Rainy weather didn’t deter 291 volunteers from turning out for the 34th annual Take Pride in Acadia Day on Saturday, Nov. 7, to help care for Acadia National Park’s historic carriage road system. This longstanding fall tradition brings together community members of all ages to help prepare the park’s 45 miles of carriage roads for winter.

Armed with rakes and raincoats, volunteers cleared leaves and debris from drainage ditches along 23 different segments of carriage roads located around the park. This annual maintenance is essential to protecting Acadia’s historic carriage road system. Keeping drainage ditches clear allows rainwater and snowmelt to flow away from the road surfaces, helping prevent erosion, washouts, and costly damage during winter storms and spring thaws.

After a morning of hard work, volunteers gathered under tents in the Hulls Cove Visitor Center parking area to enjoy the event’s famous four “Cs”: chili, cornbread, cider, and cake.

Friends of Acadia extends its thanks to all the volunteers who participated, Acadia National Park staff, and lead sponsor Chilton Trust for helping make the day possible.

Volunteers on the Jackson Lab Team, Jen Venegas and Colby Black are all smiles despite the driving rain during the 34th Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day in Acadia National Park. Black is also a year-round member of the Acadia National Park Trail Crew. (Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

Volunteers from the Downeast Outing Club rake leaves out of drainage ditches on the Acadia National Park carriage road during the 34th Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day in Acadia National Park. (Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

Volunteers pose for a photo during the 34th Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day near Witch Hole in Acadia National Park. (Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

Volunteers rake leaves off the Acadia National Park carriage road near Wildwood Stables during the 34th Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day in Acadia National Park. (Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

A volunteer from the University of Maine Tennis Club smiles despite the driving rain during the 34th Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day near Day Mountain in Acadia National Park. (Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

Volunteers from the University of Maine Tennis Club pose for a photo during the 34th Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day near Day Mountain in Acadia National Park. Seasonal Trail Crew Member Eli Falatko is second from right. (Julia Walker Thomas/Friends of Acadia)

Volunteers serve themselves chili after the 34th Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day during the “CCCC” (Chili, Cornbread, Cider, and Cake lunch at the Hulls Cove Visitors Center in Acadia National Park. (Perrin Doniger/Friends of Acadia)

How do I sign up?
Registration opens October 5. You’ll fill out a form on this page to register.

How will I know where to go the day of the event?
Once you have signed up you will receive an automatic confirmation email. As we get closer to the event, Brian Sale, Friends of Acadia’s Stewardship Manager, 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. 7 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!

Who do I get in contact with if I want to be a section leader?
If you want to be a section leader please email Brian Sale at brian_sale@friendsofacadia.org

Any further questions?

Please call or email Brian Sale at brian_sale@friendsofacadia.org or  207-370-7938.