The Future of Acadia NP

Is Bright & Strong

The future of Acadia NP is bright, thanks to the work of John D. Rockefeller and other visionaries.

Acadia National Park preserves more than 35,000 pristine acres of mountains, forests, lakes, and rocky seashores. Today, the park includes much of Mt. Desert Island, the western side of Bar Island, Isle au Haut, and the Schoodic Peninsula.

The attraction of Acadia National Park means it is one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the US, despite also being one of the smallest, with more than 4 million visitors each year.

Constant improvements in Acadia NP are being made. In recent years, the Island Explorer buses were added, to cut down on traffic and air pollution in Acadia Park. Trails are always being rehabbed and revitalized.

An earthquake in the fall of 2006 forced the temporary closure of one of Acadia Park's most popular hiking trails, the Precipice Trail.

Because Acadia National Park is so heavily traveled, it is also at risk. We had many a giggle when the girls were youngsters over the auto tour tape's insistence that you be careful of the park's "fragile ecosystem". But in fact, the subalpine vegetation, low-lying heathers, shrubs, berries and wildflowers, are extremely sensitive to the visitors who tend to trample all over them.

Be Part of Acadia NP Future

One of the best ways to help ensure the future attraction of Acadia National Park is to volunteer to help preserve her. Of course, you can always make a financial donation, but if you really want to help keep Acadia beautiful, get out there and do something!

Here's how:

• Volunteer at the park with the NPS' Volunteers in Parks Program. Each year, volunteers contribute more than 25,000 hours to Acadia. Be one of the 2000 people annually who help care for the trails, carriage roads, campgrounds, museums, libraries, offices, summits, and shores of Acadia. Learn how to join here

• Become one of the Friends of Acadia. This is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the long-term protection of the natural and cultural resources of Acadia National Park and its region. To meet this mission, Friends of Acadia channels private donations to conservation and historic preservation projects in the park, monitors planning and legislative activities affecting Acadia, and sponsors volunteer groups in Acadia and surrounding communities. Learn more here

In my opinion, the future of Acadia is fairly bright. It's a well-loved park in a highly visible location. Provided our country continues to financially support our park system adequately, Acadia NP should be around for many future generations to enjoy!

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