Friends of Acadia was established in 1986 to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities. 

We raise private funds to support our mission, advocate before Congress for full federal funding for Acadia, counter threats to the park, and provide meaningful volunteer experiences for thousands of residents and visitors to Mount Desert Island.

Accomplishments from 2006 include:

• Extended the operating season of the Island Explorer propane bus fleet.  The fleet moves people around the park and MDI fare-free and with minimal environmental impact.  Since 1999, the buses have carried 2,174,750 passengers, eliminated 813,803 automobile trips, and prevented 7,610 tons of greenhouse gases.
• Funded five scientists doing field research in the park through the L.L.Bean Acadia Research Fellowships and funded participation of six Maine middle schools in the Schoodic Education Adventure through the L.L.Bean Kids in Acadia program.
• Made possible the employment of 107 workers who served Acadia by maintaining trails and carriage roads, driving buses, and doing much more to protect Acadia National Park.
• Recruited and organized more than 2,000 volunteers who provided more than 11,000 hours of service in and around Acadia National Park.
• Hosted Acadia Adventures: Family Fun Day, a new event to engage young people in outdoor activities.

For the 3rd consecutive year, Friends of Acadia received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, placing us in the top 12% for nonprofit excellence in the U.S. and identifying us as a charity that operates in the most fiscally responsible way.

To learn more, visit www.friendsofacadia.org.
43 Cottage Street, PO Box 45
Bar Harbor, ME  04609
207-288-3340