Start warming up those raking arms!

Always held on the first Saturday of November, Take Pride in Acadia Day brings out enthusiastic volunteers of all ages to rake leaves and clear drainage ditches along miles of carriage roads in preparation for the cold weather.

The volunteer effort 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. (It’s not just raking for raking’s sake. This important work reduces costly washouts that occur from rain and ice during the winter and spring.)

Whether you are a seasoned raker or this is your first time, everyone is welcome to participate. While volunteers get a lot done, it’s also a lively and easy-going day in the park on what will hopefully be a splendid fall day.

Groups will be out in the field at assigned work sites (you’ll get your assignment after you sign up) and then we’ll all come together in the afternoon for the popular “four Cs” lunch of chili, cider, cornbread, and cake. (Note! Lunch location is at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center this year.)

Sign up with friends, family, neighbors, a school group, or on your own! (You’ll make fast raking friends with your fellow volunteers.) Equipment is provided (including rakes, snacks, and water) and volunteers are also treated to a bit of Take Pride in Acadia Day swag!

Registration will open up closer to the event date. 

Volunteers rake leaves onto tarps to then carry the pile into the woods and off the road during on Take Pride in Acadia Day. (Evie Linantud/Friends of Acadia)

Volunteers from L.L.Bean rake leaves from the carriage road during on Take Pride in Acadia Day. (Evie Linantud/Friends of Acadia)

Volunteers from L.L.Bean rake leaves from the carriage road during on Take Pride in Acadia Day. (Evie Linantud/Friends of Acadia)

A group of volunteers gathers with rakes in hand during the 2024 Take Pride in Acadia Day.
(Photo courtesy Mike Staggs)

Please email or call Nikki Burtis, Friends of Acadia’s Stewardship Manager, with any questions: nikki@friendsofacadia.org or (207) 370-7938

How do I sign up?
Registration opens October 1. You’ll fill out a form on this page to register.

When does registration close?
Registration will close October 25, so there’s time to organize groups and share locations.

How will I know where to go on Nov. 2?
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 Nov. 2 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! Rakes, tarps, gloves, water, and a light snack will be provided by your section leader once you arrive.

What’s the schedule for the day? (When do we get to celebrate with cider and chili?!)
You’ll meet at your designated location at 8:30 a.m. and begin removing leaves until you’ve finished your section, get tired, or stop around 11:30 a.m., whichever comes first. You’ll then head to the Hulls Cove Visitor Center (25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609) for lunch, camaraderie, and speakers!
^ Note! Lunch location is different this year!

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.