Friends of Acadia’s 2025 Take Pride in Acadia Day Volunteer Event Canceled Due to Government Shutdown
BAR HARBOR—On Monday, Friends of Acadia, a non-profit organization that supports Acadia National Park through donations, programs, advocacy, and volunteerism, announced the cancelation of its annual Take Pride in Acadia Day volunteer event, scheduled for Sunday, November 9, due to the ongoing government shutdown. It is the first time the event has been canceled since it began in 1991.
Historically held on the first Saturday of November, Take Pride in Acadia Day brings out volunteers of all ages to rake leaves and clear drainage ditches along miles of Acadia National Park’s carriage roads in preparation for winter weather. Friends of Acadia postponed the event by one week this year, moving it from November 1 to November 9, in case the government reopened in time for the new event date. More than 350 people registered for the original event.
“We are truly sad to have to cancel Take Pride in Acadia Day,” said Stephanie Clement, Friends of Acadia’s Vice President of Conservation. “Park staff are essential to set up and coordinate the day’s activities, and the federal shutdown guidelines did not allow us to move forward while they have been furloughed. This event is one of the highlights of our year—a time when the community comes together to care for the park we all love. It’s sad for everyone, and our thoughts are with park staff who remain unpaid and unable to return to work.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who signed up for this year’s Take Pride in Acadia Day, many of whom have participated for years,” said Nikki Burtis, Friends of Acadia’s Stewardship Manager. “We’re also thankful to all the volunteers who participated in this season’s Drop-in Stewardship events. Through that program, we were able to clear some of the carriage road drainage features of greatest concern. While this does not replace Take Pride in Acadia Day, we hope these efforts, together with the work done by park staff throughout the year, will help mitigate potential winter damage to the carriage roads.”
“Preparing the carriage roads for winter is important work that helps prevent expensive damage, such as washouts. We hope furloughed park staff and volunteers will be able to return to work soon,” Clement added.
How to Help the Park During the Shutdown:
Engage with policymakers: Contact your state’s congressional delegation to stress the importance of stable funding and staffing for the National Park Service. Urge policymakers to lift the hiring freeze and restore full staffing levels at national parks.
Recreate responsibly: Check out tips on how to stay safe and reduce your impact on the park’s incredible natural and historic resources. Small acts of care—like carrying out your trash—make a big difference.
Express appreciation: Thank essential National Park Service personnel for continuing to serve during this period.
Share information about community resources: Several local organizations and food pantries are available to help furloughed federal workers and others impacted by the shutdown. Help support these organizations and share information about programs and resources.
Support local businesses and organizations: Help keep our community vibrant by supporting our community, local businesses, and organizations through this uncertain time.
Consider a donation: Help Friends of Acadia support the park by becoming a member or donating. Your gift will fund programs at Acadia including trail maintenance, habitat restoration, youth education, and conservation efforts to protect our cherished park.
Visitors who are unable to purchase a park pass can support Acadia by donating the value of an entrance fee at friendsofacadia.org/entrance.
Stay informed: Stay connected with Friends of Acadia for updates on how the shutdown is impacting Acadia and to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities. Sign up for our email newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
###
Friends of Acadia preserves, protects, and promotes stewardship of the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations. Visit www.friendsofacadia.org.
Photos via FOA.