It is kind of amazing how many people I’ve met over the years who live in the northeast that have never been to Acadia National Park or even Maine for that matter. I mean what’s not to love about a state that is synonymous with rocky coastline, dense forests, lobster boats and rugged individualism? Maine is considered the most rural state in the US, the only state whose name is one syllable, and the only state in the lower 48 that borders only one other state (New Hampshire). Uncommon knowledge is that Maine was once a part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts until 1820, when it voted to secede to become its own state. Makes sense to me since I can’t think of two states that are more different!
The other thing that Maine is synonymous with are moose. It has the largest moose population in the lower 48 states. Yet there is not a moose to be found anywhere in Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Okay, so you are probably thinking, of course not…it is an island after all! You would be partially correct since the only way to get onto Mount Desert Island by foot (or hoof) is via a very short auto bridge that crosses the Mt. Desert Narrows, a thin strip of saltwater extending from Haynes Point in Trenton, ME to Lamoine Beach. Yes, moose do swim, (and rather well I might add) but they don’t like the strong ocean currents or the island’s mud flats. In addition, Mount Desert Island does not provide the natural habitat that moose require to thrive.
But you wouldn’t know that moose don’t live here by what you see in the stores, especially in Bar Harbor! There are moose tee shirts, moose hats, moose coffee mugs, moose pajamas, moose prints, moose carvings, moose droppings (chocolate…not poop) and even moose underwear! Visitors often ask where the best place is on the island to see a moose. Your best bet is the front lawn of the Wonder View Inn in Bar Harbor where you can spy a life size moose statue. It’s not often you can hang out with a moose and take a selfie!
“what’s not to love about a state that is synonymous with rocky coastline, dense forests, lobster boats, rugged individualism and moose!”
At 3.5 million visits per year, Acadia National Park ranks in the top 10 national parks in the United States, despite the lack of resident moose. That is a lot of visitors considering that it ranks 49th out of 62 national parks in total acreage. It is a small park and yet it delivers a customer experience that continues to draw millions of visitors every year to its rugged shoreline and mountainous interior. Cycling, mountain biking, sea kayaking, hiking, bird watching, trail running, rock climbing, horseback riding, boating, dining, shopping, sightseeing, swimming, beach-going and ranger programs are some of the activities offered in one of the most beautiful places in the northeast. Acadia National Park is pristine, with exceptionally clean facilities and well-managed crowd control. It is a place visited mostly by families looking to unwind, have fun and expose their children to the raw beauty and majesty that only nature can provide.
I launched Bass Harbor Group LLC on LinkedIn with this article from my blog, “Peace of Mind For $30! My Customer Experience at Acadia National Park”. Twenty-two articles later, it still has the most views. Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island, and part of the gateway to Downeast Maine, is the home of Bass Harbor Head Light Station, the inspiration for my company name and logo. I picked this iconic place for no other reason than the sheer joy that I feel when I am there. Acadia National Park delivers an awesome customer experience for the price of a modest entrance fee!
Regrettably the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast” is being impacted by climate change, resulting in shifting weather patterns and temperatures, stressing the park’s ecosystem. Thankfully nonprofit organizations like Friends of Acadia exist. Their mission statement reads,
“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 future generations.”
A coalition of park managers and partners are engaged in ecosystem resiliency, studying current conditions, and looking ahead to what conditions may be like in 40 years. Multiple climate scenarios have been modeled for Acadia that will impact the park's fragile ecosystem. Park scientists must decide whether to resist, accept, or direct these changes.
“Regrettably the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast” is being impacted by climate change, resulting in shifting weather patterns and temperatures, stressing the park’s ecosystem.”
Protecting the legacy of Acadia National Park for future generations of children, families, couples, and individuals to enjoy is simply the right thing to do. After decades of happiness that I have experienced from visiting this place since I was six years old, I am committing myself and Bass Harbor Group to being socially responsible by helping Friends of Acadia preserve and protect this park for future generations through donations and volunteerism.
“Social responsibility means that businesses, in addition to maximizing shareholder value, must act in a manner that benefits society. Social responsibility has become increasingly important to investors and consumers who seek investments that are not just profitable but also contribute to the welfare of society and the environment.” - Investopedia
Social responsibility doesn’t just reside with large corporations, it resides with each of us. It is about making a difference, about acting in the best interest of our environment and society as a whole.
If you are interested in learning more about the work that Friends of Acadia is doing to preserve and protect Acadia National Park, click on this link. Thinking about taking a trip to see Acadia National Park? If you have a free morning, click on this link for a list of things that you can volunteer for to help protect and preserve Acadia National Park.
I am grateful for all the wonderful experiences that this amazing place has given me and my family throughout my lifetime. It is my quiet place, a sanctuary for mind, heart, and soul.
To learn more about how to deliver exceptional customer service experiences that drive customer satisfaction, loyalty, revenue and profit, please visit Bass Harbor Group’s website at www.bassharborgroup.com.
Patrick Sandefur is the Founder and Managing Director of Bass Harbor Group / Customer Experience Solutions. His 30+ year career in Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Product Management and Business Development has given him a unique perspective of what customers want and expect when interacting with a brand.
Read more from Patrick Sandefur by clicking on recent posts below.