Friends of Acadia - Conservation Organization in Maine

Our members make possible essential conservation projects in Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities.

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News and Stories

A Route Forward

In its 25th year, the Island Explorer continues to show how national parks can cope with their growing popularity.

Hiking Soil to the Summits

More than 200 people – and a handful of dogs – participated in this season’s Save Our Summits (SOS) hikes, which ran weekly from June through September.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Dane Farm!

Friends of Acadia hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony that celebrated the completion of Dane Farm housing units.

One Teacher’s Acadia Fellowship Experience

One of this year’s Acadia Teacher Fellows shares her experience in Acadia in a story in the Pen Bay Pilot.

Celebrating Indigenous Culture and Music

Multiple events celebrate and honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024 and help facilitate learning, engagement, healing, and allyship.

Island Explorer Carries 10 Millionth Passenger

In its 25th operating season, the Island Explorer bus service achieved a major milestone on Wednesday—serving its 10 millionth passenger.

Great Meadow Wetland Rehab to Reclaim More Natural…

Energized by recent federal funding, an ambitious plan seeks to restore Acadia’s largest wetland to a more natural state.

Advocating for GAOA on National Parks Traveler

Eric Stiles talks about the impact of the Great American Outdoors Act – and the need to reauthorize it.

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.

How We Make An Impact

Our Priorities

Friends of Acadia’s effective mix of private philanthropy, volunteerism, innovative leadership, and strong partnership benefits Acadia National Park’s most critical needs:

Wild Acadia

A partnership-based approach to help Acadia's native plants and wildlife thrive despite threats from climate change, invasive pests, and other rapid environmental changes.

Tomorrow’s Stewards

Programs, grants, and events that introduce kids, teens, and young adults to the wonders of Acadia and connect them to the natural world, creating the stewards of tomorrow.

Acadia Experience

Collaboration with Acadia to identify resources negatively impacted by increasing visitation and develop innovative and long-term approaches to mitigating these impacts.

Trails & Carriage Roads

Helping preserve Acadia’s historic 130-mile hiking trail network and 45-mile carriage road system through dedicated endowments, programs, and volunteers.