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Articles by Dolores Kong
Coping With Sharks At Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod’s surf-sprayed sandy beaches, long the setting for classic summer seaside vacations, have taken on a more menacing appearance with the arrival of one of the planet’s most powerful predators. Great white sharks, lured to this Atlantic Ocean playground by one of their favorite meals, gray seals, twice attacked swimmers last summer, leading to the death of one of them.
Running National Park System On Shoestrings Brought Varied Economic Results
With the partial government shutdown lifted, for a while at least, parks are getting back to normal and gateway communities are looking to make up for loss revenues/NPS Editor's note: While the budget stalemate that left national parks with only skeleton staffs the past five weeks was lifted, temporarily at least, Friday night, the impacts of the partial government shutdown were felt in different ways across the country.
Peregrine falcon chicks total 8 at Acadia, Precipice Trail now open
Three nests at Acadia National Park produced eight peregrine falcon chicks in 2018, making for a successful year for the state-endangered birds despite the unusual failure of a nest at the Precipice. According to Bruce Connery, the park’s wildlife biologist, four peregrine falcon chicks fledged at Valley Cove over Somes Sound; two at Jordan Cliffs and two on Ironbound Island.
Virtual runs from Acadia to Katahdin mark amazing journeys, raise funds
In memory of her husband Michael, who died in a kayak accident off the coast of Maine in 2016, Jennifer Popper journeys north from New Jersey to Maine, raising more than $15,000 for charity, and logging her miles on a virtual race route from Acadia National Park to Katahdin along the way.
Valley Cove tops backlog of work on Acadia trails
One in a series about the nearly $60 million maintenance backlog in Acadia Inside a cramped, old trailer that serves as his federal office, Gary Stellpflug, trails foreman at Acadia National Park, points to a wall pinned with note cards that spell out a backlog of maintenance projects for Acadia trails. The projects to improve Acadia National Park trails, including many that still require funding, stretch out to 2022. “We won’t run out of work, even at the present rate,” said Stellpflug.
Jordan Pond House tea lawn in Acadia closed to diners, dogs until July 15
After being worn down from years of use, the famed tea lawn at the Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park is undergoing a $356,000 rehabilitation, blocking people from sitting or walking on the lawn, and others from dining outside with their dog, until the middle of July. A contractor is replacing the sprawling lawn, installing an underground irrigation system and building a new brick plaza, among other work financed by funds related to the concessionaire franchise fee.
Traveler Special Report: Maintenance Woes Blocking Access To Parts Of National Park System
Editor's note: In a summer-long series, National Parks Traveler's writers and editors are going beyond the numbers to describe the National Park System's $11.6 billion maintenance backlog. This article looks at how the backlog is impacting visitor access in some units of the National Park System. During the Great Depression 80 years ago, the Civilian Conservation Corps moved granite and earth in Acadia National Park to access what park founder George B.
Acadia National Park traffic problems, need for plan, surface at Jordan Pond
Acadia National Park is planning one more public engagement session on its draft plan to relieve traffic congestion in the park, following some tense Acadia traffic near Jordan Pond on Sunday. The 215-page draft transportation plan, which was released on April 26, proposes to create seasonal vehicle reservation systems for an additional fee at Cadillac Summit Road, the Ocean Drive corridor and Jordan Pond area to better manage traffic.
Peregrine falcon chicks hatch at Valley Cove in Acadia; Precipice Trail damaged
At least three peregrine falcon chicks have hatched at Valley Cove in Acadia National Park this year, but a nest was unsuccessful at the Precipice and a third site at Jordan Cliffs may also have failed, according to the park’s wildlife biologist. Based on a recent observation, Bruce Connery, wildlife biologist at Acadia, said in an email that he believes at least three peregrine falcon chicks have hatched at Valley Cove, and are set to fledge in about three weeks.
Acadia National Park aided by policies of FDR and Theodore Roosevelt
Long before he was president and signed a law that later helped preserve land for Acadia National Park, Theodore Roosevelt spent some of the happiest days of his life on Mount Desert Island.
Cadillac to Katahdin virtual national park race boosts charity
When Millinocket Memorial Library was on the brink of being closed forever in 2015, with the old mill city’s financial troubles, Margie King and others stepped up to raise $30,000 and volunteer to keep the doors open. Now, King’s still stepping up – literally and virtually – to benefit her beloved community institution.
Jordan Stream Path one of top hikes in Acadia National Park
One in a series of historic Acadia hiking trail highlights Jordan Stream Path is among the shortest and most overlooked hikes in Acadia National Park, but it travels to one of the park’s most unusual sights – Cobblestone Bridge, which is quietly marking its own centennial this year. Previously badly eroded, the Jordan Stream Path looks mostly pristine, following an extensive rehabilitation overseen by Christian Barter, a park trail crew supervisor who is also the park’s poet laureate.
Climate change consequences hot topic in Acadia, US news
With the United States planning to pull out of the Paris climate accord and Al Gore’s new movie, climate change is a hot issue this summer.
Acadia, Millinocket fans join forces for virtual race 2017
Jessica Jourdain was only 4 when she moved away from Millinocket, but her heart and mind never left. Now, she’s lining up for the first-ever Cadillac to Katahdin Virtual Run that’s just begun, and running the real-life Millinocket Half Marathon in December, to help raise funds for her struggling hometown.
New Cadillac to Katahdin virtual race aids Acadia, Millinocket - Acadia on My Mind
The connections between the Acadia and Katahdin regions run deep, through history, among residents and visitors – and now, with the first-ever virtual race that starts on Cadillac and ends on Katahdin, to help raise funds for the two areas. Runners and walkers anywhere in the world can join the 200-mile virtual race, and earn a special Cadillac to Katahdin Medallion to mark the achievement. The race runs from Aug. 15 through Dec.
Five peregrine falcon chicks fly at Acadia, but one nest fails
Five peregrine falcon checks have fledged at nests at two sites in Acadia National Park this year, but for unknown reasons a nest failed at a third site that has yielded chicks in recent years, a biologist at the park said Friday. Bruce Connery, wildlife biologist at Acadia, said there was a pair of adult falcons at Jordan Cliffs and it is believed they started a nest but then one of the adults disappeared around the middle of June, and the nest failed.
Physically disabled persons praise, question access to Acadia
During a recent visit to Acadia National Park, Shirley Beck, who has multiple sclerosis, said she was “very pleased” to find a paved path that allowed her to reach a viewing platform at the Cadillac Mountain summit with her light three-wheel electric scooter. “It’s pretty good,” said Beck, a pediatric physical therapist from Arlington, Va., after taking in the sweeping vista of Frenchman Bay, islands and distant summits on the mainland.
On patrol with stewards of Acadia National Park's stone cairns, summits
Within minutes of stepping onto the popular Cadillac South Ridge Trail, Tim Henderson spots a couple of Acadia stone cairns vandalized by passersby. “These two cairns are usually broken, destroyed, knocked over or piled up with stones, because it is easy access,” said Henderson, one of an army of volunteer keepers of Acadia’s stone cairns known as Waldron’s Warriors, who patrol the park’s ridges, summmits and trails, along with Friends of Acadia-supported Summit Stewards.
Traffic triggers closures of Cadillac Mountain summit road
Acadia National Park temporarily closed the road to the Cadillac Mountain summit to incoming vehicles seven different times on Sunday and Monday, underscoring the need for a comprehensive transportation plan at the park, according to a park official.
Acadia National Park committee suspension lifted by Interior Secretary
The Acadia National Park Advisory Commission is planning to resume meetings, following a sudden suspension of their meetings by the Trump administration in May. Ryan Zinke, the secretary of interior, had suspended the meetings of the Acadia commission and more than 200 other federal advisory committees to give his department time to review the “charter and charge” of the panels. In a press release Thursday, U.S. Sens.
Acadia National Park trails work takes a crew with special skills - Acadia on My Mind
One in a series about Acadia National Park hiking trails When the National Park Service needed people with special masonry skills to replace the steps on the acclaimed North Portico of the White House, the agency picked two top trail builders from Maine’s national park and sent them to Washington to do the work.
A new Seaside Path is emerging for Acadia National Park hiking
One in a series about Acadia National Park hiking trails The trails crew has launched an overhaul of an historic path that connects the Jordan Pond area with the village of Seal Harbor, providing a new way to experience Acadia National Park hiking. The work is being financed with donations to the nonprofit Friends of Acadia during an annual fundraising benefit last year.
Things to do in Acadia if knee problems? Ask Acadia on My Mind!
Another in a series of “Ask Acadia on My Mind!” Q&As If you have a question about Acadia National Park on your mind, whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time fan, leave a comment below, or contact us through the About us page. We may not be able to answer every question, or respond right away, but we’ll do our best. See our page linking in one place all the Q&As. 1) My husband and I are coming to Bar Harbor on June 15th and 16th. I have some knee problems and can’t hike much or bike ride.
7 ti[s for a stree-free visit to Acadia National Park
Last year, so many people visited Acadia National Park – more than 3 million – that the road to Cadillac Mountain had to be closed 12 times, and the Park Loop Road to Sand Beach, twice. Maybe the crowds were larger than usual in 2016 because of the Acadia Centennial, and maybe park plans to have parking attendants on top of Cadillac this year will help.
Acadia among 200 federal advisory committees suspended
The Trump administration has abruptly suspended the meetings of the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission and that of about 200 other federal advisory committees, as part of a broad Interior Department review of land use and management. That means cancellation of a June 5 Acadia advisory commission meeting at park headquarters to tackle some of the most substantial issues facing the commission since its inception in 1986. And it may also affect a meeting scheduled for Sept. 11 at Schoodic.
For Mother's Day: Gifts of Acadia National Park and the great outdoors
If you’re a woman who loves being active in the great outdoors, you probably have your mother to thank, according to a new national study of women and the outdoors, with a timely message for Mother’s Day. Women who were “highly encouraged” by their mothers to play outside as young girls are more likely to remain active today, compared with those who were less encouraged, 86% vs. 78%. And they are more likely to consider being outdoors a “very high priority,” 26% vs.
Economic benefits of national parks: $247m from Acadia National Park
A new report on the economic benefits of national parks shows that a record number of visitors to Acadia National Park last year injected about $274 million into the regional economy. The report, released by the National Park Service, documents the powerful financial benefits of national parks during the Centennial celebration of the founding of the system and Acadia. The report said Acadia contributed $274.2 million, up almost 11% from 2015 and 36.5% from $200.9 million in 2012.
Charlie Jacobi boosts Acadia National Park hiking
Charlie Jacobi started as a seasonal ranger at Acadia National Park in 1984 and is currently a resource specialist. Jacobi spoke with Acadia on My Mind about a wide range of issues, including an effort to preserve historic cairns for Acadia National Park hiking, the possible effects of climate change and some major changes in the park. Edited responses: You started as a seasonal ranger in Acadia in 1984. What are the biggest changes you have seen over the years?
Signs of spring in Acadia: Return of peregrine falcons, mud season, and soon, rhodora - Acadia on My Mind
The Precipice Trail is closed for peregrine falcon nesting, and the carriage roads, off limits for mud season. And as sure as spring follows winter, colorful rhodora and other plants of Acadia will soon be in bloom. For Jill Weber, a consulting botanist for Acadia National Park, the flowers of spring bring a feast for the senses, and a desire to share the experience.
For Women's History Month, stories of women of Acadia
If you know a little of the history of Acadia National Park, you know who the “father of Acadia” is. But less well-known are the women who were also critical in the early days, by donating land and money or otherwise helping to shape the park.
Hope springs eternal for springtime in Acadia National Park
Deep snow may still cover parts of Acadia National Park as the first day of spring approaches, but surely it can’t be long before birdsong fills the air, flowers and trees bud and the park rouses from its wintry slumber. Springtime in Acadia is an uncrowded paradise, perfect for hikers, birders, plant aficionados, bicyclists, runners, photographers, or anyone who enjoys the outdoors and magnificent scenery without the summer and fall foliage season throngs.
Fragile Cadillac ecology focus of protection by alpine group, others
Cadillac is tough as granite, yet the alpine zone of Acadia National Park’s tallest mountain is fragile as eggshells. With the approximately 3 million visitors a year to the park, and Acadia’s highest peak a must-see stop, it’s a constant battle to protect the bald summit and ridge, and the special Cadillac ecology.
Message to the future in Acadia time capsule, for the year 2116 - Acadia on My Mind
If you celebrated the Acadia Centennial, you won’t be there for the opening of the Acadia Bicentennial Time Capsule in the year 2116. But you can hand down the generations the story of how you marked the 100th, and how there may be evidence of it in a special steel box in the Bar Harbor Bank & Trust lobby.
Trump hiring freeze hits Acadia; climate change exhibit OK - for now
Amid reports of the Trump administration clamping down on federal climate change efforts and the National Park Service Twitter account, Acadia National Park says its climate change exhibit and social media haven’t been affected – yet. “Nothing’s changed as of now,” said John T. Kelly, management assistant for Acadia, in an interview late last week, adding that it’s still early. “We’re under a new administration.
On eve of MLK Day, Obama calls for diversity in Acadia, other parks
On the eve of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, in one of his last official acts, President Barack Obama directed the Department of the Interior and other top agencies to hire a more diverse workforce, and attract broader segments of the US population to federal public lands. Obama issued the edict in the form of a Presidential Memorandum, which is as binding as an Executive Order, according to legal specialists.
Acadia year in review: Top news and blog posts, and 2017 ideas
Without a doubt, the top news for Acadia National Park in 2016 was the Acadia Centennial, not only as celebration and time to reflect on past and future, but also as a big draw, helping to push visitation over 3.2 million, the highest since 1990. This Acadia year in review rounds up some of the top Centennial-related news, as well as the top Acadia on My Mind blog posts and other achievements of 2016.
It's a good thing: Martha Stewart to give $1M for Acadia National Park
Like any other fan of Acadia during the Centennial year, Martha Stewart hiked the trails, climbing the Beehive and exploring Great Head, all just a short way from her Seal Harbor home. Now, as the Centennial year nears an end, to show her appreciation for the park and invite others to show theirs, she has made a $1 million challenge grant to benefit Acadia. “Acadia National Park is very special to me and my family and we are happy to support Friends of Acadia in this Centennial year.
Photographer's 'Enchanted Forest' to grace Acadia National Park Pass
It was foggy, drizzly and raw in early December, not the best weather for being outside. But to John Kaznecki, it turned out to be a near-perfect day for a photo of Acadia National Park. A self-taught photographer, Kaznecki said he attempts to capture with his lens what others might miss in Acadia. And now that rainy-day photo will be on the 2017 Acadia National Park pass. On his hike along a carriage road, Kaznecki came upon Hadlock Brook just downstream from the archway of the Hemlock Bridge.
Planning a trip to Acadia National Park in winter? Ask Acadia on My Mind! - Acadia on My Mind
Another in a series of “Ask Acadia on My Mind!” Q&As If you have a question about Acadia National Park on your mind, whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time fan, leave a comment below, or contact us through the About us page. We may not be able to answer every question, or respond right away, but we’ll do our best. See our page linking in one place all the Q&As. 1) Planning a hike up Cadillac Mountain on New Year’s Day 2017.
Give the gift of art or photos of Acadia for the holidays
For centuries, the scenery of Mount Desert Island has captured the imagination of artists and photographers alike, from Frederic E. Church of the Hudson River School of painters, to QT Luong, the first person to take large-format photographs of all 59 national parks. Maybe you’ve got fans of art or photos of Acadia – or perhaps even budding fine artists – on your holiday shopping list.
Special Acadia holiday gift ideas to ring out the Centennial year
For the Acadia National Park fan on your shopping list, or for a year-end charitable donation, the Centennial offers a once-in-a-century set of Acadia holiday gift ideas.
Acadia Centennial helps draw record 3.2 million visitors to park so far in 2016 - Acadia on My Mind
The Acadia Centennial has helped attract more than 3.2 million visitors so far to the national park this year, capped by record attendance for October. An eye-popping 412,416 people visited during October, up 19.8 percent from last year’s monthly record of 344,362, according to statistics from the National Park Service. Through October, visitors during the Acadia Centennial totaled 3.234 million, up 17.7 percent from last year.
'Hiking Acadia National Park' wins National Outdoor Book Award
Joining the ranks of such classic books as the “AMC White Mountain Guide” and “Walden,” the 3rd edition of “Hiking Acadia National Park” has just won the National Outdoor Book Award, considered the “outdoor world’s largest and most prestigious book award program.” In describing the guidebook to hiking Acadia, “a place that inspires and regenerates the soul,” the awards announcement states, “It’s all there in one compact package with thoughtful design, clear maps, and straightforward trail...
Acadia Centennial Trek Challenge: Run, walk 100 miles, or shop for the park - Acadia on My Mind
This time of year, as we think of giving, gratitude, and the end of the Centennial, we’ve come up with a new idea to celebrate and help raise extra funds for the park: The Acadia Centennial Trek Challenge. The idea came to us after we got a Friends of Acadia Annual Fund mailing this weekend. We were so pleased to see our free year-long, 100-mile, virtual Acadia Centennial Trek included in a listing of Centennial events, that we decided to come up with the Centennial Trek Challenge.
Global field of 400 racers covers 30,000 miles in Acadia virtual runs
To celebrate the Acadia Centennial, nearly 400 people from around the world have crisscrossed virtual routes on Mount Desert Island this year, collectively logging more than 30,000 miles of running, hiking or walking, and helping to raise funds for the park. Among the most recent finishers of the Acadia virtual runs: The first-ever series of Acadia virtual runs began in February with the launch of the free 100-mile Acadia Centennial Trek, followed by parts 2 and 3 of the same trek.
Acadia Centennial year nears end with volunteer day, time capsule
The summer crowds are gone, the fall foliage but a memory, and the year-long, community-wide celebration of the Acadia Centennial is going out with a bang, not a whimper. Among the events still on the Acadia Centennial calendar to keep the celebration going between now and Dec.
Car reservation system among proposals to ease Acadia traffic
The National Park Service is floating several proposals to ease Acadia traffic congestion and improve safety during peak visitation, including a reservation system for cars to drive up Cadillac or to park at Jordan Pond House.
Jordan Pond a special fall experience at Acadia National Park
One in a series of historic trail highlights celebrating the Acadia Centennial The path around Jordan Pond is an ideal hike for any time of year but it is especially beautiful in the fall. The fall colors around Jordan Pond are spectacular if you catch them at peak, as we did on Saturday, Oct. 15. We especially enjoyed the classic view of the North and South Bubbles, looking north from the southern shore near the Jordan Pond House, the only restaurant in Acadia National Park.
Bar Island Trail is one of a kind in Acadia National Park
One in a series of historic trail highlights leading up to the Acadia Centennial The Bar Island Trail is one of a kind in Acadia National Park. The wooded, rocky island can only be reached at low tide each day, starting at a sand bar that begins at the end of Bridge Street in Bar Harbor. It’s great to walk along the ocean on the bar and then on the other side, ascend the trail through the woods on the island.
100 pictures of Acadia National Park, to celebrate the first 100 days of the 2nd century - Acadia on My Mind
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then 100 pictures of Acadia National Park is worth 100,000 words – or maybe 1 million, since we are talking about Acadia! Today is 100 days since the park’s 100th anniversary on July 8, when we first began posting pictures of Acadia National Park, one a day in celebration of the Centennial.
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