PALM SPRINGS, CA — A book created by Friends of Acadia (FOA) in honor of the park’s 100th Anniversary took top partnership honors at a gathering of the Public Lands Alliance (PLA) here on Feb. 28.
“Acadia National Park: A Centennial Celebration,” featuring photographs by Tom Blagden Jr., and essays by a selection of area writers won first place in the Publication of the Year division.
“The stunning photography, carefully crafted essays by a variety of people who are intimate with the park, and the design and production quality, all contribute to a product which is “high-end” from start to finish,” the judges wrote. “Each page communicates the beauty of Acadia – its places, hours, and seasons. It is simply majestic.”
The 217-page coffee-table book, published in 2016, features Blagden’s photographs of Acadia National Park, along with essays by Friends of Acadia President David MacDonald, former President of the National Park Foundation David Rockefeller Jr., filmmaker Dayton Duncan, former FOA President W. Kent Olson, former park superintendent Sheridan Steele, and writers Christopher Camuto and Christopher Crosman. According to the judges, the text helped “define the inspirational power of the park and the spiritual effect it has on visitors and area residents alike.”
FOA President David MacDonald noted the book was a prime example of the scores of quality projects and events completed by FOA, the park and its more than 450 community partners during the year-long Acadia Centennial Celebration. “We are honored to receive this award from the Public Lands Alliance and add our congratulations to Tom, the essay writers, the FOA Centennial Committee, and all who worked tirelessly to make Acadia’s 100th birthday so memorable,” MacDonald said.
The book was published by Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., of New York.
“We are honored to have partnered with Friends of Acadia on such an important book,” said Rizzoli spokesman James Muschett.
The PLA announced the recipients of its 2018 Partnership during a ceremony at the group’s annual convention and trade show.
“The Partnership Awards honor the incredible efforts of the public and private sector, working together for the benefit of public lands,” said David Poteet, Board President of PLA.
“This year’s nominations are phenomenal examples of how partners can accomplish the extraordinary.”
Also winning an award at the PLA meeting was Canon USA, which helps fund projects in Acadia via grants to FOA. Studies of the Cromwell Brook and Marshall Brook watersheds, along with youth technology programs are underwritten by Canon.
Canon, USA Inc., was given the Corporate Stewardship Award for their dedication to wildlife and conservation research in Yellowstone National Park.
“Acadia National Park: A Centennial Celebration,” is available at area shops including Sherman’s Bookstore in Bar Harbor. It can also be purchased online.
The Public Lands Alliance is a network of more than 130-member organizations that serve more than 600 public lands and contribute over $250 million dollars annually to the preservation and visitor enhancement of those lands. PLA members are found in all states and territories and provide operational and interpretive support to nonprofit organizations and their land management agency partners.
Visit www.publiclandsalliance.org.
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.
For more information visit www.friendsofacadia.org.