Plan on helping crews clean up Acadia National Park next month/Friends of Acadia

Each fall, hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers descend upon Acadia National Park's historic carriage roads to rake leaves and clear drainage ditches from miles of carriage roads in preparation for winter. You can help with this work this fall by planning to lend a hand on November 7.

The well-coordinated volunteer effort, now in its 23rd year, 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. Perhaps the most important volunteer event of the year in Acadia, Take Pride in Acadia Day is key to the park’s ability to maintain the carriage roads in pristine condition.

After the morning’s work, crews will return to park headquarters for a hot lunch—the event’s traditional “CCC” meal of chili, cornbread, and cider (plus an extra “C” of cake).

Preregistration is required, for planning purposes and to ensure that all volunteers can be accommodated. Register early—this event fills to capacity every year! Registration will close on Friday, October 30. Individuals and families can now register online for Take Pride in Acadia Day.

Groups (school, scouts, etc.) should contact Dianna McKeage at [email protected] to register. UMaine volunteers should contact Lisa Morin at the Bodwell Center, 207-581-4194 or [email protected].