As early spring begins to warm the air and melt the snow on Mount Desert Island, it also reveals a long season’s worth of debris.

Each April for the last 25 years, volunteers rally on the roadsides of Mount Desert Island and Trenton to clean up what the winter left behind during the Earth Day Roadside Cleanup! This year’s event takes place on April 25, 2026.

Registration is required and opens April 1.

A little rain doesn’t dampen roadside cleanup enthusiasm. (Friends of Acadia photo)

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.

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 Manager Brian Sale at Friends of Acadia at 207-288-3934 or brian_sale@friendsofacadia.org

We encourage residents to celebrate Earth Day all year long by keeping the roadsides trash-free. Please dispose of your trash appropriately. Recycle what you can and put the rest in trash cans. With just a small amount of individual effort, together we can reduce the amount of trash in our communities and help protect our shared lands and waters.

All those in favor of clean roadsides, raise your trash bag (or trash grabber)! (Friends of Acadia photo)