Portraits of Acadia: Alanna McDonough

Alanna McDonough, Friends of Acadia Summit Steward, at the Blue Hill Overlook during her night shift on July 31, 2018.

Yehyun Kim, Friends of Acadia

I have been working at Acadia National Park for three years. I understand more now about the general population that chooses to come visit here. Most people are not thinking bigger picture about how having that many people here can influence it sometimes in a negative way.

I want them to view it as something that's not necessarily going to last forever. It's not something that will exist in perpetuity the way that it is just because it's a national park. It's something that we are a part of and our actions play into the way that it is. To me, it seems like a simple concept just because it's something I'm passionate about, and I’ve spent a lot of time in nature. But there are plenty of people who have not had those experiences in nature. So I hope the national parks can be more than just a point on a map to visit, but also a place where people can find their place in nature, and begin to foster an appreciation for its beauty and importance.

Once a place means something to you, it becomes a place worth saving.

– Alanna McDonough, Friends of Acadia Summit Steward

McDonough adjusts a rock cairn used to mark trails for hikers.

Yehyun Kim, Friends of Acadia

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