Earth Day Roadside Cleanup

It’s nearly time for a spring cleaning in the communities around Acadia National Park.

Mark your calendars for Friends of Acadia’s Annual Earth Day Roadside Cleanup on April 29, 2023 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Volunteers from Birch Bay Village pose for a photo during the 21st Annual Friends of Acadia Earth Day Roadside Cleanup. (Photo courtesy of Arianna Burtis)

Each April for the last 22 years, volunteers rally on the roadsides of Mount Desert Island and Trenton to clean up what the winter left behind, putting that trash where it belongs and keeping the communities debris-free.

“Friends of Acadia’s Annual Earth Day Roadside Clean Up is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Friends of Acadia Stewardship Coordinator Nikki Burtis. “It is so awesome to see everyone out in their safety vests working together to make sure MDI is as beautiful as it can be. We hope to see you there!”

Registration is required and opens on April 3, so gather your family, friends, coworkers, or any other roadside- cleaning enthusiasts you know – or feel free to join us on your own.

Prior to the Roadside Cleanup date, we’ll be in touch with your section assignment and meet-up location for the day. (You’re welcome to request a preferred section assignment, too. We’ll do our best to accommodate.)

On the day of, bring your positive attitude, a reusable water bottle, closed toed shoes, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Section leaders will bring trash bags, safety vests, gloves, water, and a light snack.

Registration closes on Friday, April 21. If you have a group that is larger than 10 participants, you want to be a section leader (that’d be excellent!), or you have any other questions, please contact Friends of Acadia Stewardship Coordinator Nikki Burtis at Friends of Acadia at 207-288-3934 or nikki@friendsofacadia.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up?
Registration opens the first week of April. You’ll fill out the form on this page to register.

When does registration close?
Registration will close on April 21, 2023

How will I know where to go on April 29?
Once you have signed up you will receive an automatic confirmation email. As we get closer to the event, Nikki Burtis, Friends of Acadia’s Stewardship Coordinator, will be in touch about preferences for section assignments and will then give you your section assignment. Your section assignment will tell you where to go on April 29 to meet up with your section leader and receive supplies as well as further instructions.

What do I need to bring?
A positive attitude, a reusable water bottle, closed toed shoes, and appropriate clothing for the weather! Trash bags, safety vests, gloves, water, and a light snack will be provided by your section leader once you arrive.

Who do I get in contact with if I want to be a section leader or if I have a group that wants to participate?
If you have a group that is larger than 10 participants or you want to be a section leader please email Nikki, nikki@friendsofacadia.org

Any further questions?

Please call or email Nikki Burtis, nikki@friendsofacadia.org, 207-288-3934.

You can also DIY anytime

Please dispose of your garbage appropriately. Recycle and compost whatever you can and place the remainder in trash cans or dumpsters. Or you can walk out the front door of your home or business towards the next street or even the next driveway—trash bag in tow. We all have the power to make a difference in our communities. Thank you!