Friends of Acadia
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March 31, 2011
What does Friends of Acadia do? A better question would be, what don't they do? My husband and our two dogs and I visit Acadia National Park every year, and even with the difficulties that all the parks are experiencing in the last 15 years in terms of funding, we are continually amazed. The park would definitely not be in such great shape without the support--in terms of money, time, volunteers, scientific endeavors, creative projects, corporate involvement, resources, etc.--of FOA. I look forward each year not only to visiting ANP and the surrounding communities of Mount Desert Island, but I actually crave receiving the FOA Journal in the mail three times a year, along with the superbly produced annual report! FOA creates a community that cares not only about the park, but about nature and youth and peace and education and beauty and ethics--in short, all the things that make us human and make us yearn for a better future. In his book Time and Tide in Acadia, Christopher Camuto writes that, "Some days, walking Acadian summits, soaking up the informed silence of these moubtains, you'll want to bow to everything you see." I would submit that there are times when I visit the wonders of Mount Desert Island, I feel the same sort of reverence for the wonderful folks at Friends of Acadia.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I visit the park each year.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Suggest ways for people who don't live in Maine to be more involved with FOA throughout the year.
March 31, 2011
Incredible organization with a commitment to preserving and improving an incredible national treasure.
Dedicated staff and volunteers and supporters.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Enjoying the trails and carriage roads
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Can't think of anything
March 31, 2011
Acadia National Park is a gift to all of us. Last year I started a hiking group and my friends at Friends of Acadia were of great help to me putting the group together. We hiked a total of 48 trails and each time you could see all the great work and energy Friends have done. With the new trail marker and keeping the trails nice. The park is lucky to have them working so hard at keeping it so pretty. So in closing I would like to say, Thank You Friends Of Acadia for being here.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Helping with the "Hike the Book" hiking club.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No changes
March 30, 2011
Friends of Acadia is known to everyone on Mount Desert Island as the organization that works to preserve the natural resources of Acadia National Park. I have admired and supported FOA for years but have only recently, as a volunteer in the Wild Gardens of Acadia, had the opportunity to work closely with their board and staff . The Wild Gardens are gardens of native plant communities located within Acadia National Park. They began in 1961 as a volunteer project of the Bar Harbor Garden Club and have been sustained by volunteers since that time. As the Gardens grew and visitation increased it became increasingly difficult for volunteers to maintain them and the Gardens’ volunteers, fearing for the future, appealed for help from Friends of Acadia, an organization sharing the Gardens’ volunteers’ commitment to conservation of the Parks resources and to volunteerism. Friends of Acadia embraced the project and, working with the National Park, established in 2010 the Wild Gardens of Acadia Committee of Friends of Acadia. In the short time since the formal affiliation I have watched the Wild Gardens, always beautiful and always an asset to the Park, begin to realize their potential. Today a professional gardener, not volunteers, oversees the workings of the Gardens and guides the work of a student intern. Volunteers have been freed to serve as docents for the thousands of visitors and they help with the weeding and gardening when needed. They work with the Head Gardener to plan habitat restoration and with Friends of Acadia to plan for the future. Volunteers continue to help raise funds but now they have guidance and support in their efforts. Friends of Acadia, The Wild Gardens, and the Master Gardeners of Hancock County jointly published a guide to the native ferns last summer. Friends of Acadia has provided a structure in which these activities, and many others, are planned and support with which they are executed. Most importantly the Wild Gardens of Acadia, because of its association with Friends of Acadia, is assured of a future.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have personally experienced the results of this organization in my personal life as I enjoyed the Park or taken the free Park Bus established by Friends of Acadia. I have also seen the Wild Gardens of Acadia greatly expand its usefulness to the Park and its visitors through the efforts of Friends of Acadia.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I really cannot think of changes that I would make.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes. I think it has made me a better team player.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Relieved and fulfilled.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
March 30, 2011
Being a volunteer for Friends of Acadia is a wonderful experience! Many opportunities are made available for volunteers according to their time and interests. volunteers work on the trails and carriage roads in Acadia National Park from May to November, clearing brush, rehabilitating old trails, creating new ones, clearing drainage ditches, and improving vistas. other volunteers help in the Wild Gardens at Sieur de Mont Springs, on the Schoodic Peninsula and with the annual summer fundraising gala. In the spring many volunteers join in the annual Earth Day cleanup, which makes the communities surrounding Acadia as beautiful as the park. in the fall hundreds of people from all over come to participate in Take Pride in Acadia Day. Friend of Acadia does a great job of providing some thing for everyone, families, school groups, outing clubs, young and old. Friends of Acadia educates and trains their volunteers, provides tools, transportation and support for their efforts. And volunteers are well recognized for their contribution to Acadia in many ways, making the whole effort a rewarding experience. The result? Volunteers provide more than 10,000 hours of help a year to preserve, protect and enhance Acadia while enjoying a sense of pride and camaraderie.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Knowing that the trails and carriage roads are in excellent condition and greatly appreciated by visitors to the park. knowing and working with the outstanding staff of Friends of Acadia
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Work to increase the number of volunteers and opportunities for them to help
March 30, 2011
I was born and grew up on Mount Desert Island, so love of Acadia is my birthright. When i came home to the island in 2006 to life the last best third of life, I quickly joined Friends of Acadia. I have done regular volunteer work on ANP trails and carriage roads, done spring roadside clean-up on the island, written often for the FOA Journal, become a donor within my means, brought several friends into Friends and, since 2010, serve proudly and a member of the FOA Board, where I chair the Advocacy Committee. I am currently part of a team doing a full review of the FOA Strategic Plan. FOA gives me a community through which I can express values and commitment deeply important to me as a life-long conservationist. The strength and dedication of the FOA professional staff and the quality of my colleagues on the FOA Board make my investment in Friends a joyful natural act.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Most of my friends on MDI are Friends. It is a part of our community life and our way on investing in our commons. I hear what FOA means to them every day.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand our membership, make even more use of social media, build our financial resources to defend and support the park, create a fund to support the professional development of the staff, build the FOA brand, and deepen the bond between Friends and the communities that surround Acadia.
March 30, 2011
As a resident of Mt. Desert Island and frequent user of beautiful but cash-strapped Acadia National Park, i am often surprised at how much Friends of Acadia does to further opportunities for visitors to the Park, who numbered more than 2,500.000 people last year. FOA organizes large numbers of volunteers who maintain and groom the legendary carriage roads I walk and ski on. I marvel as I hike mountain trails beautifully restored with FOA funds. I join local friends who volunteer for FOA's annual roadside cleanup, and have served on a committee that plans walking paths from villages to mountain trail complexes. Our young granddaughter has enjoyed an FOA family day which encourages children to experience the outdoors. I read the fine Friends of Acadia Journal from beginning to end for inspiration and information. I like knowing that any contributions to FOA will be leveraged to the full through partnerships and use of volunteers to benefit so many, many people.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
In talking with Park visitors or using the Park with friends, their appreciation of many of the opportunities provided by FOA is evident, especially the stone-laid trails and the winter grooming of the carriage roads for cross-country skiing. The participants in the hard work of spring road cleanup obviously find the experience actually fun as well as satisfying.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Friends of Acadia might find a way to let visitors know about its part in their enjoyment of the Park by small, unobtrusive signs at restored trail sections stating that this work was done with FOA funds and perhaps a small bit of that trail's history.
March 29, 2011
A couple of decades ago my wife and I discovered Acadia National Park. Over the years we spent some of our vacation time there. We've also visited national parks in the west. Acadia may not match some of the western parks for grand scenery, but it is certainly the most scenic place on the east coast. Acadia was close to home, but it took most of a day to get there and a day to return, leaving not much time out of a short vacation. We chose to make the drive of six or more hours to get there because of Acadia's natural beauty, visitor-friendly surrounding communities, and unique features.
Acadia's unique features include about 120 miles of hiking trails that typically lead to spectacular views within an hour, and a system of carriage roads, closed to motor vehicles, that cover 45 miles carefully planned to show the scenery without intruding on it. To add to the attraction, the carriage roads are festooned with beautiful stone bridges that carry the bicyclist or walker across babbling brooks and deep ravines while opening scenic ocean views. In addition, Acadia includes a remote peninsula encompassing an unspoiled section of Maine's rocky coast and most of a large island where visitors are limited and primitive camping under starlit skies is available. These features kept us coming back year after year. When it was time to retire we chose to live in Bar Harbor so that we could enjoy Acadia all year round.
What does a new retiree do with his time? How do people make friends in a new town? Friends of Acadia provided us with tools that make for a happy retirement. FOA helps to take care of a small national park that gets millions of visitors each year in a location beset with harsh winters and fierce storms bringing wind and rain in abundance off the Atlantic Ocean. This environment calls for a lot of work to keep heavily used hiking trails and carriage roads in decent repair. FOA helps by raising funds for an efficient public transportation system that eases visitor impact, by raising funds to furnish the Acadia National Park management with tools, equipment and paid staff to maintain and repair trails and carriage roads, and by encouraging and supporting volunteers who give up some of their time to help maintain Acadia.
As an FOA volunteer I learned about Acadia National Park's history. Unlike western national parks, Acadia was not created by setting aside an undeveloped wilderness already owned by the federal government. Acadia's history goes back a long ways. Its first European visitor, Samuel de Champlain, founded the first European settlement in eastern North America just a couple of hours east of here in 1604. After the Civil War wealthy Americans, including John D. Rockefeller Jr., brought their families to spend the summer here. These wealthy summer residents, called rusticators, built most of Acadia National Park's hiking trails and carriage roads either by hiring local labor or by doing the work themselves. Anxious to preserve Acadia's scenery from over development, they founded the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations, a non-profit organization that bought land and set it aside preserved from development. This private organization gave its land, with all of its privately built hiking trails and carriage roads, along with endowments for their upkeep in many cases, to the federal government for the establishment of the first national park in the east.
Unfortunately, two world wars and an economic depression reduced the federal government's ability to care for Acadia. In 1947 a wildfire burned half of Mount Desert Island, where the majority of the park's land is located. The 1947 fired burned many of the mansions used by rusticators during their summer stays and caused some of them to move on to other places. Hiking trails and carriage roads fell into disrepair and were subject to wash outsand land slides. It was difficult for visitors, whose numbers were reduced during wars and the depression, to enjoy Acadia. This and the 1947 fire devastated the local economy. Something had to be done to save Acadia.
Friends of Acadia was established in 1986 and began raising funds to restore and maintain Acadia. FOA established a permanent endowment for the carriage roads, worked against attempts to surround the park with unsuitable development, endowed the hiking trails, built or restored trails that connect the park to local communities thereby affording local residents the opportunity to enjoy the park without driving, partnered with L. L. Bean to establish and support a free public bus system to carry visitors and residents to and from the park and local lodging places and campgrounds, and sponsored and supported volunteers to work on Acadia's trails and carriage roads, which is where I came in.
Volunteering is really more about the volunteers than it is about the work they do, although any volunteer will be proud of his or her contribution to making the world a better place. In 2010 FOA volunteers contributed over 8,000 hours of their time to work on Acadia's trails and carriage roads. That is a lot of time, but it is unskilled labor that is the equivalent of less than ten seasonal employees. Volunteering has a tremendous impact on the volunteers themselves, the many visitors who see the volunteers at work, and people back home. Proud of their work, volunteers become enthusiastic stewards of Acadia National Park and parks in other places. That stewardship extends to political activity on behalf of parks. Visitors who see volunteers at work commonly offer profuse thanks, thereby enhancing the volunteer's good feelings, and become volunteers themselves either at Acadia or elsewhere. Some of FOA's volunteers spend the cooler months in the south, and, like one volunteer couple I know, volunteer as much at home, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in this instance, as they do at Acadia. Those 8,000 hours have a ripple effect worth many times the $100,000 or so it would cost to replace them with paid labor.
I volunteered for Friends of Acadia for about seven years and my wife volunteers for FOA as well. We have met many of our friends in this area through volunteering. Volunteers whom we have met play important roles in this community. They volunteer at their local library or provide rides to people who need transportation to medical services. In this way the circle of people one knows grows ever larger through networks of other volunteer activities. By volunteering I've learned a lot about Acadia National Park. Despite its small area and millions of visitors, Acadia contains hidden wonders unseen by most visitors that I've been privileged to see through volunteering.
The one thing that FOA's volunteer program has failed to do for the most part is to overcome the proclivity of today's young people to prefer staying inside with their electronic toys to getting out into nature by hiking and biking and kayaking. If we don't get young people involved in the outdoors we risk losing our parklands. In times of austerity how willing would they be to spend tax dollars on maintaining hiking trails or bike paths if they haven't climbed a mountain? If today's young people are fortunate enough to enjoy financial prosperity, how willing would they be to part with some of their wealth to support the environment if they haven't camped under the stars? FOA and many organizations are trying, but so far they have been unable to stem the ebbing tide of outdoor involvement. That has got to be the mission for the future.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Meeting new friends, discovering more about Acadia National Park, and enjoying a sense of pride in the work that I have accomplished with my own hands.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make sure staff at all levels is focused on getting young people to become enthusiastic supporters of the outdoors. Recruit well to do young people to the Board. Reflect upon FOA's failure in allowing a large tract of land to be given to a local college rather than be placed under a conservation easement.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
More convenient location and starting time.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
New skills new friends
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Very proud.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
My Role: Board Member & As a member of the FOA Board of Directors, I work with other Board members to set policies, oversee the financial health of the organization, develop the strategic plan, and recruit new Board members as needed as well as provide financial support, among .
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March 29, 2011
Friends of Acadia (FOA) provides the margin of excellence for all who visit and experience Acadia National Park in Maine. Working with the National Park Service, FOA has helped to conserve or purchase and donate to the Park many acres of private land within and adjacent to Park boundaries to preserve the natural surroundings. FOA has secured private donations to keep a free, seasonal, hop-on, hop-off propane bus system (over 2 million riders to date) that has taken hundreds of cars out of the Park and off surrounding roads, and reduced CO2 and other air pollutants by tens of thousands of pounds. Miles of trails and carriage roads have been maintained with over $1 million from FOA, many of which my wife, Mary Ann and I hike with great delight each year. Mary Ann and I pick up roadside litter on Earth Day, courtesy of FOA organizing 400 volunteers on Mt. Desert Island, where the bulk of Park acreage is located, and we both volunteer at the FOA office for various jobs throughout the year.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the outstandingly well maintained trails, and carriage roads in the Park that course through woods, fields, and mountains. It is nature at its best, but with accessability to virtually all visitors.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
As a volunteer who tabulated the 900+ returns from an in-depth FOA survey in 2010 of members, volunteers, and non-member community residents, the overwhelming consensus is for FOA to continue doing exactly what it currently does. Speaking as a Board member, there are few changes of significance that I would make beyond working to grow the membership of FOA. Even as I write this, I am on a Membership Task Force that is evaluating how best to do exactly that.
March 29, 2011
We first learned about Friends of Acadia when we retired and now spend six months in the Acadia area. We were drawn to FOA by all the volunteer support that gravitates to FOA. Much of the volunteer effort helps maintain Park trails, Park roads and financial support. We were interested in the development area and fund raising to help support the Park, as federal funds are not sufficient. The most known form of support is the transportation system of propane powered busses. These busses transport people free of charge anywhere in the Park and surrounding areas. The use of the bus system reduces the number of autos driven in the Park, thus reducing the carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. All is not work, as the annual gala party held in August is a wonderful dinner and fund raising auction that helps bind the energetic group of generour volunteers.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
By making the Park and more beautiful, greener place to enjoy.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None recommended.
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