Volunteer

Your help is need in many ways. You may participate in one of many volunteer programs and activities described below, provide the park financial assistance, or work in the park as an employee or researcher. Volunteers are welcome at all times of the year. If you have another idea of how you can help the park, please let us know.

National Park Service--VIPs

Volunteers-In-Parks are Very Important People (VIPs)! Volunteers of all ages give of their time and expertise to help achieve the park mission. VIPs are accepted from the public without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

At Boston Harbor Islands, "citizen science" and park stewardship programs offer hands-on opportunities for individuals, students, naturalists, families, and community groups to connect with nature while they contribute to scientific research projects or help with park management. If there are any current projects when you can help, they are listed below. Please contact us for more details.

National Park Service volunteers come from all over the world to help preserve and protect America's natural and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of this and future generations. Learn more about how you can volunteer in parks nationwide.

Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands

You may join the Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands and help serve the park on your own schedule. The Friends is a non-profit organization that encourages public use of the islands, balanced with the need to advocate for the protection of their fragile ecosystem and historic environment. Members provide services to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area through volunteer programs, public education, and advocacy efforts.

Coast Guard Auxiliary--Boston Light

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a component of the United States Coast Guard. The mission of the Auxiliary is to protect the public, the environment, and U.S. economic interests - in the Nation’s ports and waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security in a non-military role and non-direct law enforcement role. The Boston Light Augmentation Program is an Auxiliary program having several components: interpreter, lighthouse watchstander, and day maintenance.

• Interpreters (tour guides) are sought to augment the National Park Ranger staff during the days the island is open for tours during the summer and early fall - Thursdays through Sunday. The Interpreter program is “day duty” (0930-1730).
• Assistant Keepers – advanced training (OTJ): Boston Light, being the last Coast Guard staff light station in the country, requires staffing the island 7-days a week, 24-hours a day. Auxiliarists that participate in this advanced training, commit for 4 to 7 days of consecutive duty, staying over night (24-hours) on the island from a Wed-Sun or Sun-Wed.
• Maintenance workers mow the lawn, paint, etc. This is "day duty" from mid-June to Mid-October.

Interested in becoming a member and volunteer? Contact: Coleen Kloster, Chair (volunteer), or Sally Snowman,USCG Civilian Keeper.