Ahead of his Park Sessions performance, Mt. Joy frontman Matt Quinn reflects on the connection between inspiration, appreciation, and stewardship in nature
Published October 6, 2026 11:59AM
Acadia National Park had more than four million visits last year, setting a new record for one of America’s most beloved public lands. It’s easy to understand the appeal. The blend of mountains and coastal cliffs and islands makes a trip to Acadia feel like the best kind of vacation. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature, gain a little perspective, and return home feeling restored.
For Matt Quinn of Mt. Joy, that sense of restoration also sparks creativity. In season two of Park Sessions, a music series that pairs artists with iconic national parks, Quinn trades the concert stage for Acadia’s wild coastline. And the experience leaves a lasting sense of responsibility. As Quinn puts it, “The least we can do when we’re given a gift like this, such a healing, beautiful piece of land, is to take care of it.”
It’s a simple idea, but one that resonates far beyond Acadia’s borders. Quinn’s perspective reflects a simple truth: The places that give us so much deserve something in return.
In Acadia’s case, conservation is simply what gratitude looks like in action. Through partnerships with organizations including the National Park Foundation and Friends of Acadia, L.L.Bean is helping to preserve Acadia’s natural beauty while making it easier for visitors to experience the park responsibly. One example is the Island Explorer bus system, which helps reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions by providing free transportation between popular park destinations, the surrounding community, and Bar Harbor-Hancock County Regional Airport.
Caring for Acadia doesn’t require grand gestures. Visitors can help preserve the beauty of Acadia in a few simple ways:
- Stay on designated trails to protect fragile vegetation and prevent erosion.
- Leave rocks, plants, and other natural features where you find them.
- Pack out trash, respect wildlife, and give animals plenty of space.
- Ride the Island Explorer to help reduce traffic and parking pressure.
The same landscape that inspires artists, adventurers, and visitors of all ages depends on each of us doing our part to ensure that experience remains unchanged for generations to come.
Founded in Maine in 1912, L.L.Bean is the iconic outdoor-lifestyle brand. Its four-season assortment of outdoor-inspired apparel and footwear is known for quality, craftsmanship, and timeless style. L.L.Bean now operates 76 stores across the U.S.
