Millions of visitors come to Acadia for its granite peaks, Atlantic vistas and the coastal charm of Bar Harbor. Few gain access to this version of the park. Join researchers at active field sites on the Schoodic Peninsula and in protected habitats rarely experienced by the public. Search spruce forests for lobster shells carried inland by foxes and mink. Examine wildlife camera images to see what moves through the woods after dark. Visit rare plant communities that may help species persist as temperatures rise, and explore rugged shorelines where waves, fog and salt shape life at the edge of the continent. Between fieldwork, watch sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, wander fog-shrouded headlands and cruise Maine's rocky coast in search of puffins and seabirds. Together, these experiences reveal a side of Acadia that exists beyond its famous trails and viewpoints—best known by the scientists studying it.
Research at a Glance
Your Role in Research
The Research Focus
Investigate how climate change is transforming Acadia's connected coastal ecosystems, from the rocky shores of the Gulf of Maine to the spruce forests and mountaintop habitats beyond.
What You'll Do
Search for lobster shells, crab claws and other marine prey carried inland by wildlife, monitor rare northern plants and help document species living in forest and coastal habitats.
Why It Matters
The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than nearly every ocean region on Earth. Your observations help reveal which species are adapting, which are declining and where protection matters most.
Meet Your Lead Scientist
Hannah Webber, Ph.D.
Dr. Hannah Webber has spent more than a decade studying coastal ecosystems in Acadia National Park, focusing on how marine communities respond to climate change and human use. Her work helps guide long-term management of intertidal environments along the Maine coast.
Access Acadia National Park Beyond the Crowds
Venture beyond popular overlooks to secluded shorelines, remote spruce forests and active monitoring areas that reveal the park's less-visited side.
Experience the Wild Maine Coast at Its Most Dramatic
Watch the sun rise over Cadillac Mountain, cruise past puffin nesting islands and explore wave-carved headlands where fog, granite and open ocean epitomize coastal Maine.
Uncover the Secret Link Between Ocean and Forest
Search for lobster shells, crab claws and sea urchin remains carried inland by foxes, mink and crows, revealing connections between ocean creatures and coastal forests.
Encounter a Remarkable Diversity of Wildlife
Few places pack so much wildlife into such a compact landscape. Scan offshore waters for puffins and seabirds, look for seals along the rocky coast and explore forests traveled by river otters, mink and foxes. Set along a major migratory corridor, Acadia also hosts an impressive variety of songbirds, including 23 species of warblers recorded within the park.Awaken Inside Acadia's Living Laboratory
Stay at Schoodic Institute, Acadia National Park's primary science partner, where daily life includes field briefings, conversations with researchers and access unavailable to ordinary visitors.Add Your Observations to 120 Years of Discovery
Help build on more than a century of ecological records, contributing observations that allow scientists to track how Acadia's forests, wildlife and coastlines are changing over time.Learn About Coastal Maine's Rich History
Look beyond Acadia's scenery to understand the human stories woven into the landscape. Learn about Wabanaki history at the Abbe Museum, gain insight into Maine's fishing heritage during a working lobster boat experience or puffin cruise, and discover the communities that continue to shape life along this remarkable coastline.Balance Research With Adventure
The science is only part of the story. Watch sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, cruise beneath puffin nesting islands, explore the dramatic granite coast of Schoodic Peninsula and spend evenings beneath star-filled skies after days of discovery in the field.Investigate Acadia's Living Shoreline
Explore the rocky intertidal zone, where changing tides reveal a world of seaweeds, invertebrates and wildlife that scientists monitor for signs of environmental change.Gain Insight From Our Expert Field Guides
Travel with experienced naturalist guides who bring deep knowledge of Maine's natural history, helping you connect your daily fieldwork experiences to the larger picture of climate change impacting the region.Travel With an Intentionally Small Group
Because we limit the group size on our expeditions, each participant is ensured closer interaction with scientists and a more active role in daily research activities.Explore with Purpose
Learn how scientists and park managers use the research in which you're participating to identify invasive species, monitor biodiversity and make decisions about protecting Acadia's ecosystems for the future.