ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE – NOVEMBER 6, 2021 — Anna Briley (left) and Corinne Couch work to clear leaves from the carriage road as part of their Umaine ultimate frisbee volunteer group during Friends of Acadia’s annual Take Pride in Acadia Day, Saturday, November 6, 2021, in Acadia National Park. (Photo by: Ashley L. Conti/Friends of Acadia)

BAR HARBOR, MAINE –More than 205 volunteers showed their love for Acadia National Park when they gathered Saturday, Nov. 6th, for the 31st Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day—an event designed to bring the community together and prepare the carriage roads for overwintering.

Enthusiastic groups of volunteers cleared fallen leaves from roads, ditches, and culverts on more than nine miles of carriage roads in 19 locations. This work helps reduce costly washouts on the carriage roads that occur from rain and ice during the winter and spring.

The Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day is sponsored by Friends of Acadia and facilitated by Acadia National Park to support maintenance of the historic carriage roads.

Teams of volunteers from Bar Harbor Savings & Loan, Conners Emerson School Outdoor Club, Downeast Outing Club, Footloose Friends, Girl Scout Troop 760, Friends of Acadia, L.L. Bean, Maine Outdoor Adventure Club, Maine Outing Club, Rotary Club, and University of Maine came out to help. And several teams organized specifically for the event—including current and former Acadia National Park employees, Volunteer Crew Leaders from the Stewardship Volunteer Program, and community members.

Due to the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, the event was scaled-back again this year. Participants met at pre-assigned parking lots to access the carriage roads. And although event organizers were unable to provide the traditional lunch of hot chili, cornbread, cake, and cider, the weather was warm and sunny enough to lift spirits and promote a feeling of fellowship.

Take Pride in Acadia Day would not be possible without generous support from the community. Thank you to this year’s event sponsors: Acadia Park Company/Acadia Shops, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Bar Harbor Savings & Loan, The Bluenose Inn, Burdick & Associates Landscape Design, Dawnland, Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars, Galyn’s, John Williams Boat Company, The Knowles Company, Machias Savings Bank, MDI Grows, and Mount Desert Island Hospital.

Friends of Acadia and Acadia National Park are grateful to all who made Take Pride in Acadia Day 2021 a resounding success. It is our hope to return to a full event in 2022.

Related Links

Volunteers take part in Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day   – Mount Desert Islander (mdislander.com)

Friends of Acadia’s Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day Event Page