Park Alert: Phone Line Disruption

We are working to resolve an issue with our main office phone line. Please call our Welcome Center number at (617) 819-3587 during operating hours: Friday – Sunday, 9:30am – 4:00pm. You may also contact us via our email address: boha_information@nps.gov

Outer Boston Harbor Island Cleanup

An historic cleanup effort to preserve the Boston Harbor Islands and its natural treasures

About the Cleanup

The Boston Harbor Islands are undergoing a once-in-a-generation cleanup to restore their natural beauty and ecological health. Spearheaded by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), this initiative focuses on removing significant marine debris from five key islands: Great Brewster, Middle Brewster, Outer Brewster, Calf, and Lovells Islands.

This historic effort is supported by a coalition of federal, state, and local partners, including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Boston Harbor Now, and more. From September 13-22, trained volunteers and community members will collaborate to collect, document, recycle, and properly dispose of derelict fishing gear, vessel parts, and other debris.

Partners Involved

These partners, along with other supporting agencies and nonprofit groups, have come together to ensure the success of this monumental cleanup.

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park logoNational Park Service LogoDCR LogoBoston Harbor Now Logo

Volunteer Opportunities

The public is invited to participate in two key ways:

  • “Sign Up for Pemberton Point Debris Sorting”
  • “Volunteer for Day Trips”
Get Involved

Adventure Cleanup Days with DCR

DCR is partnering with the Center for Coastal Studies Marine Debris & Plastics Program, Boston Harbor Park, and US Fish and Wildlife Service to plan a highly technical “adventure cleanup” on five of the outermost Boston Harbor islands at a scale never before attempted.

September 16 - 19, join DCR for a day on the rocky shores of the Boston Harbor Islands, where you’ll play a crucial role in preserving the natural beauty of this unique environment. Your participation will help protect the island’s ecosystem and ensure its vitality for years to come. Sign up today and be part of this meaningful effort!

Learn More
Get Involved

Collecting and Sorting Marine Debris at Pemberton Point in Hull

Dates: September 18 - 21 Time: 10 AM - 4 PM Location: Jo's Nautical, Hull

Volunteers are invited to assist with receiving, sorting, cataloguing and loading the debris items brought from the islands to the staging area at Jo's Nautical. Instruction and equipment will be provided. Debris items will be available for volunteers to take home with them.

email Laura Ludwig (Center for Coastal Studies)
Calf Island_Marsh
Get Involved

Volunteer for Calf Island Day Trip

Dates: September 13th & 21st Time: 8:30am - 4:00pm Location: Calf Island

Come join park staff for a special volunteer day as we pick up trash and other marine debris on Calf Island! We will discuss the discuss the ecology, natural history, and cultural significance of landscapes in the park as we work to improve habitat by removing trash washed ashore.

Sign up at volunteer.gov

Upcoming Events

View All Events
Oct19

Stewardship Saturday at Cathleen Stone Island

Come join park staff for a special volunteer day as we pick up trash and other marine debris on Cathleen Stone Island!

View Event Details
Calf Island_Marsh
Oct30

Stewardship Saturday at Calf Island

Come join park staff for a special volunteer day as we pick up trash and other marine debris on Calf Island!

View Event Details
Great Brewster Island
Nov06

Stewardship Saturday at Great Brewster Island

Come join park staff for a special volunteer day as we pick up trash and other marine debris on Great Brewster Island!

View Event Details
Grape Beach
Nov13

Stewardship Saturday at the Outer Islands

Come join park staff for a special volunteer day as we pick up trash and other marine debris on an Outer Island!

View Event Details

Maps & Resources

Document Title Description Download
Media Release Official Press Release of the Boston Harbor Islands Cleanup Download
Video and Photo Release Outer Islands Cleanup Video and Interview Consent and Release Form Download

This project was supported in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Grant with funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, by Department of Conservation and Recreation including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and by US Fish and Wildlife Service through their Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration program on behalf of the natural resource Trustees for the Bouchard B-120 oil spill.

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