A Magazine about Acadia National Park and Surrounding Communities - Spring 2018 Volume 23 No. 1 - Friends of Acadia
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Spring 2018
Volume 23 No. 1
A Magazine about Acadia National Park and Surrounding Communities
Purchase Your Park Pass!
Whether driving, walking, bicycling, or riding the Island
Explorer through the park, we all must pay the entrance fee.
Eighty percent of all fees paid in Acadia stay in Acadia, to be
used for projects that directly benefit park visitors and resources.
Open Seasonally:
Bar Harbor Village Green
Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds
Hulls Cove Visitor Center
Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain Gift Shops
Sand Beach Entrance Station Annual park passes are also available at certain
Thompson Island Information Center Acadia-area town offices and local businesses;
contact the park at 207-288-3338 to find
Open Year-Round: additional pass sales locations.
Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce/Acadia Information Center
Corner of Main and Cottage streets, Bar Harbor 288-5103
Park passes are now available online. Visit
www.yourpassnow.com
President’s Message
Looking Forward to Spring–and Beyond
W
hen I first joined Friends of Aca- proaches might be needed to address over-
dia as President in 2012, I ben- crowding and vehicular congestion at Acadia
efited greatly from strategic plan- through a new Transportation Plan, it will
ning that the organization had undertaken undoubtedly involve change. And while
the year prior to my arrival. The board and our heads might tell us that these changes
staff had identified four “strategic pillars” of are for the betterment of the park, for public
our work with Acadia National Park and ex- safety, and for a higher quality experience for
pressed a determination to focus the major- all visitors, our hearts might take a while to
ity of FOA’s efforts on these priorities–youth embrace the recommendations – especially if
engagement; natural resource protection; some of our own traditions or personal con-
visitor experience; and trails and carriage nections with favorite locations are affected.
roads–even as the list of other requests and As of this writing, we are still awaiting de-
suggestions for our involvement continued tails of the possible options. But, FOA is 100
to grow dramatically. percent supportive of the overall initiative
This past winter, FOA took time to work and the commitment by the park to address
with ANP leadership to consider what has the issue of over-crowding. Anyone who has
FOA
changed over the past six years, to evaluate experienced the gridlock and frustration of
our progress and areas where we can do bet- mained flat. In fact, it actually shrank when the park’s motor roads on a busy day knows
ter; to re-assess the critical issues facing the measured in real buying power, when taking that the status quo is simply no longer a vi-
park; and to update our goals and how FOA six years’ inflation into account. able option.
can be most strategic and effective going for- Friends of Acadia’s core priorities have We applaud the park for its comprehensive
ward. It has been an energizing and affirming also remained unchanged. The board has af- approach and for soliciting so much public
process! firmed that our strategic pillars will continue input over the past two years, at a time when
What has changed? to guide our work in our updated plan for its staff was already stretched extremely thin.
A new administration in Washington with the next several years. If anything, working And we have encouraged the park to con-
inevitable shifts in policies and priorities; an on these issues is more critical now than it sider not just the immediate challenges, but
historic addition to the park with the creation was six years ago. And while the pillars re- the likely longer-term trends and emerging
of the Schoodic Woods campground and sur- main constant, FOA will remain nimble and technologies.
rounding trails and acreage; a new superin- able to adjust and introduce new strategies I love the changes that come to Acadia
tendent to lead Acadia into its second cen- necessary to adapt to the rapidly-changing this time of year when a warm, windy day
tury; and most noticeable, many, many new world in which we operate. brings the annual spring ice-out to lakes and
visitors to Acadia. Visitation was up more Indeed, given the inherent size and many ponds on Mount Desert Island. The sounds,
than 30 percent in that time. levels of decision-making at a federal agency, the smells, the movements of wildlife, and
Our climate also continues to change and this flexibility and ability to pivot quickly if my own imagination, are all transformed. As
impact Acadia in ways we are only just begin- needed is one of the greatest assets FOA can much as I savor the winter quiet, the antici-
ning to understand. While it is with mixed offer to our partners at the park. pation of the seasons’ turn and the park com-
emotions that many of us enjoyed swimming This partnership with the park, and the ing back into full bloom, never fails to fill me
and sailing and hiking in shirt-sleeves well importance of FOA remaining independent with energy and gratitude.
after Columbus Day this past October, and and adaptable, yet closely coordinated with, This year, with a strengthened and focused
skating on the flooded trails and Great Mead- and complementary to, the work of the Park commitment by FOA to the work ahead,
ow wetland at Sieur de Monts in late January, Service, has defined FOA since our founding. and the new ideas emerging from the park’s
this strange weather is a harbinger of greater Even as we recognize the forces of change Transportation Plan, the spring brings more
stresses to come on our park. all around us, we tend to look to national renewal and excitement than ever.
What has not changed? parks like Acadia as a reassuring constant, an Thank you for being a friend of Acadia at
The fact that Federal funding from Wash- anchor to hold us steady despite the swirling this crucial time for our park!
ington is not adequate to operate Acadia. De- currents of our own lives and the complex
spite the many ways that the park–and the modern world.
public’s expectations of the park–have grown When our partners at Acadia share their
in recent years, its operating budget has re- best thinking this spring on what new ap- —David R. MacDonald
Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2018 1
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anne Green, Chair Bill Eacho, Treasurer
Hank Schmelzer, Vice Chair Cookie Horner, Secretary
Mark Amstutz Linda Jensen Spring 2018
Emily Beck Jan Karst Volume 23 No. 1
Brownie Carson Jack Kelley
Gail Clark Story Litchfield
Hannah Sistare Clark Meredith Moriarty
Andrew Davis Lili Pew
Dave Edson Jack Russell
John Fassak Edward L. Samek
Elsie Flemings Nonie Sullivan
Jill Goldthwait Christiaan van Heerden
C. Boyden Gray Bill Zoellick
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Eleanor Ames Liz Martinez
Robert and Anne Bass Phoebe Milliken
Curtis and Patricia Blake George J. and Heather
Sylvia Blake Mitchell
Frederic A. Bourke Jr. Joseph Murphy
Tristram and Ruth Colket Janneke Neilson
Gail Cook Nancy Nimick
Shelby and Gale Davis Jack Perkins f e at u r e s
Dianna Emory Nancy Pyne
Nathaniel Fenton Nathaniel P. Reed 3 Photographer Holds a Passion for Acadia
Frances Fitzgerald Ann R. Roberts Sharing the Joy of Capturing Timeless Images
Sheldon Goldthwait Jeannine Ross
Neva Goodwin Howard Solomon By Susan Garver
Paul and Eileen Growald Erwin Soule
Paul Haertel Diana Davis Spencer 5 Connection to the Home of One of Acadia’s Founders
Lee Judd Julia Merck Utsch Doors and Bulkhead Believed to Belong to George B. Dorr
Debby Lash Dick Wolf By Shawn Keeley
Linda Lewis
10 Sign Shop Volunteers Prepare for Spring
EMERITUS TRUSTEES
W. Kent Olson Charles R. Tyson Jr. Crafting ‘Signs’ of Summer While Working all Winter
By Earl Brechlin
FRIENDS OF ACADIA STAFF David R. MacDonald 15 Looking Ahead, and Astern, on Near-decade with FOA
Mary Boëchat President & CEO
Development Officer Contemplation on Serving on the Board of Directors
Diana R. McDowell
Earl D. Brechlin Director of Finance & By Jack Russell
Communications Director Administration
16 Acadia Defender Ready to ‘Rock’ Retirement
Sharon Broom Dana Petersen
Development Officer Stewardship Volunteer Long-time Resource Protection Ranger Charlie Jacobi Reflects
Coordinatort By Earl Brechlin
Stephanie Clement
Conservation Director Carol Potter
Administrative Assistant
Lisa Horsch Clark perspectives
Director of Development & Mike Staggs
Donor Relations Office Manager 1 President’s Message Looking Forward to Spring–and Beyond
Sarah Curts Paige Steele 6 Trial by Ice Flood Brings Damage, Freeze Lures Skaters
Accounting & Conservation Projects
Administrative Associate Manager 7 #Acadiainwinter Our Friends Share Images of Winter
Jason Irwin Julia Walker Thomas 8 Donor Profile Eliza Worrick is an FOA Trailblazer
Vice President for Finance & Communications Associate
Administration 9 Superintendent’s View Acadia, Islesford get ‘Blue Ducks’ in a Row
JoAnne Wood
Shawn Keeley Administrative Assistant 31 Chair’s Letter Spring is Time for Setting Goals
Senior Development Officer 32 Special People Couple’s Career Focused on Acadia
d e pa r t m e n t s
PRST STD
4 Where in Acadia? U.S. POSTAGE
13 Meet the Donors PAID
20 How the Wild Gardens Grew AUBURN, MAINE
21 Updates PERMIT #82
28 Recommended Reading
2 Spring 2018 Friends of Acadia Journal
Sharing Acadia Is Photographer’s Mission
By Susan Garver
A
s a landscape/nature photogra-
pher my camera is always with
me. My favorite time to explore
is very early in the morning when the
sun is just coming up and the trails are
wet with the early morning dew. Often-
times I am alone as I wander on the car-
riage paths or the hiking trails. I enjoy
the solitude as I focus on the sights and
sounds that are so unique to the park.
This is also the time of day when many
animals and birds are active. I have spe-
cial places that I go to see beavers swim-
ming, loons with their babies, otters
playing, and owls looking for prey.
One of my special sightings was of a
doe and her fawn on an early morning
stroll near Murphy’s Lane. I took a few
quick pics of the doe and then saw her
Susan Garver
fawn come out from behind the trees and
walk over to her mother. I was thrilled to
have the opportunity to witness a tender Trenton photographer Susan Garver captured this touching moment between a doe and fawn while she was
moment as they quickly touched noses. out on an early morning walk along the Murphy’s Lane Trail in Acadia National Park.
You never know what you will have the
plants along the edge, I looked up and
opportunity to see–that is what I love
saw the early morning light illuminating
about my treks in Acadia.
newly opened ferns. It was absolutely
breathtaking. It is moments like these
You never know what you that make me thankful for getting up so
will have the opportunity to early to explore.
The Jordan Stream Trail is a wonderful
see–that is what I love about hike any time of year, but in the spring
my treks in Acadia. after the snow and ice have melted it
is quite a sight. I enjoy listening to the
One of my favorite places to explore is sounds of the water along the trail. I love
Sieur de Monts Springs. This area is full reaching the Cobblestone Bridge where I
of gorgeous trails and paths and it can be always stop and take in the view. What
so enchanting as the native plants begin a beautiful sight, the water flowing over
to emerge and come to life. There are so the huge rocks and the different shades
many birds here and I love listening to of green on the leaves in the trees. With
Susan Garver
the sounds. The little ponds are full of peace and the beauty of nature all around,
tadpoles and, later in the summer, frogs you can’t help but realize it doesn’t get
will be relaxing on the lily pads. much better than this! � Susan Garver
On a warm, sunny day the air even
smells like spring. One morning, as I SUSAN GARVER is a resident of Trenton
was walking along the little stream at the and a proud Friends of Acadia member.
Wild Gardens of Acadia looking at all the
Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2018 3
Where in Acadia?
Spring 2018
Volume 23 No. 1
A Magazine about Acadia National Park
and Surrounding Communities
Friends of Acadia preserves, protects, and
promotes stewardship of the outstanding
natural beauty, ecological vitality,
and distinctive cultural resources of
Acadia National Park and surrounding
communities for the inspiration
and enjoyment of current and
FOA/Julia Walker Thomas
future generations.
The Journal is published three times a year.
Submissions and letters are welcome. See
http://friendsofacadia.org/news-publications/
Where in Acadia? When visiting this location in Acadia National Park, you will most likely friends-of-acadia-journal/submissions/
be alone. Only 10 percent of total visitors to Acadia make the trek to this section of the
Opinions expressed are the authors’.
park. Look for clues to identify this location using the species of lichen on the rocks in the
foreground and the two islands in the background as your guide. If you think you can iden- EDITOR
tify the scene pictured here email us at editor@friendsofacadia.org and include a personal Earl D. Brechlin
story or memory about your answer. We’ll print our favorite responses in the next issue of
DESIGN
the Journal and we’ll send a coveted Friends of Acadia cap to the writers. Z Studio
PRINTING
Winter 2017 Where in Acadia? Penmor Lithographers
That is under the Bass Harbor
lighthouse. It is one of my favor- PUBLISHER
David R. MacDonald
ite spots in the world. I always try
to get there at low tide so I can
sit on the rocks for the best view
of the lighthouse. It is an ever- Spring 2018
Volume 23 No. 1
changing view because the sky,
the clouds, the light, the harbor
NPS/Kent Miller
are never the same.
— Carol Lander
Bass Harbor Head lighthouse! My husband and I watched a ship come in from this exact
spot on our honeymoon in September. We can’t wait to come back this year with our son A Magazine about Acadia National Park and Surrounding Communities
who will be born in June! Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2018 1
— Becky Mochak Relatively uncommon in Maine, a patch of
yellow lady slippers blooms in Acadia National Park.
Cover photo by Tom Blagden
The second I saw this, I knew in my photographing gut that it was a mob trying to get a
“unique” shot of Bass Harbor Lighthouse. I have been guilty of this a couple of times.
— John Agricola
Bass Harbor. This is a favorite site for a family outing when my son returns to Maine for our This Journal is printed on paper made with 100%
annual family vacation in Southwest Harbor. We all (three granddaughters and daughter-in- recycled fiber and 60% post-consumer waste, processed
law) enjoy exploring Bass Harbor as my son and I did when he was a boy. David is an avid chlorine free, and manufactured in the USA with 100%
photographer and always seizes the opportunity to snap a few prized shots. We love Acadia; Green-e certified renewable energy.
Printed with soy-based ink.
now the fourth generation to do so!
— Priscilla Giroux
4 Spring 2018 Friends of Acadia Journal
Benefit to Feature a Piece of Acadia’s History
By Shawn Keeley
T
he success of the Annual Benefit later torn down, leaving the old founda- the tell-tale air bubbles and variable surface
over its 29 year history is thanks, in tion as a cultural treasure to discover when suggesting it is antique cylinder glass manu-
large part, to donors who contrib- hiking the Compass Harbor trails. For de- factured more than 100 years ago.
ute wonderful items to the event’s silent cades Peter has had an old structure on his This special piece of Acadia’s history will
and live auctions. From unique art work, property that his father, Horace, acquired be one of about 75 auction items that will
to local excursions and far flung trips, to from Old Farm when the buildings were be sold at the 29th Annual Benefit, which
bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards, FOA razed. When you take a close look at the will be held at the Asticou Inn on Saturday,
has been fortunate to receive a wide range structure you can see that it appears to August 11, 2018.
of items that have raised a significant have been a bulkhead covering a set of If you would like to place a bid on the
amount of funds for Acadia. Nearly every stairs. Old Farm Bulkhead, learn more about the
year, we also receive one-of-a-kind items This spring, Trail Shop volunteers, many Benefit, or donate an item to the auction,
that have a special connection to Acadia. of whom are FOA crew leaders, who spend please contact Shawn Keeley 802-233-
This year we are very excited that Peter the winter creating Carriage Road signs 6863 shawn@friendsofacadia.org.
Liscomb has donated a structure that was for the upcoming season, will stabilize the Thanks to Peter and all of the Benefit do-
once part of George B. Dorr’s Bar Harbor bulkhead so that it is structurally sound and nors who make the event such a wonder-
estate, Old Farm, near today’s Compass can be auctioned at the Annual Benefit. All ful tradition and important fundraiser for
Harbor. Dorr’s estate was bequeathed to the structure’s ornate doors feature the orig- Acadia. �
Acadia National Park in the 1940s and inal hardware and glass – glass that shows
FOA/ Earl Brechlin
FOA/ Julia Walker Thomas
Acadia National Park Sign Shop volunteer crew leader Bob Sanderson displays the doors from what is
believed to be a bulkhead entrance to park co-founder George B. Dorr’s estate, Old Farm.
Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2018 5
In-Kind Donors
A.B. & J.R. Hodgkins Contractors
Brenda Beckett and Howie Motenko
Tom Blagden
Dawnland
epromos
Helen and Philip Koch
Stanley Subaru
Linda and Robert Thayer
Wallace Events
New Business Members
October 1, 2017 – January 31, 2018
Bar Harbor Garden Club
The Place
Office Volunteers
Fiona Bennett Jane Lipsky
Patricia Buccello Dee Lustusky
Diane Clendaniel Doug Monteith
Phyllis Dietz Sarah Nevells
ANP
Lise Ford Allison
Bob Hartley Rockefeller
Marise Hartley
Judy Hines
Nancy Howland
Susan Rossi
Jane Sanderson
Murray Tuchman
Deep Freeze Follows Flood Disaster
I
Don Kirby Sara Yeterian n January, a combination of unusual of ice enticed scores of people to ice skate
Sheila Kirby weather extremes led to unprecedented through the frozen forest and play hockey
flooding and freezing in the Great Mead- on the usually-dry meadow.
ow of Acadia National Park at Sieur de Monts The Sieur de Monts Nature Center (See
Spring. Below right, Ranger Gary Stellpflug photo above), parking lots, bathroom
paddles a canoe “across” a footbridge near structures, Spring House, and Wild Gar-
the Nature Center after heavy rains. dens of Acadia were enveloped in more
The sustained back-to-back 50-year than a foot of water and ice. Restrooms,
rainfall events were followed by a sudden phone booths, and park signs were also
and deep freeze. The photo below, left, encased. The full extent of damage to
shows Friends of Acadia Conservation Di- structures and fragile and sensitive plants
rector Stephanie Clement on ice that en- in the Wild Gardens that have yet to be
tombed the Wild Gardens. The presence tabulated. �
FOA/Julia Walker Thomas
Leadership in Philanthropy
ANP/ Charlie Jacobi
If you are interested in the George B.
Dorr Society, and Friends of Acadia’s
Planned Giving program, please contact
Lisa Horsch Clark at 207-288-3340 or
6 Spring lisahorsch@friendsofacadia.org
email: 2018 Friends of Acadia Journal
Marcy Willow
Kristen Hardy
Eric Shea
Winter in Acadia
D
espite a seemingly endless stretch of below-zero weather in early Janu-
ary, and well-above average snowfall, there was a mixed bag of recre-
ational opportunities in Acadia National Park this winter. A deep, mud-
spawning thaw in early March resulted in the Carriage Roads closing early and
all grooming activities to cease. Nearly three feet of snow, thanks to back-to-back
Nor’easters just weeks later, allowed skiers and snowshoers back on the Carriage
Roads but use of grooming equipment was prohibited. Still, as the photos on
this page demonstrate, scores of people who shared their images with Friends
of Acadia found time for great adventures in the park in winter. Email your best
Renee Duncan
images at any time of year to photos@friendsofacadia.org or share on social me-
dia using #ImAFriendofAcadia.
Jason Leighton
Ashley Epstein
Jeremy Douigherty
Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2018 7
Donor Profile
Eliza Worrick:
Trailblazer Program Fits Her Budget
By Sharon Broom
A
t age 29, Eliza Worrick is well into
her career, working on the adminis-
trative staff of a university president.
However, as much as she wanted to
contribute to Friends of Acadia–where
she was employed as a summer intern
nine years ago–she was finding it difficult
to fit philanthropy into her budget. Last
summer, Eliza discovered the perfect
solution when she signed up for Friends of
Acadia’s Trailblazer program, allowing her
to make a modest gift each month.
“People my age can be intimidated by the
idea of being a donor,” she said. “Joining
FOA’s Trailblazer program makes it easy
and affordable.”
At FOA, Eliza learned how
immensely satisfying it can
Eliza Worrick
be to serve alongside a group
of people who are passionate
Eliza Worrick, right, and her mom Ann of Bar Harbor, on the grounds of the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
about their work… See related story on page 30.
As a Bar Harbor native, Eliza knows “That summer increased my interest in Sustainability at St. Edwards University in
Acadia National Park intimately and development and marketing,” Eliza says. Austin. She returns to Bar Harbor at least
understands the essential role that Friends “But I also knew that I wanted to get behind once a year and spends as much time as
of Acadia plays in protecting the park. the mission of a nonprofit organization, possible in Acadia. Penobscot Mountain
“Acadia has been a very special part of my and Friends of Acadia was the perfect fit.” and Great Head are her favorite hikes.
life,” she says, recalling that while growing At FOA, Eliza learned how immensely “Now that I’m in a financial position to
up, she hiked in Acadia with her parents satisfying it can be to serve alongside a donate to charity, I want to give back to
and brother every weekend regardless of group of people who are passionate about an organization that has given so much
the weather. “The pleasure of being outside their work, pull together as a strong team, to me,” Eliza says. “Being a Friends of
has always been important to me.” and have fun doing it. The experience Acadia Trailblazer lets me give a little at a
In 2009, as a rising junior at Clark inspired her to continue working in the time, which works best for my budget and
University, Eliza served a summer nonprofit sector. schedule.
internship at Friends of Acadia. Her job in Since earning her degree at Clark, Eliza “Plus, I enjoy seeing ‘Friends of Acadia’
the development department was “duties as has worked in higher education while on my credit card statement every month!”
assigned,” but she was especially busy with volunteering at an animal shelter and with For information about becoming
summer events such as the Benefit Auction the Austin, Texas Young Sierrans chapter a Trailblazer, please contact Sharon
and filmmaker Ken Burns’ talk on the of the Sierra Club. Her current position is Broom, development officer, at sharon@
documentary series “The National Parks: administrative coordinator in the President’s friendsofacadia.org or 207-288-3340. �
America’s Best Idea.” Office and Office of Environmental
8 Spring 2018 Friends of Acadia JournalSuperintendent’s View
Spring – A Great Time for the Blue Duck
A
s I write this on a foggy, dreary, Boatworks will preserve and share tradi-
spring-like day it is easy for my tional techniques that reflect the history
mind to wander to thoughts of and artisan past culture of Little Cranberry
summer in Acadia. For many of us, one Island.
of the seminal experiences of a beautiful In the future Islesford Boatworks may
summer day is hopping on a boat, smell- use part of the Blue Duck to sell merchan-
ing the salt air, and visiting Islesford, or dise and create a small hardware store that
Little Cranberry Island. The island’s pace would carry a selection of items not cur-
immediately sets one’s heart rate back a rently available for purchase on Iselsford,
little bit and refreshes us. reconnecting to the building’s history as a
One of the first things you see when ship’s store.
approaching Islesford is the Blue Duck, Thanks to this lease with Islesford Boat-
perched right along the water just to the works, we will improve the condition of
left as you approach the Islesford Dock this historic building, restore a connection
from the water. Built around 1850, the to the waterfront for the Islesford com-
Blue Duck (See photo on page 22.) is a tes- munity, and benefit kids and adults who
tament to the proud maritime heritage in participate in Islesford Boatworks’ pro-
the Islesford community. Today, it is listed grams, while not requiring any financial
NPS/Kristi Rugg
on the National Register of Historic Places. investment from Acadia National Park.
Through the years, it was a ship’s store, a This model of leasing historic structures
general store, an artists’ gallery, and a sail has been very successful at other national
loft. It has also been a residence and a mu- surprisingly, there usually are no easy an- parks in the United States, and we are hap-
seum. It has always been a place for com- swers to be found. py to apply it at Acadia.
munity members to gather and a source of This is why I am particularly excited that If you’re like me, and your mind occa-
pride for the community. we have signed a new agreement to lease sionally wanders on a rainy spring day to
In recent years the National Park Service the Blue Duck to Islesford Boatworks, a summer in Acadia, let it wander to a beau-
has used the Blue Duck for storage. While community-based non-profit organization. tiful afternoon on Islesford. This summer,
the exterior of the building has been main- Islesford Boatworks uses the medium of I hope you are able to drop in and meet
tained, the interior has fallen into disrepair boatbuilding to preserve the local mari- our new friends at the Blue Duck and learn
because of a lack of use. One of the axi- time legacy and to teach important educa- more about Islesford Boatworks.
oms in historic preservation is that historic tional skills. Islesford Boatworks programs
buildings that are used get maintained– include children, teens, and adults from
thus preserving them. When left alone– the Cranberry Islands and Mount Desert
historic buildings will quickly succumb to Island communities.
the elements and molder. As part of Islesford Boatworks’ lease of
Adding to the challenge is the Blue the Blue Duck, they will carefully renovate —Kevin Schneider
Duck’s offshore location. It takes a huge the building over the next two to three
amount of effort just getting there to do years, keeping in mind its historic integrity.
basic maintenance. Islesford Boatworks will use the Blue Duck
With a $60-million backlog of deferred as a demonstration space and teaching
maintenance, steadily growing numbers shop, showcasing traditional boatbuild-
of visitors, and declining federal budgets, ing techniques to the island community
we are often faced with a seemingly over- and summer visitors. From chiseling the
whelming amount of work to care for Aca- stem, to shaping planks or steam bend-
dia National Park and ensure our visitors ing frames, much of the actual construc-
have great experiences. One of the most tion of their boats is still accomplished the
challenging questions we often ask our- traditional way with hand tools. In having
selves is how do we do more with less. Not a dedicated space for this work, Islesford
Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2018 9Sign Shop Volunteers Prepare for Spring
By Earl Brechlin
FOA/Julia Walker Thomas
Volunteers in the Acadia National Park Sign Shop fashion cedar logs into posts and crossbars for directional signs at Carriage Road intersections.
T
hroughout the winter they have fluorescent lights on the steel rafters high With scores of machines processing raw
been toiling away in a remote, overhead are snapped on. The former cedar logs, purchased from a local vendor,
rustic workshop, armed with hand- maintenance garage’s robust hot air furnace into sign posts and cross arms, and sanding
chisels, saws, belt sanders, and paint roars to life sending a welcome plume of units running constantly, great care is taken
brushes in a scene not unlike fictional hot air into the normally frigid space. On to protect the crew from the fine sawdust.
depictions of Santa’s North Pole workshop. occasion a mouse can be seen skittering Many woods, including eastern white cedar
But the “gifts” crafted here are designed for along a steel beam along the wall, disturbed which is the species of choice here, contain
summer delivery–new posts, cross arms, from its mid-winter repose by a surprising resins and other chemical compounds that
and direction signs for Acadia National surge of activity. cause health problems, particularly for
Park’s fabled carriage roads. those who might be allergic.
Every Monday and Wednesday morning, This season’s focus is the creation of
Sometimes it can take as
once the cold breath of winter permanently more than a dozen replacements for
envelops the park, a dedicated cadre of many as four of the volun- signposts that are located at every carriage
Acadia National Park VIPs (Volunteers In teers to wrestle with or re- road intersection in Acadia. The crew has
Parks) arrives at the park’s sign shop around also made collapsible barricades for traffic
8 a.m. Ironically, without a sign of its own,
position a log. control, as well as signs for buildings and
it is tucked away, down a narrow lane from noteworthy geographic features.
the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Like workers With the building brought to life, The volunteers are also working
in any manufacturing operation, they volunteers don Tyvek coveralls, dig out on creating identical cedar signs for
shuffle in wearing sacrificial work clothes, their safety glasses and hearing protection, intersections on Land and Garden Preserve
often toting Thermoses and snacks for the and test the fit on their respirators. By the carriage roads that connect with those
mid-morning coffee break. time they are ready to work, they appear in Acadia to provide for a continuity of
One by one, long rows of glaring white more like astronauts than woodworkers. experience for visitors. The logs for that
10 Spring 2018 Friends of Acadia Journalproject were harvested from the Preserve’s “We’ve done everything from measuring
own forests. and recording the dimensions of every
Signs for the St. Croix Island International structure in Acadia to putting bunk beds
Historic Site near Calais, which is overseen together,” he continues.
by Acadia’s superintendent, are also made They also have rebuilt a custom, horse-
at the Hulls Cove facility. drawn, handicapped-accessible carriage.
Some members of the crew also work Also this winter, they have been working
regularly helping out at the Trail Sign Shop to stabilize a Victorian-era shed that may
at park headquarters on McFarland Hill. have once been a bulkhead covering stairs
In all, more than a dozen men and at Acadia co-founder George B. Dorr’s
women regularly are part of the effort. estate, Old Farm. (See related story on page
Schedules vary, but it’s not unusual to have 5) “We are doing the minimum needed to
nine or ten show up on any given day. Many stabilize it,” Sanderson says.
bring advanced skills they developed while After being stripped of bark and allowed
working for years in the building trades or to dry, cedar logs for the posts and cross
as finish carpenters. arms are laid out on metal racks in the
FOA/Earl Brechlin
A familiarity with tools, an eye for detail, processing shop. Sometimes it can take as
and plenty of safety training complete the many as four of the volunteers to wrestle
required skill set. with or reposition a log.
Bob Sanderson of Southwest Harbor has On one side of the shop Don Bell and Jim Linnane of Bar Harbor sands down a
cedar crossbar.
been working in the sign shop at Acadia another volunteer use a mortising bit to
for more than 20 years. Like most of the craft a precise, 2 by 4-inch rectangular
workers he organizes, he does double opening near the top of one of the sign
Sign Shop Volunteers
duty during the year. When the weather posts. Each mortise requires multiple
Bill McArtor Bob Graham
improves, most are volunteer trail crew passes from both sides of the log to get it
leaders for Friends of Acadia. While the just right.
Gerry Fournier Cliff Olson
sign shop program is supervised directly by In the middle of the shop, Kip Warren of Jim Linnane David Orsmond
the park, FOA provides support in the form Tremont uses an electric chainsaw to taper Jean Bell Dana Petersen
of tools, safety equipment, and materials. the top of a post to a beveled point. Mindful Don Bell Betsy Roberts
“Mostly we do signs but we’ve also of the environment, they use vegetable Ken Burgess Bob Sanderson
done some strange things,” comments oil, rather than a petroleum product, to JC Camelio Julia Schloss
Sanderson. The craftsmanship and lubricate the chain.
Randy Ewins Kip Warren
patience of the volunteers means they are At the opposite end, Jim Linnane of Bar
sometimes tasked with other duties as well. Harbor holds onto a powerful belt sander Becca Flesh
FOA/Earl Brechlin
FOA/Earl Brechlin
Julia Schloss of Bar Harbor paints the
inset letters of a sign destined for Acadia’s
Carriage Roads.
A Sign Shop volunteer inspects a Ranger Station sign that is being refurbished.
Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2018 11posts. They sport up to an estimated 800 “You don’t have to be too fussy,” Schloss
individual direction signs. This year the laughs. “Once the paint dries we sand the
crew will replace about a dozen posts and entire face smooth to remove any excess
120 signs. and give it a nice finish,” she adds.
According to Sanderson, working on Volunteer Betsey Roberts carefully hand-
the signs and other projects offers different letters the signs before they are sent to the
rewards compared to leading crews doing shop. On this day, Jean Bell is also helping
trail maintenance during warmer weather. out with the painting duties.
“To me it’s about the camaraderie of the According to Dianna McKeage, Volunteer
folks in the shop. It’s nice to be inside in Coordinator for Acadia, sign shop
winter and do something meaningful to volunteers donated more than 1,200 hours
give back to Acadia,” he continues. “It’s also of work last winter.
nice to be able to work with our hands.” “They are dedicated local volunteers
Sanderson credits park maintenance who bring years of experience, passion,
department officials, including Alan and dedication to their work,” McKeage
FOA/Earl Brechlin
Farnsworth and Keith Johnston, with giving explains. “They are responsible for the
the crew some latitude to explore projects maintenance and upkeep of our carriage
of interest. “We have our assignments and road signs, and many other behind-the-
we get them done but we also get to muck scenes projects.
Acadia Sign Shop volunteers carefully remove old
around,” he says. “We all love it.” “We are incredibly fortunate to have
metal fasteners so they can repair and recycle a
vintage sign. In an adjacent space, away from the them here at Acadia National Park. Their
noise and dust of the main shop, Julia skills and expertise as sign makers is
with two hands as he finishes the tip of a Schloss of Bar Harbor carefully paints the unparalleled.”
cross arm. He stops frequently and runs a indented letters of a direction sign created Perhaps the best reward, according to
hand over the wood’s surface to see if it is with a router. The pale yellow paint helps Sanderson, is when sign shop volunteers
smoothed to his satisfaction. highlight the text making it easier for are out in the park, which is often, and chat
The din of those tools, plus other power visitors to read. But, it has a much more with visitors about what they do. “People
equipment and the occasional bang of practical purpose too. The paint coats really appreciate it,” Sanderson said. “I
a hammer, leave little doubt as to the the end grain of the wood exposed when have yet to run into someone who didn’t
intensity of effort required to craft custom the router bit cut through the board at say ‘thank you.’” �
items that many park visitors probably take thousands of revolutions per minute. It
for granted. seals the wood, slowing the infiltration of EARL BRECHLIN is Friends of Acadia’s
Throughout Acadia there are just fewer moisture, which lengthens the lifetime of Communications Director.
than 80 of the tall cedar carriage road sign the sign.
Sign Shop Volunteers Win Top Honors
The volunteers of the Acadia intersections on the Carriage unteers has donated their most with FOA leading trail mainte-
National Park Sign Shop have Roads. Volunteers also help precious resource, their time, nance volunteers.
been named the winners of the with trail signs and with other toward handcrafting wooden The NPS created the annual
George B. Hartzog, Jr. Award projects involving maintenance signs to help every visitor enjoy Hartzog Awards in a variety of
for Outstanding Volunteer Ser- and higher-level carpentry their park.” categories to honor volunteers’
vice for the Northeast Region. and craftsmanship While the volunteers hard work, draw attention to
The region stretches from throughout the answer directly to their vast skills and contribu-
Virginia to Maine and includes park. the park, their tions, and stimulate develop-
more than 80 parks, heritage “We are very work is broadly ment of innovative projects
sites, and other areas. Thou- honored and supported by and volunteer involvement.
sands of people volunteer in grateful to the Friends of Acadia The intent of the awards is to
the region annually. ‘Sign Shop Volun- through the pur- distinguish those exemplary
In Acadia, Sign Shop VIPs teers’ who are best chase of key tools, individuals or groups who give
(Volunteers-In-Parks) help known for their excep- materials, and safety of their skills, talents, and time
repair and replace many of tional carriage road signage,” clothing and equipment. beyond the normal call of duty.
the park’s rustic signs, par- said Acadia Superintendent Activity ramps up in the The recognition is named for
ticularly the historic posts and Kevin Schneider. “This team of shop in winter after many the late George B. Hartzog and
directional markers gracing dedicated and passionate vol- members wrap up their work his wife Helen.
12 Spring 2018 Friends of Acadia JournalNew Donors
October 1, 2017 – Jacqueline Buscarini Dave Darrow Elizabeth Hoffmann Kirsy Melo
January 31, 2018 Susan Buswell Laura Davis Sharon and Scot Holt Memic
Anonymous (4) Anthony Butterall John Dieckmann Teresa Myrwang Holum Edward Merians
Cindy Aldana Mary Cardin and Michael Taft Evelyn Dolan Lawrence Hoyt Merle Daniels
Martha Aliwalas Cardinal Brook Trust Art Donahue Rob Humphries Roseann and John Metrinko
Julianna Allen David Carre Charlene and Paul Douglas Robert Hutchins Alois Miller
Nancy Amato Lori Carria Angela Drexel Lisa and Rob Hutchison Betsy Miller
Kathy Ameche John Caspers Susan and Paul Edney Cynthia Irwin Keith Miller
Eleanor Archer Nicole Caspers Day Ann and Bruce Emory Julie and Rick Jacobs Kristin Miller
Rebecca and Keane Aures Donna and Ray Chalifour E-Trade Financial Elizabeth and Gregory Sean Miller
Hans Bader Pamela Chamberlain and Eversource Energy Jamison Dolores and Gary Mills
Rick Baker Nicki Croghan Foundation John G. and Jean R. Gosnell Carol Moore and
Joel Barkan James Charity Jason Fabian Foundation Michael Appel
Phoebe Barnes Julie Christopher and Nancy Farmer and Darrell A. Bryant Johnson Robert Mosher
Christine Barry Marge Connelly Hartke Millie Johnson Sue Moy
Alan Bayles Benjamin Clark Sharon and Carl Fawcett Amber Jones Harold Mueller
Sue Bell and John Brissette George Clark Jill Feldman Ben Jones Michelle Naumec
Grant Fergeson Michelle Kane William Neely
Diane Ferrisi George Karonis Erik Neilis
Fiduciary Trust Vanita Katkae Melanie and Steve Ness
Fields Galley Private Philip Katz
“Enclosed please find the March Foundation Veronica Kell and
Novartis Corporation Charity
Custodial Account
installment of our monthly giving Chris Fischer
Michael Fisher
Dennis Argo
Rob Kelley
Kathleen O’Connor and
John Betz
pledge. Elaine Fisk
Richard Flanagan
John Kelly
Laura Kepich
Dennis O’Flaherty
Robert Oliver
Joan and David Ford Boris Khaykovich Anne Ortiz
“This visit will bring our first Sharla and Gilles Fouquet Sharon Kimmel Sandra Parks
Kathy and Gary Fox Wytske Kingma and
grandchild to the park for the Charles Fredette Charles Richard
Vicky Patton and
Bob Chapman
first time fully ambulatory – I Front Stream, Avon Products
Foundation
Ann Kinney
Megan and Robert Kline
Erin and Sean Peirce
Mark Peirce
hope the park is prepared for this Robert and Rita Gallon
Amy Galluzzo
Helene Santanastasko
Krahling
Donald Pendley
Robert Perry
young force of nature. I expect Neel Gandhi Joanna and Stephen Krasinski Margie and Steven Pitcher
Leslie Garland Marymargaret Krey Gayle and Paul Ploufle
that Zora Quinn will learn to Jenna Gaughan and Cynthia Krum Wm. Lane Porter
David Niese Erica LaFramboise Catherine and Tony
love the park as much as the rest Debra and Andrew Gauvin Helena Langenheim Preston-Schreck
Timmy Gauvin Gregg LaPore Barbara Pretorius
of her family does… Kathleen and Milt Gerard Lisa LaRue Dan Puskar
Leslie Gibbons Jacek Laskus Iris and Fred Radner
“Keep up the work of preserving Shawna Giggey-Mashal and Katherine Leach Kate Rafey
Robert Mashal Karissa Leary Ann and Will Ratcliff
this marvelous vacation spot.” Debbie Gilmer Michelle Ledoux Kathy Ratcliffe and
Lou and Tom Glenn Hunter Lilley Robert Humphrey
Carey Glines Polly Lindemann Robert Rauseo
— Quinn family, Bloomfield, CT John Glynn Jodi Lockhart Susan Raven
Cindy and Roger Goldstein Scott Lonkoski Dan Ray
Lesley Gordon Ronald Lovatt Mary and Terry Redlinger
Shaina Graboyes Chris Lyford Glenn Riggs
Charlene Bennett Julie Clark Barbara Griffin Maura Mack Adele Rosen
Kathy and Dick Berggren Jane Collins Ross Griffin Jean and David Magpiong Wendy and Mark Rosenberg
Philip Bernardi Kathy Combs and Spencer Griffin Lois Markland Annie Rowell
Neil Berthiaume John Kaminski Caroline Grimm Kathleen Marsh Rowell Family
Stephen Bicknell Jeremy Coon, on behalf of Lorna Grochowski Ann Marshall Russell Roy
Dawn and Robert Bird Anna Coon and Lisa Gundlach Mike Martin Jackie Rubenacker
Julie Blakney Charlotte Colvin Kerry Hague Nancy Dieckmann Matheny Rebecca Rubenstein
Carlyle Bodman Martin Lin Corliss Mary Hague Michael Mather Sabo Family
Sallie Boggs Carol and James Crawford John Hallinger Laura Mathews Elizabeth and Alex Salvi
Justine Boivin Noel and Mark Croce Bonnie Hancock Eric Matta Kimberly Santangelo
Jennifer Booher Wardene Crowley Debra Harms Maria Matthews Phyllis Santer and
Boston Family Office Robyn Cuffey Christina Hausman Harrison Mazur Carl Suchar
Catherine Brewer Maggie Culyba Ellen and James Haynes Erik Mazzone Jennifer Sawyer
Jonathan Briars Caleb Cushing Lynn and Gib Hennessey William McArtor Acadia Schechter
Bryson Brodie Nan and Zhi Da Donna Herbert Zelda McBride Tyler and Jamie Schiff
Mark Brown Lynn D’Agostino and Katherine Heuston Kathleen McCormack Sarah and Thomas Schwarz
Natalie and Mike Brown Nancy Drolet Edward Hickey Barbara and Bo McCrum Bennett Sciacca
Paul Bryan Kathryn Dahlin Terri Hiestand Penny McEvers-Harrell Jan Seide
Carol Buchanan Mary D’Alessando Hillman Charitable Sydney McLean
Elaine Buchardt Dallas Foundation Foundation Patrick Meier continued on page 14
Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2018 13New Friends
New Faces Join the Friends of Acadia Staff
FOA/Julia Walker Thomas
FOA/Julia Walker Thomas
FOA/Julia Walker Thomas
JASON IRWIN has joined FOA as Vice JOANNE WOOD began work in January DANA PETERSEN has been promoted to
President of Finance and Administration, as FOA’s new Development Assistant, tak- fill FOA’s new full-time position as Volun-
stepping into the post vacated by the re- ing over from Carol Potter, who is shifting teer Stewardship Coordinator after serving
tirement of Dianna McDowell. to a part-time schedule and will now focus so ably in the position seasonally here for
Irwin is a resident of Mount Desert, a na- her work on supporting the finance and the past two summers.
tive of Maine, and a graduate of the Uni- administrative team. In addition to Petersen’s many contribu-
versity of Southern Maine. He is a CPA and Wood has served most recently as part tions to FOA during 2016-17, he has sev-
comes to FOA with a wide range of prior of the administrative team at the University eral years’ experience as a back-country
experience. of New England and has relocated to Bar park ranger and a high school teacher. A
As VP, Irwin will be a key member of Harbor from southern Maine. native of Montana, he earned a B.A. in Eng-
FOA’s leadership. He will be responsible She is a Maine Master Naturalist and, lish and an education endorsement from
for several areas including all of FOA’s fi- together with her husband, photographer Montana State University
nancial management functions and human Doug, has spent countless hours exploring Petersen lives in Pretty Marsh with his
resources. Acadia. partner, Annah, and is already giving ad-
Prior to joining FOA, Jason served as Wood adds needed capacity to our de- ditional support to the volunteer program,
Controller at the Jackson Laboratory and velopment team in gift entry and data man- trails and carriage roads, Acadia Winter
Central Vermont Medical Center. Irwin agement and will help with our front-office Trails, and community engagement.
began working part-time in February and presence as well.
became full-time in March.
New Donors, continued
Barbara Seidman Elizabeth Stevenson and John Tabaczynski Dennison Trevett Wild Pine Handmade Jewelry
William Sekulski James Stretch Ann and Joe Tannehill Cindy Trueblood Andrew Wilson
Lisa Shannon Nina Stratton Margaret and John Thibodeau Lauren Tucker Jeff Wilson
Julianne Sharp Caroline Strong Nicole Theriault Dawn Vallejo Robert Wolcheski
Kelsey Sheaffer Kristen and Robert Strong Wayne Theriault Patricia Van de Bogart Sarah Wolcheski
Susan and James Sidel Robert Stuart August Thoma Katherine Villinger Mimi and Mark Worthington
Deborah Stacey and Emma Sundberg Joann Thomas Judy and George Violette Julia Wright
Eric Frances Marshall Sundberg Susan and Andrew Melissa Walden Ben Wyman
Sandra Stacey Peter Sunenshine Thompson Merrilee Warholak
Sarah Statham Jennifer and William Supple Brian Thornton Richard Warren
Jack Stefanowicz Kimberly Swan TIAA Charitable Lisa Weickert
Cathy and Frank Stevenson Marcia Swanick Holly Tirrell Lisa Weir
14 Spring 2018 Friends of Acadia JournalReflections on Serving on the FOA Board
By Jack Russell
C
ome July I will conclude nine years some of my most enjoyable work has been
of service on the Friends of Acadia with colleagues with whom I would other-
Board of Directors. I have been wise arm-wrestle on most matters political.
asked to reflect on my experience as a board At our May 2017 board meeting hard work
member. Before any personal gestures, and hard arguments by leading board mem-
however, I must honor my colleagues. Like bers over the preceding year finally brought
them, I have served on many boards. My us to a unanimous vote for gradual divest-
FOA service has been the most gratifying. ment from carbon-based energy producers.
I believe many board mates would say the We partied hard together that evening!
same. Your board has forged an exemplary part-
Smart, generous, and passionate people nership with the ANP leadership and staff.
govern FOA. The fifty or so folks with FOA support for ANP provides a margin of
whom I have served over the past nine years excellence for Acadian visitors and helps
have included corporate CEOs, elected offi- ANP attract and keep stars from the NPS.
cials, portfolio managers, ambassadors, star The independent but intimate FOA-ANP re-
FOA/Earl Brechlin
lawyers, advisors to foundations, counsel- lationship requires trust and solidarity. Too
ors to presidents – and a few community few realize that the ANP staff has worked
organizers. Some are wealthy. All are gener- for more than two decades without proper
ous to Acadia. (During our Second Century Jack Russell has served on the FOA Board for nine federal funding. They have done more with
Campaign, most board members made the years. less but not always been given the respect
largest charitable donation of their lives.) ciples to guide our advocacy, and come to they deserve.
Brains and bucks matter, but heart counts unanimity on gradual divestment from fos- Thus one of my golden moments was the
most. As the only Mount Desert Island- sil fuel securities. This concord was reached evening of June 25th, 2016. That night the
born director, I joined the board in 2009 during the partisan times of the Obama ad- Bar Harbor Brass Week ensemble celebrat-
with some skepticism. My only contact with ministration and the Trump adventure. ed the Acadia Centennial with a concert
summer people as a kid here in the 1950s We’ve had fun working to shared pur- that filled The Criterion. The balcony was
was waiting on them at Daney’s Market. pose. I’ve anchored the left of the board, but
continued on page 30
Would we share a commitment to this ex-
traordinary place? Absolutely, I learned. I
leave the board with deep respect for those
whose Acadian bond is not a birthright
but a choice sustained over decades and
through generations.
My Friends colleagues have become
friends for life. Thus the best way for me to
convey my experience as an FOA director
is to celebrate four collective achievements
of the board in my time and share the mo-
ments that distill each.
Your board advocates for Acadia with one
FOA/Julia Walker Thomas
voice. This is not a casual achievement. We
define a broad political spectrum from right
to left but find common ground to serve our
beloved park. We’ve defined and funded
four strategic pillars to focus new support
for Acadia, adopted ten fundamental prin- Acadia Centennial Committee Co-chairs Jack Russell, left, and Cookie Horner celebrate the dedication of a
time capsule slated to be opened in the park’s bicentennial year, 2116.
Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2018 15Acadia Defender Ready To ‘Rock’ Retirement
By Earl Brechlin
ACADIA NAT’L PARK — Suggesting some- the shoreline or battling to make sure Aca- conservation. “During that trip we went to 16
one has rocks on the brain is seldom con- dia’s historic Bates Cairns on the hiking trails National Parks,” Jacobi explains. “I think that
sidered a compliment. Say that to Acadia remain intact, keeping rocks in their proper started a little something in my head.”
Ranger Charlie Jacobi however, who retired places has been no small part of Jacobi’s pas- Later, while working for the Town of
in December after a 34-year career with the sion for protecting the park. Newtown’s Recreational Department and
National Park Service, and his instant reply The Sandy Hook, Connecticut native cred- supervising outdoor activities, Jacobi met an
would be “thank you!” its a road trip around the country with high experienced outdoorsman who had trained
Whether it is efforts to educate visitors school buddies in 1976 with planting the at the National Outdoor Leadership School
about the issue of “rock art” cluttering up seed that grew into a lifetime of caring about (NOLS). That further fanned the flames of his
interest in conservation.
Although he held an undergraduate degree
in Sociology, Jacobi went back to school at
Virginia Tech and obtained a Masters in For-
est Recreation and Park Management. His
first seasonal NPS job was a fee collector in
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “I
was happy as a clam. There was lots of great
hiking,” Jacobi recalls.
With no preconceived career plan in place,
Jacobi took a job in Acadia in 1984 and first
worked running Blackwoods Campground
seasonally during the first year it was part of a
national reservation system. He then worked
as a law enforcement ranger in his role as
campground supervisor.
Chief Ranger Norm Dodge tapped Jacobi
to supervise the park’s then-newly opened
entrance fee station near Sand Beach. Even-
tually he applied for specialized natural re-
source program training and became one of
just two dozen specialists throughout the
park service.
Eventually he purchased the house in Ot-
ter Creek that he had been renting for several
years and that has been his base camp ever
since.
During his tenure at Acadia, Jacobi has
been a pioneer, enhancing Leave No Trace
(LNT) education and helping to get FOA’s
early Ridge Runner and recreational tech
FOA/Julia Walker Thomas
programs off the ground. He has worked
closely with the FOA Summit Stewards on
a variety of efforts to protect all areas of the
park, stretching from the summit of Cadil-
lac Mountain to the rocky beaches of Isle au
Acadia National Park Ranger Charlie Jacobi retired in December after a 34-year career with the National
Haut. “I like to call them my mini-army of
Park Service.
16 Spring 2018 Friends of Acadia JournalANATOMY OF A
BATES CAIRN
By Earl Brechlin
T railside piles of stone, called cairns
after the Scottish term for them,
have guided hikers around the world for
centuries. In the early days of trail layout
and construction at Acadia, in the early
1900s, pathfinder Waldron Bates, created
a unique cairn design that now bears his
name.
Bates Cairns employ two or more
stacked foundation stones capped by
a longer, and usually flatter, horizontal
stone mantle. A fourth stone, called the
pointer, is then positioned on the top
with the tip showing the way to the sum-
Don Lenahan
mit. Somehow, perhaps after the Great
Fire of 1947, Bates Cairns fell out of favor
in Acadia and were replaced with the
Ranger Charlie Jacobi and volunteer Don Lenahan carried a step ladder to the top of South Bubble in order
traditional conical cairns used in the high
to access the top of Bubble Rock to remove an illegal rock art installation.
country throughout New England.
data collectors,” Jacobi explains. “They are enced hikers trying to stay on the trail. And Acadia stewards began experimenting
kind of like utility infielders.” efforts to gather rocks for those creations dis- with a return to Bates Cairns on historic
Jacobi also was instrumental in the res- turb thin soils and can harm fragile mountain
trails in the 1990s. A concerted effort to
complete the switch over began in 2001.
toration of Bates Cairns (See related story.) vegetation. Volunteers and trail crews spend
The entire process took approximately a
on historic trails, primarily on the east side hundreds of hours annually removing them.
decade.
of Mount Desert Island. In 2001, he found- Likewise, stacks of balanced stones along Now-retired ranger Charlie Jacobi
ed “Waldron’s Warriors,” a special cadre of shores or streams may seem like impressive spearheaded the Bates Cairn movement
back-country volunteers that check on Bates personal accomplishments but they are, in ef- by helping to found “Waldron’s War-
Cairns in spring and fall and repair them fect, human graffiti that interjects an element riors,” a special cadre of park volunteers
when necessary. of the artificial and contrived into the natural that works primarily in spring and fall,
Jacobi worked as part social scientist, part landscape. It is no small effort to disassemble before seasonal trail crews arrive. Mem-
recreation ecologist, part recreation planner, those as well. bers patrol trails featuring Bates Cairns
part educator, anything to do with invento- Removing one of the more prominent in- and make repairs, or remove illegal
ry, monitoring, management, and mitigation stallations required Jacobi and volunteer Don cairns, as necessary.
of the impacts from visitor activities and be- Lenahan to hike to the top of South Bubble
haviors. with a ladder so they could climb on top of
“People think I just hike for a living, but Bubble Rock and remove an illegal pile of
it wasn’t quite like that,” says Jacobi. “I liked rocks there.
the diversity of the job. I dabbled in a lot of While visitors are sometimes caught steal-
things.” ing large quantities of stones as keepsakes or
While all aspects of Acadia’s natural re- for personal landscaping projects, Jacobi’s
sources have gained from Jacobi’s attentions, efforts to educate folks to leave rocks alone
it is the rocks, both on the shores and the have borne fruit. Over the years, boxes of
summits that have benefited the most. rocks mailed anonymously have arrived at
Maintaining the simple structure of Bates FOA’s office with a request they be returned.
Cairns isn’t easy as visitors often “augment” One of the last things Jacobi cleaned out of
the precise design with extra stones. Some his office was a bag of painted rocks from
less enlightened park visitors cannot seem to Acadia that Ridge Runners and Summit
FOA/Earl Brechlin
resist the urge to kick Bates Cairns over. Stewards had collected over the years. Jacobi
In addition, well-meaning hikers frequent- hopes to clean them up and then put them
ly build “bootleg” cairns along trails. When back.
they proliferate they become eyesores or they Despite spending hundreds of hours each A Bates Cairn on the Champlain Mountain
can make things confusing for less-experi- year hiking while at work, lacing up his hik- North Ridge Trail.
Friends of Acadia Journal Spring 2018 17You can also read
