Lili Pew cross-country skiing on Eagle Lake

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
–Wallace Stegner

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.The winds will blow their own freshness into you... while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
–John Muir

As I begin this letter, four words come to mind: vision, opportunity, action, and legacy. In many ways, these words define the earliest days of Acadia National Park. Despite the challenges we faced as a nation at that time, there were visionaries who saw through to the future and seized the opportunity to preserve a large parcel of land for generations to come. Acadia was their vision, and it is their legacy.

In a way, the construction of the carriage roads, driven by the vision of John D. Rockefeller Jr., was in its own way an early example of an economic stimulus that changed the lives of not only a single generation, but also those that followed. Keeping this legacy healthy and vital is an important part of what Friends of Acadia accomplishes each year. Through the thousands of hours given by volunteers, the financial gifts that fund our programs, and the shared leadership and responsibility of our board and staff, we all play a vital role in keeping the legacy of Acadia alive and filled with hope.

Recently, during a conversation with my good friends, Rolf and Carol van Schaik, I was reminded again of Mr. Rockefeller’s early gift to Acadia and our nation as a whole. The Schaiks, long-time supporters of Friends, have long been grateful users of the carriage roads for their horse-drawn adventures in the park.

“We have enjoyed driving on the carriage roads at Acadia National Park since 1993. We bring our pair of horses and carriage from Cavendish, Vermont for a week every summer. The vistas and natural splendor, as well as the superb condition of the roads, provide an unforgettable experience. The park and its roads are a national treasure for all to enjoy.”
–Rolf and Carol van Schaik

Over the years, countless people have been transported through time by experiences like these. What began nearly a century ago as a vision now provides easy access to a wild and beautiful place, nature’s classroom for families to explore, and views at night of millions of stars reaching out across the place where the mountains meet the sea. Experiences in nature transcend the concerns of the moment; they never lose their relevance.

Now, we are in another time of great uncertainty. If we are to arrive at a healthy outcome for our economy, our environment, and for all people, our public and private leaders must be bold. Recently, Maine’s Senators and Representatives, in partnership with President Obama, have demonstrated great leadership in seeking solutions to the challenges we face as a nation. Actions such as these require vision beyond the immediate, and the ability to act when an opportunity presents itself. Friends of Acadia and Acadia National Park are fortunate to have “shovel– ready” programs available that will help stimulate jobs and provide immediate results. In this way, we will preserve the park as a model of excellence for all to enjoy.

- Lili Pew, Chairman