Hundreds to Volunteer in Acadia

ACADIA NAT’L PARK — Nearly 500 volunteers are expected here on Saturday, Nov. 4, to help maintain the historic carriage paths.

Take Pride in Acadia Day attracts hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers of all ages to rake leaves and clear drainage ditches along miles of carriage roads in preparation for winter. The well-coordinated volunteer effort, now in its twenty-sixth year, focuses on areas where clogged drainage ditches and culverts could result in significant damage to road surfaces during the freeze-and-thaw cycles of a coastal Maine winter.

Perhaps the most important volunteer opportunity of the year in Acadia, Take Pride in Acadia Day is vital to the park’s ability to maintain the carriage roads in pristine condition. The event runs from 8 a.m. until noon. After the morning’s work, crews will return to park headquarters for a hot lunch — the event’s traditional “CCC” meal of chili, cornbread, and cider (plus an extra “C” of cake).

Volunteers should dress for the weather and in outdoor work clothes.

Because of the size of this event, pre-registration is required.

Only groups that register together can be assigned to the same work site. Up to 10 volunteers can register together online using the form below; larger groups should contact Paige Steele at paige@friendsofacadia.org or 207-288-3340. This event typically fills to capacity, so advance registration ends Oct. 30.

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 friendsofacadia.org