, and more. Once chil- more attention. The National Park Service ports the park’s Schoodic Education dren complete the required number of (NPS) and its partners are stepping up to Adventure residential program by provid- activities, they will receive an Acadia the plate to reconnect children to nature. ing funds to recruit and hire teaching Quest certificate and be eligible to win a The NPS Centennial Initiative, introduced assistants, establish a student scholarship prize. (See sidebar for more information.) to prepare the organization for its 100th program, provide transportation assis- Acadia Quest is just one of many inno- birthday in 2016, will increase staffing tance for schools, and offer summer vative activities planned as part of the of seasonal employees in the parks this teacher institutes. Park management has Engage Youth project. What else is in summer, putting more education and thrown its support behind the effort to store? We’re planning for additional schol- 14 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal arships to the Schoodic Education to enhance and expand youth opportuni- Join the Quest! Adventure, MP3 tours of the park, and ties depends on stable, continued funding In an effort to get more kids outdoors enhanced kids’ pages on the park website for the future. and into Acadia National Park, Friends in 2008, and cell phone tours, statewide Acadia National Park and partners like of Acadia and the park are partnering to Junior Ranger outreach, and more teacher Friends of Acadia are excited about this present Acadia Quest. Year-round and institutes in 2009. We’re dreaming about shared effort to reconnect kids and nature. summer residents, as well as visitors, projects like a state-of-the-art computer Children spending time outside, having are invited to accept the Acadia Quest lab for the Schoodic Education Adventure; fun, and learning about the park is a win- challenge. hands-on, interactive exhibits at the win situation for all of us. ❧ Nature Center; and a busing account to How to Participate help any school in Maine visit Acadia GINNY REAMS is writer-editor at Acadia Teams may register online or by National Park. How much we’re able to do National Park. phone. A team can be composed of family members, relatives, friends, and mentors—the only requirement is that a team must consist of one adult aged 18 or older and one child under the age of 18. Upon registering you’ll receive a welcome packet with all of the information you need.

Rules to Quest By Participants will be asked to complete a certain number of activities in three categories: explore, learn, and protect. These activities will include, but are not limited to, events such as Earth Day Roadside Clean-Up, National Junior Ranger Day, Family Fun Day, National Trails Day, and Take Pride in Acadia Day, as well as regularly scheduled ranger-led park programs, volunteer work in the park, and self-guided activities, like riding the Island Explorer, participating in Acadia’s EarthCache program, and more. Any team that meets all Quest requirements between April 26 and November 1, 2008, will be entered into a drawing for one or more family outdoor excursion prize packages. The number of participating teams may be limited based on demand.

For more information or to register for Acadia Quest, visit

NPS www.friendsofacadia.org Park rangers lead a variety of programs from late May to early October, many of which are designed just or call 207-288-3340 for kids.

Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 15 Stewardship

PARTNERS CONSERVE THE NORTHEAST CREEK WATERSHED Erin H. Fogg

ithin the coming year, Acadia Acadia raises funds for a land conservation National Park will acquire 140 “Northeast Creek is part of bank to purchase the land and MCHT Wacres within its legislated bound- an extraordinary ecosystem negotiates and closes the deals. When fed- ary, protecting the water quality and scenic eral funds are appropriated, the park beauty of the Northeast Creek watershed, and shared by the neighboring acquires the land. Funds from the park’s 31 new “green” affordable homes will be con- Acadia National Park and its purchase revolve back into the land con- structed in Bar Harbor. These major accom- natural resources.” servation bank to be used for future acqui- plishments are results of several years of col- sitions. The second phase of the Pooler laborative work by the Bar Harbor Housing within its legislated boundary. Through the Farm property conservation is an ideal Authority, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, 1986 boundary legislation, Congress man- example of the model in action. Friends of Acadia, and Acadia National Park. dated the park to fill the holes within its In 2004, the Bar Harbor Housing Since 2004, the four organizations have boundaries with land from willing sellers, Authority (BHHA) purchased the 200-acre been working together to buy, hold, and but federal funds for those purchases are former Pooler Farm property. MCHT com- protect the 200-acre Pooler Farm property not always in place when a seller emerges. pleted the first phase of conservation by on Rt. 3, adjacent to Northeast Creek, As private nonprofit organizations, Maine purchasing 101 acres from BHHA for which is Mount Desert Island’s largest estu- Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) and Friends $750,000. MCHT placed a conservation ary and an essential habitat for many of Acadia are able to act quickly to pur- easement on the 12 acres around and species. Northeast Creek is part of an chase available land and hold it until feder- including the large yellow farmhouse and extraordinary ecosystem shared by the al funding is available, or guide sellers barn on Rt. 3, which has since been sold to neighboring Acadia National Park and its through the process of a real estate transac- a private buyer. natural resources. The end goal is for tion with the federal government. The partners collaborated on the second Acadia to own the acreage that falls within Recognizing the opportunity for a phase of conservation by securing another its legislated boundary, and for the remain- strategic partnership to help Acadia protect 39 acres, which had originally been der either to be conserved or used for the the privately-held lands within its bound- retained to meet zoning requirements for a development of green affordable housing. ary, MCHT and Friends of Acadia entered cluster development of affordable housing. The sale of the Pooler Farm property into an agreement to combine their respec- When its planning was completed, presented the opportunity to conserve the tive land negotiation and fundraising BHHA negotiated a sale to MCHT of the land surrounding the estuary and for strengths to purchase, hold, and protect remaining lands, 39 acres within the park Acadia National Park to secure the acreage land within the park’s boundary. Friends of boundary. Friends of Acadia contributed $500,000 from the land conservation bank to purchase the 39 acres. With this commitment from Friends, MCHT closed on the purchase on October 26, 2007, for $680,000. To date, MCHT holds 140 acres of the former Pooler Farm property that will be transferred to Acadia National Park, and the federal funding for that transfer will soon be available. With money assigned to Acadia in 2007 and a recent $590,000 appropriation from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the park will simultaneously purchase from MCHT the 101- and 39-acre tracts. Upon selling the property to the park, MCHT will reimburse Friends of Acadia’s $500,000 contribution, which will be held in a A view of Northeast Creek from Rt. 3 in Bar Harbor. revolving trust for future land protection. 16 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal Conservation has a different face on the from coal power plants, and the framing remaining 50 acres of the Pooler Farm products have all been harvested within property outside the park’s legislated 300 miles. The construction of the houses boundary. BHHA is building an affordable is designed to significantly lower their housing development employing green energy footprint, with a goal to keep heat- building practices that will minimize the ing costs low. development’s impact on Northeast Creek. After four years of creative planning and BHHA is incorporating storm water collaboration, the Bar Harbor Housing and wastewater systems that use advanced Authority, Acadia National Park, Maine technology to prevent nitrogen and Coast Heritage Trust, and Friends of Acadia nitrates from polluting the watershed. are keeping the Northeast Creek a pristine And, the houses themselves are built with and healthy ecosystem, providing afford- a number of environmentally-friendly able green housing for the community, and features, including low volatile organic strengthening the protection of significant compound paints and glues, and kitchen lands within Acadia’s boundaries. ❧ cabinets made of wheat board, a renew- able resource. The foundations are made ERIN HITCHCOCK FOGG is communica- Volunteer! from fly ash, a readily available byproduct tions coordinator at Friends of Acadia. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday mornings in Acadia, June – October For information, call 288-3934, or check our website at www.friendsofacadia.org

“Acadia is in our blood” PO Box 52 Bar Harbor, Maine 04609 Maine Coast Heritage Trust Northeast Creek is Mount Desert Island’s largest estuary and an essential habitat for many species. Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 17 FORESIGHT & GENEROSITY Rich Johnson WAYS YOU CAN GIVE

“One of the greatest satisfactions in doing any sound work for an institution, a town, or a city, or for the nation, is that good work done for the public lasts, endures through the generations; and the little bit of work that any individual of the passing generation is enabled to do gains the association with such collective activities an immortality of its own.” —Charles W. Eliot, Sieur de Monts Celebration, 1916

Please consider these options for providing essential financial support to Friends of Acadia:

Gift of Cash or Marketable Securities. Mail a check, payable to Friends of Acadia, to PO Box 45, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, or visit www.friendsofacadia.org/annualfund to make a secure gift using your credit card. Call or visit the website for instructions on giving appreciated securities, which can offer income tax benefits as well as savings on capital gains.

Gift of Retirement Assets Designate Friends of Acadia as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement asset, and pass funds to Friends of Acadia free of taxes.

Gift of Real Property Give real estate, boats, artwork, or other real property to Friends of Acadia and you may avoid capital gains in addition BRUCE JOHN RIDDELL to providing much needed funds for the park. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Gift Through a Bequest in Your Will 27 PINE STREET Add Friends of Acadia as a beneficiary in your will. BAR HARBOR, MAINE 04609 207.288.9668 For more information, contact Lisa Horsch at 207-288-3340 or 800-625-0321, Creative & Innovative Landscape Architecture for Residential & Estate Gardens email [email protected], or visit our website at www.friendsofacadia.org/join.

18 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal Acadia purchased the 369-acre Crippens Updates Creek property from Nacoochee Corporation and sold 152 acres to the Benefit Gala Goes Green! Maine Department of Transportation to carry forward the construction of the new facility. Behind the scene, a dedicated group of donors made this purchase possible. Going into the acquisition, Friends of Acadia had received major gifts from Mr. T.A. Cox, the Thomas H. Maren Founda- tion, and the Butler Conservation Fund. Tied to the gift from the Butler Conser- vation Fund was a challenge to encourage other organizations and individuals to give to the effort. The Butler Conservation Fund committed to matching up to $100,000 in donations to Friends of Acadia for the purchase of the Crippens Creek property. By the time the closing took place, the challenge had been met by generous Bar Harbor – Ellsworth individuals and foundations. www.cadillacsports.com Friends of Acadia received major gifts Peter Travers towards the challenge from several foun- Gala guests peruse the options at the 2007 auction. This year’s event, The Green Gala, will be dations, including the Shelby Cullom held on Saturday, August 9. Davis Foundation, Yawkey Foundation, and BAND Foundation. In addition to Planning for Friends of Acadia’s 19th Annual foundation support, many generous gifts Benefit Gala is underway. This year’s event from individuals were matched through is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2008, the Butler Challenge. Funds were also at the Asticou Inn in Northeast Harbor. The contributed through Friends’ Project theme of the 2008 gala is “The Green Gala.” Tranquility, an effort to reduce traffic and From event operations to auction items, the restore the quiet character of Acadia gala will promote and practice ways of National Park and Mount Desert Island. Rich Johnson being more sensitive about impacts on the Thanks to the generosity of donors to the environment. Acadia Gateway Center, the new facility will The gala committee, affectionately complete the original vision for the Island called the “Green Team,” has sprung into Explorer system, reducing the number of action, planning a new, improved, and individual vehicles on the roadways in the unforgettable evening. The committee is Mount Desert Island region while allowing looking for auction donations, and addi- more visitors to access the island and Acadia tional committee members are always wel- in an environmentally-friendly way. come. If you are interested in donating an item or participating, or would like more Village Connector Trails information about attending the gala, The vision of Friends of Acadia’s Village please contact Lisa Horsch, director of Connector Trail program is to re-establish development, at 207-288-3340 or email the tradition of walking and biking into CLARK POINT GALLERY [email protected]. Acadia National Park and around towns 19TH & EARLY 20TH CENTURY PAINTINGS and villages on Mount Desert Island, there- OF Donors Complete Butler Challenge by enhancing the characters of our villages MAINE AND MOUNT DESERT ISLAND for Acadia Gateway Center and island life. In addition to work on the 46 CLARK POINT ROAD • SOUTHWEST HARBOR, ME 04679 As it was announced in the Winter issue of Schooner Head Path, which is planned to 207-244-0941 • WWW.CLARKPOINTGALLERY.COM the Friends of Acadia Journal, the Acadia be completed in 2008, Friends of Acadia OPEN DAILY Gateway Center was officially given a has begun to move forward in planning 10 - 5 TH TH home this past December. Friends of other village connector trails. JUNE 15 —SEPTEMBER 15

Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 19 Two recent meetings in Bar Harbor and The area is a very popular natural commu- Town Hill were well attended by enthusi- nity used by park visitors for walking, astic individuals within the communities. nature photography, and wildlife viewing. The Bar Harbor group discussed a trail con- The ecological integrity of Great Meadow necting the Duck Brook Bridge area to Rt. is threatened by several invasive species and 3, and the possibility of a path to Mount the park does not have the resources to Desert Island High School. The Town Hill remove them. With this funding, the park meeting focused on a possible spur path will be able to reduce the populations of from the Town Hill Store along Crooked invasive species enough so that they can be Road, and a Somesville path with possible kept at a sustainable and manageable level spurs to the high school and to the Indian in the future. Point area. A landowner interested in Deighan is different. developing his 93 acres on the west side of Island Explorer Hits New Daily Rt. 102 in Town Hill is working with the Record in 2007 committee to plan community paths with The Island Explorer fare-free, propane-pow- spurs heading toward Somesville, Indian ered bus system continued to grow in terms Point, and the Town Hill Store. of popularity and use in its ninth year of Village Connector Trail meetings are operation. Twenty-nine buses operated on open to the public and Friends of Acadia eight routes from June 23 to Columbus Day, depends on input and enthusiasm from its including a new route that originated from

455 HARLOW STREET BANGOR, MAINE 04401 207 990 1117 committee members. Should you have an the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and served www. deighan.com interest in participating on our committee, the entire park loop road. or just have a comment or suggestion The total numbers of riders in 2007 was you would like to share, please contact 351,378, up six percent over 2006. Riders Terry Begley at 207-288-3340 or between June 23 and September 1, classi- [email protected]. fied as summer riders, totaled 308,640, averaging 4,409 per day. This number was Great Meadow Restoration Project up seven percent from 2006, and includes Funded by EPA Mitigation a new one-day peak record of 6,726 pas- A local construction company and its owner, sengers. Fall ridership was down slightly to Robert Ray, will fund an invasive species 42,738 passengers, with an average of control program at Acadia National Park. 1,096 riders per day. The funding is part of a settlement of an Since its inception, the Island Explorer enforcement action brought by the United has carried 2,524,799 passengers, eliminat- States Environmental Protection Agency ing 938,688 cars from park and local roads, (EPA) for violations of the federal Clean Water Act. In addition to a $16,017 penalty and agreements to donate and fund conservation easements on other properties in Hancock County, Robert Ray agreed to compensate for wetland losses by funding a three-year program of invasive species control at the 115-acre Great Meadow, one of the largest freshwater wetlands in Acadia National Park. Ray has provided $87,154 to Friends of Acadia to establish a restricted fund dedicated to the Great Meadow Restoration project. As requested by Acadia National Park, Friends will distribute grants to the project over a three-year period until the fund is depleted. The fare-free, propane-powered Island Explorer bus Great Meadow is surrounded by stun- system celebrated another strong season in 2007. ning mountain views and open vistas and is The Island Explorer will begin its 2008 season on home to many wetland wildlife species. June 23.

20 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal which is equal to a traffic jam down the east nated areas of Acadia’s carriage road system, coast from Bar Harbor to Key West and including Witch Hole, Aunt Betty’s Pond, HANNAFORD back up the Florida coast to Tampa. Eagle Lake, Upper Hadlock, Around Already the system has eliminated 13.8 Mountain, and Amphitheatre areas. SUPERMARKETS tons of pollution and 8,840 ton of green- Thanks to a generous gift in 2005 from 86 Cottage Street house gases. the Bright Family, AWTA groomers are well Bar Harbor The fare-free Island Explorer bus system equipped. This year the Elizabeth R. Bright would not be possible with out the generous Endowment funded the purchase of a new Where Shopping is a Pleasure. support of L.L.Bean and the partnership piece of equipment, the Ginzugroomer, between Friends of Acadia, Acadia National which came highly recommended by those ATM Major Credit Cards Park, and Downeast Transportation, Inc., who use it at the cross-country ski center in the nonprofit organization that operates the Limestone. The Ginzugroomer will enable bus system. the groomers to bite into icy conditions and break up snowdrifts. Additional funding Schoodic Lecture Series from the endowment pays for insurance, Since November, the Schoodic Committee storage, and maintenance of the snowmo- of Friends of Acadia has been partnering biles, as well as the fuel. for gifts with Acadia National Park and Acadia The Elizabeth R. Bright Endowment is a and other fine things Partners for Science and Learning to pres- gift that continues giving, as it has enabled ent the Second Saturday Schoodic Lecture significant growth in the Acadia Winter Northeast Harbor 276-3300 Series. On the second Saturday of each Trails Association grooming program. If 1-800-673-3754 month, a topic of community interest is you would like more information about the presented at 7 p.m. at the Moore Acadia Winter Trails Association, please Auditorium on Schoodic Education and contact Terry Begley at 207-288-3340 or Research Center (SERC) campus. [email protected] Topics have ranged from seabirds, song- birds, and mercury to National Park System Upgrades at Friends Improve programs in the Schoodic District, the Saint Member Services Croix Island International Historic Site, and The Friends of Acadia staff has been busy Distinctive properties. Legendary service. beyond. Crowds of 40 to 50 community this winter transitioning its financial and Real estate professionals since 1898. members have been regularly attending the membership information into new, indus- www.KNOWLESCO.com lecture series. The presenting partners look try-standard data management software. 207 276 3322 forward to continuing the lecture series Although the conversion was an intense ONE SUMMIT ROAD • NORTHEAST HARBOR, MAINE 04662 throughout the spring and summer seasons. and lengthy process, the new programs The lectures are free and open to the offer many benefits and will help Friends public, and registration is not necessary. of Acadia better serve its constituents. For more information about the Schoodic Friends can now store multiple address- Lecture Series and to view upcoming top- es for each member record, so members ics, visit www.friendsofacadia.org. can receive communication wherever they may travel. The new system also allows Acadia Winter Trails Association staff to track personal interests of mem- After a disappointing cross-country ski sea- bers. Whether its park activities like biking son last winter, the Acadia Winter Trails and paddling, or volunteer activities like Association (AWTA) volunteer groomers trail work and advocacy, Friends can now went into this past winter thinking snow, identify specific interests of each member and snow they got. A storm in early and send communications about those December blanketed the carriage roads interests accordingly. with nearly a foot of snow, and the storms To make the most of its new software, continued on and off throughout the rest of Friends of Acadia encourages all of the winter months, making it an incredible, its members to update their addresses picture-perfect ski season. and interests. If you have updates for The volunteer groomers, a small, dedi- your membership record, please contact cated cadre of 16, logged more than 245 Sharon Broom, development officer, at hours perfecting skiing conditions by lay- 207-288-3340 or email Sharon at ing skate and classic ski tracks along desig- [email protected]. Rich Johnson Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 21 Schoodic Education Adventure Engages Maine Youth Tom Blagden Tom N. Morzicki The second season of the Schoodic Education Adventure (SEA) ended in November. This science-based, overnight education program, supported by the L.L.Bean Kids in Acadia program, brought 5th – 8th grade students from 11 middle schools across the state to the Schoodic Education and Research Center. Captured here are students participating in a soil study. The SEA program will continue in 2008.

In Gratitude

OFFICE VOLUNTEERS IN-KIND DONATIONS Chris Kirk Acadia Partners for Science Marsha Lyons and Learning Port In A Storm – Somesville Mary Ann Siklosi Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker Monday-Saturday 9:30-6:00; Sunday 12:00-6:00 Jean Smith Tom Blagden Main St. Rt 102 in Somesville, Mt. Desert, ME 04660 207 244-4114 Sandy Wilcox Dobbs Productions Port Side – Bernard Rich Johnson Monday-Saturday 11:00-6:00; Sunday 12:00-6:00 30 Steamboat Wharf Rd., Bernard, ME 04612 Joe Pagan 207 244-9114 Website: www.portinastormbookstore.com

22 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal Advocacy Corner

CONGRESS CONSIDERS LEGISLATION AFFECTING ACADIA

ongress was busy during the winter of the Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton; ated cuts in other important programs such considering bills that affect Acadia. In and 4) it will facilitate land exchanges with as the LWCF. In 2009, Acadia is expected to Clate January, Friends was alerted by local towns. The bill was sponsored receive a base operating budget increase of the National Parks Conservation Association by Senator Collins and Representative $500,000, which will help restore interpre- about an effort underway in Congress to allow Michaud and was co-sponsored by Senator tation, education, and visitor services at loaded guns in national parks. Forty-seven Snowe and Representative Allen. Acadia. Friends has been in contact with senators signed a letter to Secretary of the Also on a positive note, the Fiscal Year the Maine Congressional Delegation to Interior Dirk Kempthorne encouraging him 2008 budget for the National Park Service advocate for this funding, to encourage to change the firearms regulations in nation- was passed in December as part of an sponsorship and passage of legislation to al parks. Presently, regulations (36 CFR 2.4 omnibus budget bill. The budget included authorize the Centennial Challenge (2-3) allow loaded firearms only in designat- $2.429 billion in discretionary appropria- through 2016, and to request another ed times and locations in national parks, such tions for the National Park Service, a signif- $875,000 in LWCF appropriations to meet as at firing ranges, permanent dwellings, and icant increase that stemmed some of the Acadia’s continuing needs to purchase locations in which hunting is allowed. The operating losses witnessed over the previ- lands inside park boundaries from willing regulations also allow possession of firearms ous decade. While national and regional sellers. ❧ generally in national parks, as long as they are assessments to the budget have not yet —Stephanie Clement unloaded and not easily accessible. Friends been completed, Acadia anticipates receiv- contacted Secretary Kempthorne and urged ing almost $7.1 million for FY 2008 opera- him to keep the present firearms regulations, tions. Acadia is also slated to receive JOIN THE which are adequate for protecting park approximately $591,000 from the Land wildlife and visitors. and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to ACADIA Following the letter, Senator Tom purchase land inside park boundaries. This ADVOCACY Coburn introduced an amendment to S. funding is targeted toward the acquisition NETWORK 2483, National Forests, Parks, Public Land, of a portion of the former Pooler Farm in and Reclamation Projects Authorization Act the Northeast Creek watershed, within the When legislation affecting Acadia is pre- of 2007. As of press time, the bill had not park’s boundaries. sented on national and state levels, Friends been brought to the Senate floor and the The FY 2008 budget also set aside $24.6 of Acadia sends advocacy alerts to the amendment had not been heard. Acadia million in funds for the Centennial Acadia Advocacy Network, a dedicated Advocacy Network members wrote to Challenge, a program to match public fund- group of concerned private citizens. The Maine Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan ing with private dollars to invest in parks, alerts educate network members about the Collins to encourage them to oppose the preparing them for the National Park issues and provide instruction on how amendment. Service centennial in 2016. Acadia had to contact lawmakers and weigh in on On a more positive congressional note, three projects that were deemed eligible to the matter. the Acadia Improvement Act of 2008 (H.R. receive funds in 2008 and 2009. The park While Friends of Acadia staff is in 2251 RFS) was passed by the House of and Friends of Acadia are hopeful that these regular contact with Maine’s Congressional Representatives on February 12. A slightly projects will receive $181,000 in 2008 for Delegation, the Department of the Interior, different version (S. 1329) has passed partnership programs to engage youth in and state lawmakers, hearing from individ- through the Senate Energy and Natural the park. Friends of Acadia, L.L.Bean, ual private citizens often affects how Resources Committee, but is awaiting Acadia Partners for Science and Learning, lawmakers vote. Your voice can truly make action on the Senate floor. The bill will Eastern National, and Acadia National Park a difference for Acadia. Please consider accomplish four objectives for Acadia: 1) it are collaborating on this effort. Friends of joining the Advocacy Network. Advocacy will extend the life of the Acadia Advisory Acadia staff traveled to Washington at the alerts are delivered by email when issues arise, allowing members to act as their Commission (a citizen body that advises end of February to highlight Centennial schedule permits. the National Park Service on management Challenge project possibilities for Acadia at issues) by 20 years; 2) it will authorize an the Congressional National Parks and To join the Acadia Advocacy Network, additional $10 million for land acquisition Tourism and Travel caucuses. please contact Stephanie Clement at at Acadia; 3) it will enable Acadia National The president’s budget for FY 2009 rec- [email protected] or call Park to officially participate in the plan- ommends a $161 million operating 207-288-3340. ning, design, construction, and operation increase for national parks, but with associ- Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 23 ACADIA FOREVER

Main Street, Northeast Harbor 276-4006 Neighborhood Road, Northeast Harbor 276-4005 ROSS & KING, LLC Attorneys at Law

953 Bar Harbor Road Trenton, Maine 04605

Telephone 207-667-1373 Rich Johnson Fax 207-667-3427 Estate Planning—Supporting the Mission Michael L. Ross, Esq. [email protected] of Friends of Acadia Alison M. King, Esq. [email protected] Preserving and protecting the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities is a wise investment.

And, it’s simple. WINE & CHEESE Add only one of the following sentences to your will, or a codicil: 244-3317

353 Main Street, Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679 I hereby give ______% of my residuary estate to Friends of Acadia, Inc., a Maine charitable corporation, PO Box 45, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, for its charitable purposes.

I hereby bequeath $______to Friends of Acadia, Inc., a Maine charitable corporation, PO Box 45, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, for its charitable purposes.

I hereby devise the following property to Friends of Acadia, Inc., a Maine charitable corporation, PO Box 45, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, for its charitable purposes: [legal description of the property].

For more information, call the office at 207-288-3340 or 800-625-0321, email the director of development at [email protected], or visit our website at www.friendsofacadia.org.

24 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal New Members

We are pleased to welcome our newest friends:

Jeanine Albert Clare Esparolini Marlene MacIsaac Diane Roteman Stephen Bagen and Maura Griffin Kevin and Deborah Fanning Adam Maffei Tanya Rucosky Jane Bard Wendy Fehlauer Margaret Davis Maiden Ivy Rutzky Richard Barrie Robert and Barbara Ferri Maine Environmental Nicholas and Nicholas Sacco Gary and Martha Beach Paul and Diane Fiejdasz Education Association John Satrom Bee’s, Inc. Jeremy Fishman Stu and Kathi Mann Donald and Norma Sawyer Thomas Bennett Five Sisters & A Brother LLC Katharine Maroney Lynnae Schwartz Alisa Bevins Michael and Anne Foley Laura Marshall and Amy Norkus Terry Grace Sears Ralph Bieber Karol Foss Steven and Susan Maxwell Robert and Lyta Seddig Brendan Bieder Doug Franklin William and Carol McCarthy Richard and Rita Seger Sharon Bielicki James Fuqua Jr. Bill McLeod Joan Serchuck Carolyn Birbeck Thomas and Linda Gearhart Mark and Diana McNabb Fredericka Shaw Roger Boothe and Louis Gerstenfeld and Donna McNamara John and Elizabeth Sherblom Claudia Thompson Nancy Chapin Kimberly Meeks Michael and Noreen Sherman Murray and Donna Boutilier Glenstone Foundation Dean Melen Jeffrey Shoreman Ronald Brauer Gary Goodman Frank and Jane Meneghini Scott Shulman Leslie Burlingame Judith Graupman-Tari Benjamin Merrill John Simpson Robert Burpee William Green Stephen Michaels Michael Sleeman Leslie Spahr Bush Gary Greene Elizabeth Mildrum David and Roberta Smith Ruth Bygness Patrice Gregory Skip and Susan Mildrum Paul Snyder Nestor and Cynthia Camino Frederick and Joan Hadley William Moody Laura Spanos Lois Carlson Arlene Hadley-LeRoy Margaret Moran Chris St. Hilaire and Lillian Carpenter Jacqueline Hagmayer John and Susan Morgan Cara Anderson Carol Carpenter Bill Hamilton Theresa Morin Nancy Stegens Suzanne Chaney John and Judy Hardin Scott and Jen Moses David Stephenson William and Josie Chavez Jane Hastings Thomas and Katie Nahrwold William Stetson Jr. Dorothy Clair Peter and Carol Hausner Mary Natal Stillman Foundation P. Hamilton Clark IV Sherwood and Yvonne Herb Nichols Pro Audio Dianne Stool Laura Clark Judith Herbert The Nicholson Family Charles Stough Sarah Cliffton Brian and Susan Hetherington NOAH Publications/ Gary and Nancy Struve Dr. Millard Coffin and Ruthann Hubbert and Mendlowitz Photography Paul Swanke and Joyce Harrison Dr. Stephanie Ingle Kenneth Kemper Erling and Dorothy Nord Eli and Erin Tate Tony and Maureen Conlon Chris Hudson and Patti Tracey Virginia Norwood C. Powers and Harriet Taylor Patricia Cooper Shawn Huston Doreen Orciari Dana Tessin Thomas and Evon Cooper Bradley Hyman Jennifer Panhorst Shanti Tolda David Coston Hal Hyman Andy Papathanassiou and Bruce Tolda and Carol Carson Archibald and Judy Cox Bruce and Carolyn Ilsley Konnie Schneider Jeff and Marcia Trexler Edward and Lois Davis Islesford Edith LLC Derry and Ginny Pence Tracy Tutt Joseph Deangelo Gina Jenkins Carter Perry United Way of the Capital Area Robert Deibler Paul Jennings E. Scott Peterson Vijay and Judy Vanguri Tanya Demcio Brian Johnson William and Rhonda Pierce Joy, Elizabeth, and Neal Denning David Johnston Joseph and Rachel Plaksa Stella Waugh-Stewart Jim DeVane Madeline Kameny Mark and Martha Pokras Jannie Weisfeld and Fritz Haines Andreas and Monika Dittrich Christopher and Thomas Porter and Anne Ballew James and Patricia Wettemann John and Joanne Dixon Christine Kennedy Bonnie Prelle Stanley Willis Daniel and Bettiann Donohue Anne Kimball Patricia Quirk Veronica Won James and Cheryl Drabick Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kimball Mike and Peg Quirk Barbara Worcester Garrett Drapala John and Candace Kincade Douglas and Meredith Arthur Worster James Draper Cyndy Kleinsmith Randolph-Foster Deborah Yao and Michael Duffy Howard and Shirley Klopfer James Ratcliffe Andrew Shumaker Michael and Carrie Dunton Rich and Kate LaGala Robert Ray Yawkey Foundations Gregory Durham and Walter and Joyce Larsen Franklin Reece Pete and Jill York Bob Gutermuth Barbara and Betty Lawson John and Amy Regan Greg and Ellen Young John and Megan Durlach Franklin and Liza Leiter Elizabeth Rehbock David Zeigler Teon Edwards John and Mary Leiter Frank and Jane Resch Nadia Zonis Chin Leng Ee Richard and Susan Lerner Frank and Allicia Rice Katherine Elliott Kimberly Lieber Emile Richard and Rita Cantor Peter and Kelly Gardner Emery Joan Bozek and Robert Linde Rite Aid, Inc. Ivan and Elizabeth Enstrom Ray Lindgren Camilla Rockefeller Alan Esendir Patricia Lobaccaio Stephen and Jeanne Rorke November 1, 2007-February 29, 2008

Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 25 nervous breakdown while writing the Book Review piece. As the editor of this Journal, I, too, cringe at seeing the misspellings on the Maine Speak page. But when I hear a classic “lobstah” or “cah,” I can’t help but find comfort and a I Got the Idear: sense of home in the cozy Maine dialect. My Love Affair with —Erin H. Fogg Maine Language

by Marion Kingston Learning From Stocking, The Maine Folklife Center, Orono, the Past ME, 2007, 80 pp., $15.00, paperback. Mission 66: Modernism and As a native of New England, I’ve heard the National some of the northeast dialects at their best. Park Dilemma From my neighbor’s jargon in the woods of Vermont to the endearing way my New by Ethan Carr, University of Massachusetts Hampshire in-laws say “up-stay-uhs” when Press, Amherst, MA, in association with Library referring to the second floor of their house, of American Landscape History, Amherst, MA, I thought I had heard it all. But when I 2007, 407 pp., $39.95, hardcover. moved to Maine last year, I was introduced to a whole new dialect, much different than “The more things change, the more they stay Rich Johnson the rest. the same.” The vernacular of Mainers is the focus of the 40th issue of Northeast Folklore, an annu- Alphonse Karr’s famous quote has never al publication of the Maine Folklife Center been more appropriate than describing the at the University of Maine that brings forth chief topic of Mr. Carr’s new book, Mission parts of its collection of traditional and cul- 66. And as we fast approach the centennial TENTS DANCE FLOOR LINENS CANOPIES BAND STAGES GLASSWARE/DISHWARE tural materials from and about Maine. In celebration of the National Park Service in TABLES & CHAIRS GRILLS CATERING EQUIPMENT this publication Marion Kingston Stocking 2016, it is important for all to look back to shares anecdotes about learning and edit- remember and evaluate past initiatives so Telephone or Fax: 667-6210 35 Commerce Park, Bar Harbor Road ing the way Mainers speak. Stocking’s sto- that we can move forward in the most suc- P.O. Box 552, Ellsworth, ME 04605 ries do not poke fun at the language of cessful and efficient way. Mainers. Instead, they shed light on a In 1956 the National Park Service Maine heritage that spread from freshman launched a 10-year, billion-dollar initia- themes to daily newspapers and every tive—titled “Mission 66”—to celebrate the “hahbah” village in-between. park’s first 50 years in 1966 and prepare When grading freshman themes in grad- the park system for the next 50 years. Carr’s uate school at Orono, she collected com- book describes in great detail the genesis of mon Maine misspellings, which she notes the initiative along with struggles, contro- are a much different matter than standard versies, milestones, and achievements of American “i-before-e-except-after-c” mis- Mission 66. Of greatest interest is the age- spellings. Stocking writes, “The first paper old debate felt by many over the years— in which I marked morden came back with protecting the wilderness while providing the word “corrected” to modren. Later I access to the public. Anyone who has read YOUNG BECK LLP was to receive mordren. A word like prop- Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire will remem- Attorneys aganda was infinitely misspellable. I rather ber Abbey’s fight against the new road Geoffrey P. Young ~ Emily M. Beck like propergander.” Stocking includes a full introduced at Arches National Park as a General practice, concentrating in appendix with a list of these common mis- part of the Mission 66 initiative. Trusts and Estates Planning and Administration, spellings—a list with variations that even At almost $40 and more than four Real Estate, Business and Non-profit Law, this native New Englander hasn’t heard. My pounds, only a true park aficionado would Land Use and Conservation favorite among the list is: “strawberry own this book, but NPS photographer Jack 1248 Tremont Road, Seal Cove, Maine 04674 shot-cake.” Boucher’s historic photos and the study of Phone: 207.244.7729 ~ Fax: 207.244.7795 Stocking notes as an aside that her com- parkatecture make it a worthy read. Email: [email protected] puter’s spell-check was on the verge of a – Lisa Horsch

26 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal Schoodic Committee

THE SPLENDOR OF SCHOODIC

his morning I dropped Rosemary at waves further out to sea and the percussion Biddy’s house in Winter Harbor to of the water roiling beach rocks. Above the Tcatch a ride to a hook-in down in high tide mark, where the receding water Brooklin. Lucky and I then headed to the hadn’t washed them clean, I was fascinated Schoodic District of Acadia National Park to by the free-form snow patches that were enjoy a walk. embossed on the shoreline rocks and capti- After almost a week of grey with daily vated by the icicles, which clung to the snow showers, the sun was out and glori- granite faces along the road, hanging on as ous. It was a Currier & Ives, Ansel Adams, drop by drop they got longer and their grip Norman Rockwell morning. The fresh half- grew more tenuous. inch of powder that had fallen overnight I started to study the prints left by the Jay Horshak The splendor of this view at Schoodic shines through was unmarred. I almost felt guilty driving fox and deer that seemed to have danced on a crystal-clear winter morning. into the park and disturbing the untouched across and along the surface of the roadway natural beauty, but I was excited by the and into and out of the forest on either side. attention on small things of little import, it opportunity to walk amidst such serenity I tried to track their movements in the enabled me to open my mind to my senses, and think. So, I drove to the Blueberry Hill, hopes of catching a glimpse of wildlife in and it freed me to be distracted by the parked, put Lucky on line, and we set off the brush and then tried to locate the beauty, peace, and tranquility around me. towards Wonsqueak. woodpecker that, hidden among the trees This is one of the ways in which dressed for the day with mantles of white Schoodic is such a surprising place, espe- “I thrilled to the music of the draping its shoulders, was teasing me with cially in the winter. It is one of the unex- its tap-tap-tap, as if we were playing a vari- pected aspects of Schoodic that Rosemary ocean, the harmony of the ation of Marco Polo. As I searched, I got lost and I savor, as do the other members of the strings and woodwinds as the in the imposing blues of the sky, which Schoodic Committee of Friends of Acadia, sea quietly lapped at the ranged the spectrum from deep navy to the all of whom demonstrate an extraordinary palest Robin’s egg, and were studded with level of energy and commitment to the shore, backed up with the wisps of clouds in a hundred shades of Schoodic District of Acadia National Park. brass of the crashing waves white. The Schoodic Committee welcomes new further out to sea…” And then we were back at the car. Lucky participants, helpers, ideas and sugges- and I had walked for just more than an tions. We invite you to join us—our only hour and I hadn’t really thought about any- requirement is a love of Acadia National As we walked, I considered the race thing. Expecting that the peace and beauty Park and a special passion for the undevel- between Clinton and Obama, both of of Schoodic would allow me to focus on oped splendor that is Schoodic. ❧ whom would be in Bangor later that day, important issues and big concerns, enable and which of these two candidates would me to concentrate on developing ideas, GARRY LEVIN, his wife, Rosemary, and be the stronger president. As I began to plans, and answers, and free me of distrac- their Border Collie, Lucky live year round ponder the pros and cons in my mind, I got tions so that I could make decisions and in the village of Corea on the Schoodic distracted by the emerald water glistening come to conclusions, I was surprised. Peninsula, where they always find some- with the bits of light playing in the small Instead, this special place focused my thing unexpected to savor. roils and swells that are the ocean flexing and stretching. I became focused on a flock of eider Heart of the Matter floating just offshore, some preening, some sleeping, and some apparently playing shorebird versions of tag and follow the “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” leader. I thrilled to the music of the ocean, the harmony of the strings and woodwinds —William James (1842-1910) as the sea quietly lapped at the shore, backed up with the brass of the crashing

Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2008 27 Chairman’s Letter

ACADIA’S WINTER WONDERLAND

s I began writing this letter, I came across a copy of the 2005/2006 AWinter issue of the Journal. Just inside the cover was a tribute to Leila Bright and recognition of the endowment her family created in her honor, which funds annual grants for grooming activities, benefiting Acadia’s winter uses for a long time to come. What Mrs. Bright loved during her life was the quiet majesty of skiing the carriage roads, in the full glory of Acadia in its winter peace- ful mode. As an avid cross-country skier, I am one of grateful winter enthusiasts who enjoy the groomed carriage roads that run

throughout Acadia National Park, made Lili Pew possible by volunteers from the Acadia The first light of 2008 peeks over the top of Cadillac Mountain. Winter Trails Association (AWTA), a com- mere visitors, but together we connect donation in a pair of boots that I loaned mittee of Friends of Acadia that is sup- with nature and evolve to become stew- them to use for a hike after their ski trip. ported by the endowment. The volunteers ards and stakeholders for the precious nat- Of all experiences in the park this year, spent many early mornings and late nights ural resource that is Acadia National Park. New Year’s was most special. I set out to preparing the trails for skiers, on top of Just before Christmas, I ventured out as ski Around the Mountain in time to finish their full-time jobs and family commit- the sun gave rise to first light for a on top of Sargent by the final stroke of ments. Throughout my hours and days of marathon adventure that took me through 2007, welcoming 2008 under the glim- skiing up the vistas of Sargent and Brown the park for hours and hours. The AWTA mering stars and magical night skies of Mountains, I waved to and greeted each of team was out in full force packing down Acadia. After a quick ski down the moun- these hearty volunteers with the most the 24 inches of new snow, starting in the tain and nap until 4:15 a.m., I set back out robust “Thank You!” that I could muster. more popular loops first then reaching out to ski up Cadillac for the New Year’s Day A few of this winter’s adventures truly to the higher and harder access points, sunrise. During my ascent, there were fel- stand out to me, not just for the beauty of like the deep drifts covering Sargent low skiers who all felt the same draw to the moments, but for the people I met Mountain. I was hailed as the “great trail the spiritual home of our park. Each of us along the way. Our precious park gives us setter” for my tracks that broke trail in the shared our joy of a new year, a new day, many opportunities to create connections deep snow before the grooming team and the joy of being out in nature and in with nature through interactions with reached these special places. our precious park. other people. We each come to the park as I recall the amazing beauty and I smile We had the best winter in many years for when I think of the faces of Acadia’s new skiing and celebrating the quiet beauty of friends and skiers that I met along the way. Acadia. As Mrs. Bright always did, we took Their smiles were a mile wide as I gave in the full glory of Acadia at its most peace- them the full report of groomed areas and ful time, but only thanks to the generosity where I had helped set a path. They were of her family and Friends of Acadia’s AWTA appreciative for the chance to see places in volunteers. I thank all of the volunteers, for the park that they’ve never seen in winter. it was a job well done. Filled with great pride and enthusiasm, I asked the skiers to express their gratitude to Friends of Acadia and the AWTA volunteers. Since that time, I have learned that Lili Pew many letters, emails, and donations have Lili captures her own shadow against the fresh New Year’s Day snow. She celebrated the New Year with come in to Friends, including a gift from an ascent up Cadillac by way of skis. some new Friends in Bangor. They left a —Lili Pew 28 Spring 2008 Friends of Acadia Journal AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS: A MONUMENTAL VISION An exhibit of Clyde Butcher photographs presented by Friends of Acadia

A special exhibition featuring large-format black and white contact prints by American artist and environmentalist Clyde Butcher. July 6 – 31, 2008 Ethel H. Blum Gallery, College of the Atlantic Summer Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PUBLIC LECTURE BY CLYDE BUTCHER Celebrate the opening of this exhibit with Friends of Acadia and College of the Atlantic on Sunday, July 6. Clyde Butcher will present a

Clyde Butcher public lecture at 7 p.m. at the college’s Gates Center. Little Hunters Beach

For more information, visit www.friendsofacadia.org or call 207-288-3340.

ACADIA BIRDING FESTIVAL Connecting Land and Sea: The impact of watersheds on Gulf of Maine birds

June 12-15, 2008 - Mount Desert Island

Featuring guided hikes, boat tours, kayak and canoe trips, a lobster cookout, presentations led by experts, and a Father’s Day “birding blitz.”

This year’s festival is limited to 75 participants, so register today!

www.acadiabirdingfestival.com [email protected] - 207-288-8128

Hosted by the Stanley Grierson Nature Foundation and Down East Nature Tours. Copyright Abby McBride/Michael J. Good 2008 Magnolia Warbler

Mount Desert Island: “The warbler capital of the United States.”—R.T. Peterson PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEWISTON, MAINE PERMIT #82

Friends of Acadia Tom Blagden Tom A pair of Luna Moth on a birch trunk at the Amphitheater below Bald Peak

Mission The mission of Friends of Acadia is to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities, and thereby to ensure a high quality experience for visitors and residents.

Friends of Acadia 43 Cottage Street PO Box 45 Bar Harbor, Maine 04609 207-288-3340 800-625-0321