Friends of Acadia

Friends of Acadia Friends of Acadia preserves and promotes stewardship of the natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of Acadia National Park.
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Our seasonal photographer Rhiannon Johnston joined MDI Wheelers volunteers and participants for their weekly ride around...
09/04/2026

Our seasonal photographer Rhiannon Johnston joined MDI Wheelers volunteers and participants for their weekly ride around Witch Hole Pond.

MDI Wheelers provides free rides on Acadia National Park’s carriage roads for people who need additional assistance or are unable to ride a bicycle independently.

Rides begin at Eagle Lake and are led by at least three volunteers. Volunteers serve as pilots and safeties. Pilots pedal the electric trike, while safeties ride in front of and behind the group to help ensure a safe ride.

Rides are offered on Thursday and Friday mornings through September. Please contact MDI Wheelers on their website or at [email protected] to schedule a ride: https://www.mdiwheelers.org/contact-us/

Photos by Rhiannon Johnston/Friends of Acadia

Join a special Save Our Summits Bark Ranger hike on September 12! Bring your four-legged friend to help carry soil to th...
09/02/2026

Join a special Save Our Summits Bark Ranger hike on September 12! Bring your four-legged friend to help carry soil to the summit of either Penobscot or Sargent Mountain.

Please keep in mind that this is a relatively steep hike, so be sure your pup is ready! Remember that all dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6-feet and you are responsible for collecting and disposing of your pet's waste.

Register for the Bark Ranger hike here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-our-summits-bark-ranger-hike-tickets-1998991823355?aff=oddtdtcreator

Image: Volunteer MJ Penn kisses her dog while posing after participating in a Save Our Summits soil restoration hike to Sargent Mountain (Photo by Evie Linantud/FOA)

09/01/2026

Acadia's iconic carriage roads include some important features to help protect them from wear and tear. Drainage ditches are one of those features, but they need help from people like Volunteer Crew Leader Joey to do their job effectively.

Come join the next Drop-in Stewardship Volunteer Day to help Joey and the rest of the crew protect Acadia's carriage roads! Projects run every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday through the end of October. And as Joey says, there's truly no experience required. Visit our website to learn more: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/

As many local students head back to school this week, we're reflecting on a summer season that was full of learning in t...
08/31/2026

As many local students head back to school this week, we're reflecting on a summer season that was full of learning in the park through our Acadia for All Grants. These grants help lower barriers to welcome communities from all backgrounds into Acadia National Park.

One of these experiences was led by Billy Helprin, director of the Somes Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary in Somesville. Billy led students from South Miami High School in a fish migration exercise to demonstrate how large populations of alewives use the Somesville Mill Pond fish ladder and the effects they have on the broader ecosystem. Their teacher, Mario San Jorge, is a former Acadia Teacher Fellow.

Learn more about Acadia for All Grants on our website: https://friendsofacadia.org/acadia-for-all/opening-outdoors/

Photos by Rhiannon Johnston/FOA

Looking to give back to Acadia National Park? Here are several ways you can lend a hand this week! How to participate:Sa...
08/31/2026

Looking to give back to Acadia National Park? Here are several ways you can lend a hand this week! How to participate:

Save Our Summits hikes: Register on our website (registration closes 24 hours before each hike): https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/events/save-our-summits-registration/

Drop-In Stewardship projects: Registration is not required, but visit our website for time and location details: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/

Membership Table volunteers: Regular opportunities are available for folks who love to talk about the park and share visitor impact stories! Learn more about training opportunities on our website: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/membership-office-volunteers/

Stewardship projects for service groups: If you have a group of 5+ people interested in helping with trail and carriage road maintenance, drop us a line! https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/service-groups/

Wild Gardens of Acadia docents: This is perfect for plant lovers who love sharing plant facts with visitors. Learn more: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/wild-gardens-of-acadia-volunteer/

08/30/2026

Bogwalk plays an important role in Acadia National Park by keeping feet dry while protecting the ground and vegetation below. However, it doesn't appear magically over soggy spots - folks like Volunteer Crew Leader Barb Nealon help make it happen!

Come join the next Drop-in Stewardship Volunteer Day to help Barb and the rest of the crew build some bogwalk! Projects run every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday through the end of October. And as Barb explains, there's truly no experience required! Visit our website to learn more: https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/

Acadia National Park's Invasive Plant Management Team recently treated this plot of glossy buckthorn near the intersecti...
08/29/2026

Acadia National Park's Invasive Plant Management Team recently treated this plot of glossy buckthorn near the intersection of the Park Loop Road and Kebo Street in Bar Harbor.

First introduced to the U.S. from Eurasia as an ornamental shrub in the mid 1800s, glossy buckthorn is a highly invasive plant species that reduces habitat for native shrubs and insects throughout Acadia.

Comprised of biologists, researchers, and technicians from the park and Schoodic Institute, the Invasive Plant Management Team treated this plot by removing as much glossy buckthorn as possible within the fenced area. The surrounding landscape has also been treated, allowing native vegetation, including wild blueberries, to return.

This work is made possible by sustained funding from partners like Friends of Acadia.

Photos by Rhiannon Johnston/FOA

Earlier this month, Acadia National Park and Friends of Acadia staff partnered with The Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocea...
08/28/2026

Earlier this month, Acadia National Park and Friends of Acadia staff partnered with The Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean to remove just over 2,000 pounds of trash from Isle au Haut.

This effort was made possible by Friendship, Acadia National Park's work boat which allows people and equipment to land directly on the shore (see the second photo). Friendship was funded by donors who gave to the 2023 Paddle Raise at our Annual Benefit & Auction.

Thanks to the donors and thanks to the crew who cleaned up Isle au Haut!

08/28/2026

The soil restoration is aimed at reversing years of erosion on Acadia’s highest peaks, a consequence of visitors trampling native vegetation.

Address

43 Cottage Street
Bar Harbor, ME
04609

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12072883340

Website

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